South Dakota Scholarships

The South Dakota Board of Regents, the state, and its institutions offer scholarships for South Dakota students that can help you pay for your education. This page showcases the scholarship opportunities managed by BOR, click the button below to view the South Dakota Statewide Scholarship Bulletin Board on BOR’s partner website, Our Dakota Dreams.

The South Dakota Board of Regents launched a new Scholarship Portal to help students explore and apply for open scholarships managed by BOR. By utilizing this user-friendly portal, students can gain easy access to a wide range of scholarship opportunities that can help them fund their education and achieve their academic goals. Students can view all the available scholarships, read their descriptions and eligibility criteria, and apply!

Board of Regents Managed Scholarships

Board of Regents Endowed Scholarships

The Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship Program for Native American Students provides support for freshman Native American Students who are pursuing studies in agribusiness, agricultural production, agricultural sciences, or a natural resources degree at any postsecondary institution.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe whose reservation is located in South Dakota or North Dakota
  • Resident of South Dakota or North Dakota
  • Demonstrated academic achievement
  • High school senior planning to earn a degree in agriculture or natural resources or a related field

Application Procedure 

  • A completed Bjugstad Scholarship application form
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • An official high school transcript
  • Verification of tribal enrollment

Click here to apply!

The Annis Irene Fowler/Kaden Scholarship is awarded to first-time freshmen at Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, South Dakota State University, or the University of South Dakota who will select elementary education as their major field. Special consideration is given to students with demonstrated motivational ability, a disability, or who are self-supporting.

Eligibility Requirements

  • A 3.0 cumulative high school GPA
  • First-time entering freshman at BHSU, DSU, NSU, SDSU or USD in 2025
  • Intent to major in Elementary Education

Application Procedure 

  • A completed Fowler/Kaden Scholarship application form
  • An original essay on a topic selected by the donors each year
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official high school transcript
  • Copy of the applicant’s ACT test results

Click here to apply!

The Marlin R. Scarborough Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student who is classified as a junior at a public university at the time funding is received. Each South Dakota public university nominates one student for the scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Students at all public universities in South Dakota are eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must have a 3.5 grade point average for work completed at the time this application is submitted.
  • Applicants are to be of junior standing at their public university in SD at the time they receive the funding.
  • Each South Dakota public university may nominate one student to the Board of Regents.

Application Procedure 

  • Complete the Scarborough Scholarship Application Form.
  • Complete an essay explaining your leadership and academic qualities, career plans, and educational interests.
  • Turn in the application form and essay to your university’s Financial Aid Office no later than the deadline set by your institution.

Click here to apply!

Board of Regents Distinctions 

The Regents’ Scholar Diploma program is used to recognize graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence through the completion of coursework in six content areas. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in their high school coursework and provide the necessary skills for college and career readiness.   To receive a Regents’ Scholar Diploma, high school administrators submit the names of all eligible students to the South Dakota Board of Regents.  More information about the curriculum and how to request diplomas can be found by clicking here.

Statewide Scholarship Bulletin

You can find all South Dakota

scholarships on this bulletin.

Contact Us

Kerri Richards

Student Services Coordinator

South Dakota Board of Regents

Kerri.Richards@sdbor.edu

(605) 773-3455

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