Top 8 North Dakota Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

North Dakota Scholarship & Financial Aid Snapshot

This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for North Dakota, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.

We currently have 18 scholarships in our database tagged for North Dakota. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.

Across our Top 8 North Dakota Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $13,000. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.

North Dakota offers Academic and Career & Technical Education Scholarships for high-achieving students, along with the North Dakota State Grant for those with financial need. Technical and workforce programs receive additional state support, especially in energy and industrial careers. Community foundations in rural counties frequently offer private scholarships. Public universities like UND and NDSU provide institutional merit awards that can significantly lower costs. North Dakota students should file the FAFSA early, consider CTE routes with strong state funding, and apply widely for local scholarships.

Top 8 North Dakota Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best North Dakota scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

North Dakota Electric Cooperatives Scholarship

This scholarship program supports students connected to North Dakota electric cooperatives—either through membership, family affiliation, or service area—and who are pursuing post-secondary education. The goal is to help rural students access college or technical training and to encourage leadership in

Award: $1,000 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
2

Turfgrass & Golf Course Management Scholarship

This scholarship supports North Dakota students pursuing educational paths in turfgrass science, golf course management, or related fields within the golf-course and turf industry. It is administered jointly by the North Central Turfgrass Association (NCTGA) and the North Dakota Golf

Award: $1,000 Deadline: January Est. Time: Med (~63 min)
3

North Dakota Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship

The North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) Scholarship supports high school seniors and undergraduate students who are members of the Farmers Union family and are preparing to pursue a post-secondary education that will benefit rural America. While the recipient’s field of

Award: $500 Deadline: January Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
4

North Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship

The North Dakota Farm Bureau (NDFB) offers several scholarship opportunities through its Education & Safety Program to support high-school seniors and college students connected to agriculture or farm-family backgrounds in North Dakota. The scholarship categories include: an Agriculture Scholarship for

Award: $1,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
5

North Dakota Farm Credit Services Scholarship

The Scholarship offered by Farm Credit Services of Mandan (and other Farm Credit Services branches in North Dakota) supports students with ties to agriculture or agribusiness who are pursuing post-secondary education. The goal is to encourage individuals from rural, farming

Award: $1,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
6

North Dakota Trucking Association Foundation Scholarship

The NDMCA Foundation offers education-focused scholarships designed to support the next generation of professionals connected to the trucking and transportation industry in North Dakota. The program is intended for students who are either directly affiliated with a member company of

Award: $1,000 Deadline: April Est. Time: Med (~58 min)
7

North Dakota Academic Scholarship

The North Dakota Academic Scholarship is a merit-based program designed to recognize and reward high-achieving students who are residents of North Dakota. This scholarship aims to encourage students to pursue higher education within the state by providing financial support. It

Award: $6,000 Deadline: July Est. Time: Low (~10 min)
8

NACA Northern Plains Regional Student Leadership Scholarship

The NACA Northern Plains Regional Student Leadership Scholarship is offered by the NACA Foundation to recognize undergraduate students in the Northern Plains region who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to their campus communities. Eligibility criteria include: Academic

Award: $500 Deadline: November Est. Time: Med (~48 min)

North Dakota Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

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How to Get a Grant for College in North Dakota?

Securing a grant for college in North Dakota involves understanding the major state-funded programs, submitting the correct financial aid applications, and exploring school-based funding options. North Dakota offers multiple grants for students from different backgrounds, including recent high school graduates, working adults returning to school, and residents pursuing high-demand career fields.

To get started, follow these steps:

  • Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the gateway to most federal and state grants. Completing the FAFSA early each year increases your chances of receiving funds before state budgets are exhausted.
  • Apply for State-Specific Grants: North Dakota offers options such as the North Dakota State Grant, ND Career Builders Scholarship & Loan Repayment, and the ND Indian Scholarship.
  • Check Institutional Grants: Colleges like NDSU and UND offer need-based grants, gap-funding programs, and merit scholarships that can stack with state funding.
  • Explore Workforce Grants: Students training for careers in energy, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, or technology may qualify for state workforce development grants.

Students can learn more through the North Dakota University System (NDUS), which maintains updated information on funding opportunities, deadlines, and eligibility criteria.

What Is the North Dakota State Grant?

The North Dakota State Grant is one of the most important financial aid programs for residents, offering support to students from low- and middle-income households. This need-based grant provides direct funding to help reduce tuition and required fees at eligible public, private, and tribal colleges in North Dakota.

To qualify for the North Dakota State Grant, students must:

  • Be North Dakota residents who have lived in the state for at least 12 months prior to enrollment.
  • Complete the FAFSA, demonstrating financial need based on federal guidelines.
  • Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or eligible certificate program.
  • Not already have a bachelor’s degree.

Key features of the grant include:

  • Up to $1,100 per semester for eligible full-time students.
  • Award amounts that adjust annually based on statewide funding levels.
  • The ability to use funds at both public and private North Dakota institutions.
  • Renewability for multiple years, as long as students meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

For many residents, this grant is the foundation of their college financial aid package.

