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

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS AND TO APPLY

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South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship

The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship allows South Dakota’s most academically accomplished high school graduates to receive up to $7,500 scholarship from any university, college, or technical school in South Dakota that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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Dakota Corps Scholarship

Students entering college in the coming year can receive full tuition to qualified applicants seeking degrees that set them up to work in a critical-need occupation following graduation.

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Critical Needs Teaching Scholarship

If you’re an upcoming college junior or senior preparing to work in a critical need teaching area, you have an opportunity to help pay for school with this scholarship.

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Jump Start Scholarship

As a result of a student’s early graduation, if the student enrolls at any accredited postsecondary institution in South Dakota, that student is eligible for $1,500 for their first year of school.

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Needs-Based Scholarship Grant

Eligible students will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) and work with Financial Aid Directors to determine the amount of unmet needs after factoring in other grants and scholarships, tuition reductions, and expected family contributions.  The scholarship program will allow campus administrators to make awards of $500 to $2,000 to help lower the educational costs for students.

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

Related Pages

FAFSA

Dual Credit

Reduced Tuition