Top 6 South Dakota Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

South Dakota Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

How to Get a Grant for College in South Dakota?

Securing a college grant in South Dakota begins with completing the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for most federal and state-based financial aid programs. Once the FAFSA is submitted, students can explore South Dakota–specific grants such as the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship and the Dakota Corps Scholarship, both of which help reduce the cost of tuition for eligible residents. Students should also research institutional grants offered by universities, technical colleges, and community organizations throughout the state. Academic performance, residency status, financial need, and program of study all influence grant eligibility. Reaching out to a college financial aid office or reviewing information from the South Dakota Board of Regents can also help students identify additional funding opportunities.

• Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for state and federal grants.
• Apply for South Dakota–specific programs such as the Opportunity Scholarship and Dakota Corps Scholarship.
• Verify residency, academic, and financial need requirements for each program.
• Consult financial aid advisors for institution-specific grant options.
• Explore additional community and private foundation grants.

What Is the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship?

The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship is a merit-based award created to support high-achieving students who complete a rigorous high school curriculum and plan to continue their education within the state. The program rewards students who have demonstrated strong academic preparation through coursework, ACT or SAT scores, and overall performance. Recipients must enroll in a participating South Dakota college or university and maintain satisfactory academic progress to renew the scholarship. The Opportunity Scholarship provides a structured financial path that encourages academic excellence while helping students stay on track through all four years of college.

• Must be a South Dakota resident.
• Requires a minimum ACT score of 24 or qualifying SAT equivalent.
• Completion of the Regents Scholar curriculum with at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Must attend an eligible South Dakota postsecondary institution.
• Offers up to 6,500 dollars over four years.

What Is the Dakota Corps Scholarship?

The Dakota Corps Scholarship is designed to attract and retain skilled professionals in South Dakota by offering full tuition and required fees to students pursuing high-need fields such as education, healthcare, engineering, and STEM-related careers. In exchange for the scholarship, recipients agree to work in a designated critical-need occupation within the state for at least three years after graduation. This program is ideal for students who want to serve South Dakota communities while reducing the financial burden of higher education. By focusing on long-term workforce needs, the Dakota Corps Scholarship helps strengthen essential industries statewide.

• Must be a South Dakota high school graduate.
• Requires a minimum 2.8 GPA and ACT score of 24.
• Eligible only for designated high-need career fields.
• Includes a three-year post-graduation work commitment in South Dakota.
• Covers full tuition and required fees at participating institutions.

Does South Dakota Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes. South Dakota offers several full-ride scholarship opportunities aimed at supporting students entering high-demand career pathways. Programs such as the Dakota Corps Scholarship and the Build Dakota Scholarship cover full tuition and fees, making them among the most comprehensive awards available in the state. These scholarships focus on filling workforce shortages across key sectors, and many require students to work in South Dakota after graduation. Because these awards often include additional funding for tools, books, or program-specific equipment, they are especially beneficial for students pursuing technical or career-focused programs.

• Dakota Corps Scholarship for high-need occupations.
• Build Dakota Scholarship for technical college programs.
• Full coverage of tuition, fees, and often tools or materials.
• Work commitments help support South Dakota workforce needs.
• Competitive selection based on academics, commitment, or industry needs.

What Is the Build Dakota Scholarship?

The Build Dakota Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for students attending South Dakota’s technical colleges in programs aligned with critical workforce needs. Recipients receive full coverage of tuition, mandatory fees, books, tools, and equipment required for their field of study. In exchange, students agree to work in South Dakota for at least three years after completing their program. Build Dakota is particularly beneficial for students entering fields such as manufacturing, transportation, information technology, healthcare, construction, and energy production. The scholarship aims to develop a skilled pipeline of workers across industries essential to South Dakota’s economic growth.

• Must enroll in a qualifying high-demand program at a South Dakota technical college.
• Covers tuition, fees, books, tools, and program equipment.
• Requires a three-year work commitment in South Dakota following graduation.
• Designed to meet statewide workforce needs.
• Supports both recent high school graduates and adult learners.