Does North Dakota Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes. North Dakota offers several competitive full-ride scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students. These awards cover full tuition—and sometimes additional costs like fees or stipends—making them among the most sought-after programs in the state.

Major full-ride opportunities include:

  • North Dakota Scholars Program: The state’s premier merit award, granting full tuition at any North Dakota public college or university. Students qualify based on ACT scores, generally requiring scores in the upper percentile range.
  • Institution-Specific Full-Ride Scholarships: Universities like North Dakota State University (NDSU) and the University of North Dakota (UND) offer competitive full-ride awards for students with exceptional academic records, leadership accomplishments, and community service.

Students seeking full-ride funding should apply early, take rigorous high school coursework, and pursue leadership or community involvement to strengthen their application profiles.

Scholarships in North Dakota for High School Seniors

High school seniors in North Dakota can apply for a variety of state, institutional, and community-based scholarships that reward academic excellence, technical skills, or local involvement.

Top scholarships include:

  • North Dakota Scholars Program: A full-tuition merit scholarship for students with top ACT scores.
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship: For students who completed a CTE pathway with a 3.0 GPA or higher, focusing on career-ready skills.
  • North Dakota Dollars for Scholars: Local chapters offer hundreds of community-funded scholarships for seniors pursuing college or technical programs.
  • Horatio Alger North Dakota Scholarship: For students who have overcome adversity and demonstrated strong academic commitment.

High school seniors are also encouraged to explore regional foundation scholarships, employer-sponsored awards, and industry-specific funding for fields like healthcare, energy, and agriculture.

Scholarships in North Dakota for Adults

North Dakota provides strong support for adult learners returning to college or transitioning into new careers. These scholarships help nontraditional students balance education with work and family responsibilities.

Available programs include:

  • ND Career Builders Scholarship: A powerful program offering last-dollar funding for students pursuing careers in high-demand fields. Awards can cover most or all of tuition costs and include employer partnership options.
  • Workforce Development Grants: Funding is available for adults upgrading their skills or retraining for energy, manufacturing, IT, agriculture, or healthcare roles.
  • Institutional Adult Student Grants: Colleges such as NDSU, UND, and community colleges offer adult-focused grants and flexible payment options.

These programs help adults finish degrees they previously started or earn new credentials to advance their careers.

North Dakota State University (NDSU) Scholarships

North Dakota State University provides a wide range of scholarships for new freshmen, transfer students, and current NDSU students.

Key NDSU scholarships include:

  • Presidential Scholarship: One of NDSU’s top merit awards, recognizing incoming freshmen with exceptional academic achievements.
  • Bison Pledge: A need-based program that covers the difference between tuition and a student’s grants, ensuring affordability for low-income families.
  • Departmental Scholarships: Awards for specific majors such as engineering, agriculture, STEM, business, health sciences, and education.

Many NDSU scholarships are automatically considered through the admissions process, while others require separate applications.

University of North Dakota (UND) Scholarships

The University of North Dakota offers competitive scholarships for academically strong students in both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Major UND scholarships include:

  • North Dakota Spirit Scholarship: Merit awards for new students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential.
  • Alumni Scholarships: Funded through the UND Alumni Association for students with strong academic involvement.
  • Transfer Student Scholarships: Awards designed specifically for students transferring from community colleges or other universities.

UND also offers extensive funding through its academic departments, including aviation, engineering, nursing, and business.

What Is the ND Indian Scholarship?

The ND Indian Scholarship supports Native American students who are North Dakota residents and enrolled in federally recognized tribes.

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Being an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.
  • Demonstrating financial need through the FAFSA.
  • Maintaining a 2.0 GPA or higher.

Key program details:

  • Open to full-time and part-time students.
  • Renewable for multiple years with continued eligibility.
  • Can be used at tribal colleges, public universities, and private institutions in North Dakota.

This scholarship helps Native American students pursue degrees in a supportive and culturally relevant academic environment.

Grants for College in North Dakota

North Dakota offers several grant programs to help reduce college costs for residents.

Primary grant options include:

  • North Dakota State Grant: Need-based aid for qualifying residents attending eligible colleges.
  • ND Career Builders Scholarship: Grants and loan repayment support for students entering high-demand career paths.
  • Federal Pell Grant: Need-based federal funding for undergraduate students completing the FAFSA.
  • Federal SEOG Grants: Supplemental grants for students with exceptional financial need at participating colleges.

Many colleges also offer their own institutional grants that can stack with federal and state funding.

How to Apply for North Dakota Scholarships and Grants

To apply for financial aid in North Dakota, students should:

  • Complete the FAFSA early: Many state funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Explore State Programs: Review eligibility for the ND State Grant, ND Indian Scholarship, and ND Career Builders programs.
  • Contact Your College: Institutional and departmental scholarships vary by school and may require separate applications.
  • Check Local Resources: Dollars for Scholars, community foundations, and regional organizations offer additional awards.

Early preparation and careful research significantly increase the chances of earning funding.

College Scholarships By Category

Quickly navigate to some of our most popular scholarships, such as state-specific scholarships, major-specific scholarships, and other popular categories. Please search our Scholarship Database to get matched with many more scholarships specific to your personal criteria.