South Dakota. A vast land where buffalo once wandered freely. The beauty of the Badlands and the Black Hills holds a special place for many. Though the state hosts the 5th smallest population of the United States (6th if you count Washington D.C.), it is home to one of the most memorable monuments to four presidents–Mount Rushmore. It is also home to some great scholarships for its residents.
South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
Amount: $6,500 over four years
Deadline: September 1
This scholarship is available to hard-working South Dakota high school graduates. Students must complete an initial eligibility form and submit it to their high school representative in order to verify all information. This is a merit-based scholarship. Approximately 1,200 of these awards are given out each year.
Requirements: applicant must be a graduating senior of a South Dakota high school (or have graduated from one in the last five years). You can also be an undergraduate at the time of applying. Students must also be U.S. citizens. Students must attend an eligible college, university, or technical school in South Dakota, where they have to be enrolled full-time. In high school, students must have maintained a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 GPA scale and earned a 24 or higher on the ACT or 1090 or higher on the SAT.
Horatio Alger South Dakota Scholarship Program
Amount: $7,000 over five years
Deadline: Varies
This scholarship is for students demonstrating a strong commitment to obtaining a bachelor’s degree. It is designed to be awarded to those with financial need (gross family income of $55,000/year or lower). Students can begin at a 2-year institution and transfer to a 4-year institution. Applications are available online at the Horatio Alger Association website.
Requirements: Applicants must attend a South Dakota high school and be a resident of South Dakota. Must be an enrolled high school senior with plans to enroll in an undergraduate track the fall following graduation. Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
South Dakota Retailers Association Jerry Wheeler Scholarship Program
Amount: $500 — $1,600
Deadline: April 20, 2020
Looking to study in a retail-related field? Then this scholarship is for you!
Requirements: Applicant must have completed at least one year of college or one semester of technical school in order to be eligible. High school seniors can become eligible on the condition that they have enough college/technical school credits, and documentation must be provided. Students must enroll in 12 credit hours or more in the fall of the application year. Applicants must be a graduate from a South Dakota high school OR have earned a GED in South Dakota OR have plans to attend a post-secondary school in South Dakota.
Servicemen/Women Tuition Waiver
Amount: Varies
Deadline: N/A
This scholarship is dedicated to assisting students who have lost parents in service to the armed forces of the U.S. It will provide full tuition at any state-supported college. There is no set deadline: Students must complete the application prior to the beginning of the term.
Requirements: Must be a child of a deceased parent (mother or father) who was a South Dakota resident for at least six months directly prior to entry of active duty. The student must be a resident of South Dakota, pursuing an undergraduate degree, and be under the age of 25.
Augustana University Hatterscheidt Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 15
This scholarship assists those who want to attend Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. It is not renewable.
Requirements: Applicants must be South Dakota residents. Must be a graduating high school senior with a 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
|
|
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