Scholarships in South Dakota for High School Seniors

High school seniors in South Dakota can access several major scholarships designed to reward academic success, leadership, community service, and resilience. The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship remains the state’s primary merit-based award for college-bound seniors who complete a challenging academic curriculum. Seniors interested in high-need fields may also consider the Dakota Corps Scholarship or the Horatio Alger South Dakota Scholarship, which recognizes students who have overcome significant personal or financial obstacles. Many local community foundations, civic groups, and organizations also offer awards that seniors can use at both in-state and out-of-state institutions.

• South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship for high-achieving students.
• Dakota Corps Scholarship for high-need career fields.
• Horatio Alger South Dakota Scholarship for resilient, financially challenged students.
• Local community foundation and regional scholarships.
• School-specific and major-specific awards for graduating seniors.

Scholarships in South Dakota for Adults

Adults returning to school in South Dakota can benefit from scholarship and workforce development programs tailored to nontraditional students. The South Dakota Workforce Development Program provides financial support for adults pursuing short-term training or certificate programs in high-demand fields. Additionally, adult learners entering technical programs can pursue funding through the Build Dakota Scholarship, which is open to students of all ages who are willing to commit to working in the state after graduation. These opportunities make it possible for adults to retrain, upskill, or change careers without significant financial strain.

• Workforce Development Program for career-aligned training.
• Build Dakota Scholarship for technical college programs.
• Funding available for short-term training and certification.
• Scholarships align with statewide high-demand industries.
• Support offered through colleges and adult learning centers.

South Dakota State University Scholarships

South Dakota State University (SDSU) provides a variety of scholarships for incoming and current students, including academic merit awards, departmental scholarships, and donor-funded opportunities through the SDSU Foundation. Programs such as the Jackrabbit Guarantee provide annual support to academically strong incoming freshmen, while specific colleges within SDSU—such as Agriculture, Engineering, Nursing, or Arts and Sciences—offer additional awards tailored to particular fields of study. Many of these scholarships can be stacked with state or federal aid, helping students reduce out-of-pocket costs throughout their academic journey.

• Jackrabbit Guarantee for high-achieving freshmen.
• Departmental scholarships for specific majors.
• SDSU Foundation scholarships funded by private donors.
• Additional awards for leadership, research, or community involvement.
• Opportunities available for both new and returning students.

University of South Dakota Scholarships

The University of South Dakota (USD) offers numerous scholarships for new and returning students, ranging from automatic merit-based awards to competitive donor-supported opportunities. The Coyote Commitment Scholarship recognizes incoming freshmen with strong academic performance, while USD Foundation Scholarships provide additional funding across a wide range of majors and student groups. Students participating in the USD Honors Program may also qualify for specialized honors scholarships that support academic research, experiential learning, and leadership development.

• Coyote Commitment Scholarship for academically strong freshmen.
• USD Foundation Scholarships funded by private donors.
• Honors Program scholarships for research and enrichment.
• Major-specific awards from USD colleges and departments.
• Financial aid resources available through the USD portal.

South Dakota Grants for College

South Dakota residents can take advantage of several grant programs designed to make college more affordable. The South Dakota Opportunity Grant supports students with demonstrated financial need attending eligible institutions. The Federal Pell Grant provides a foundational source of aid for low-income students and can be used at any accredited college. Additionally, South Dakota Workforce Development Grants help students and adult learners pursue degrees or training aligned with statewide workforce priorities. These grants do not need to be repaid and help reduce the overall financial burden of higher education.

• South Dakota Opportunity Grant for financial need.
• Federal Pell Grant for low-income students who complete the FAFSA.
• Workforce Development Grants for high-demand career training.
• Available for students at public, private, and technical institutions.
• Helps reduce tuition and required fees for eligible residents.

How to Apply for South Dakota Scholarships and Grants

Applying for scholarships and grants in South Dakota requires early preparation and attention to deadlines. The FAFSA is the starting point for most federal and state-based financial aid programs, including need-based and merit-based awards. Students should also research state-specific programs such as the Opportunity Scholarship and Dakota Corps Scholarship to determine eligibility and required documents. Speaking with college financial aid advisors can help students identify institutional awards they may qualify for. Applying early, maintaining strong academic performance, and staying aware of deadlines are key to maximizing available financial aid.

• Complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available each year.
• Research South Dakota programs such as Opportunity and Dakota Corps.
• Contact your college’s financial aid office for institutional awards.
• Review eligibility requirements and prepare documents early.
• Apply before priority deadlines to maximize aid opportunities.