South Dakota Scholarships
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First Amendment Freedoms Art & Essay Contest
The Anti-Defamation League offers the First Amendment Freedom Art & Essay Contest with awards between $1,000 and $5,000 to two high and middle school students to further their education.
South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
The South Dakota Legislature offers the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, ranging from $1,300 to $2,600, to qualified students attending an eligible higher education institute in South Dakota.
North Central Region 9 Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded to one high school senior or undergraduate student enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university within the North Central region.
Upper Midwest Chapter Emmy Student scholarships
The Upper Midwest Chapter Emmy Student Scholarships each provides financial help to students, ranging from high school seniors to graduate levels, pursuing a degree in journalism, broadcasting, or electronic media.
RMMI Engineering Scholarship
The Rocky Mountain Mining Institute (RMMI) offers this scholarship to undergraduate students of engineering or geology majors pursuing a degree at a college or university to enter the mining industry.
RMMI Technical Scholarship
The Rocky Mountain Mining Institute (RMMI) offers this scholarship to eight students enrolled in technical programs who have expressed an interest in mining as a career path.
UMSA Foundation Scholarship Program
The Upper Midwest Security Alliance Foundation Scholarship (UMSA), administered by the UMSA Alliance, is awarded to students from the Upper Midwest enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in security-related fields.
John Deere Scholarship
The $2,500 John Deere Scholarship is given to one Midwest US student and one diverse Midwest U.S. student enrolled in a welding engineering or weld engineering technology program annually.
Build Dakota Scholarship
The Build Dakota Scholarship Fund awards full scholarships, ranging between $20,000 to $60,000 to students who wish to pursue nursing, engineering, or technology programs at four technical colleges in South Dakota.
Richard Hagen-Minerva Harvey Scholarship
Every year, the South Dakota Department of Education awards scholarships to enrolled members of American Indian tribes at South Dakota post-secondary institutions.
Jerry Wheeler Scholarship
The South Dakota Retailers Association Scholarship offers the Jerry Wheeler Scholarship to assist students enrolled in accredited institutions to pursue retail and hospitality business fields of study.
Davis Memorial Foundation
The Western States Roofing Contractors Association awards undergraduate and graduate students scholarships to enroll in a trade school or pursue a degree in a field related to construction.
ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship
The Iowa Student Loan offers a $1,000 scholarship to ten students annually to assist them with college education expenses and encourage them to pursue college degrees. Recipients are picked randomly.
¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
The ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program offers 185 $1,500 flight e-passes to undergraduate and graduate students who travel away from home to study.
KASF Midwestern Regional Chapter Scholarships
The Korean American Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships for all academic levels ranging from $500 to $5,000 to eligible students to complete their desired degrees. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
About South Dakota scholarships
Did you know that there are scholarships available in South Dakota? In fact, there are a variety of scholarships available, ranging from merit-based academic scholarships to those based on specific interests, such as leadership or community service. You can also find athletic scholarships specific to the state.
So if you're looking for financial assistance to help pay for school, you should definitely check out the scholarships available in your state.
Why study in South Dakota
Are you applying for college? If so, consider enrolling in one of South Dakota’s universities or colleges. This state features a number of well-respected universities, top-notch research facilities, and numerous academic programs across the state. The cost of living in South Dakota is among the lowest in the U.S. For budget-minded students, it is ideal in terms of affordability. South Dakota is also home to a thriving cultural and recreational scene, entertaining students throughout their college years.
This state is a great place to start your career with a wide range of job opportunities. South Dakota is home to both large and small businesses that are looking for hardworking professionals to join their teams, as well as many government positions that offer competitive salaries and benefits available in the state's major cities, including Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Watertown.
Cost of college in South Dakota
In South Dakota, the average cost of college is $10,000 per year. The three most affordable schools in the state are Northern State University, Southeast Technical Institute, and Black Hills State University. All three of these schools have tuition rates lower than the average cost, with Northern State University being the lowest at $6,000 per year. For students looking to pursue a degree without taking on a large amount of debt, these schools can offer an affordable option.
Another way to reduce the cost of college in South Dakota is through scholarships. There are numerous scholarships available from both the state and individual colleges that can help make college more affordable for South Dakotans.
Best colleges in South Dakota
South Dakota State University is ranked among the best universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, offering more than 200 degree and certificate programs in areas such as agriculture, engineering, business, and nursing. The University of South Dakota is the second highly-ranked college in the state. It is known for its strong research programs and provides a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities, including those in business, elementary education, psychology, and social work. Other notable universities in South Dakota include Dakota State University, Mount Marty College, Northern State University, and Black Hills State University. All offer a quality education and provide students with the resources needed to reach their educational goals.
Best 5 scholarships in South Dakota 2023
There are a lot of scholarships available in South Dakota – so we gathered five of the best value ones- from our list of 15 scholarships with the easiest application process. These scholarships are open to South Dakota students, some are open to students across the U.S., and have minimal application requirements.
| Scholarship | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Build Dakota Scholarship | $20,000-$60,000 |
| North Central Region 9 Scholarship | $1,000-$6,000 |
| RMMI Engineering Scholarship | $5,000 |
| ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship | $1,000 |
| RMMI Technical Scholarship | $1,000 |
South Dakota scholarships for high school seniors 2023
There are several scholarships catering to high school seniors in South Dakota and those planning to enroll in any of the state’s colleges or universities. All may also be eligible for additional financial aid such as loans, grants, and scholarships from their college or university. There are also a number of private organizations offering special scholarships to South Dakota senior students with extraordinary potential in areas such as academics, community service, leadership, or athletics. Student athletes may also qualify for scholarships through various organizations and programs. For example, those with a creative side and excellent language skills may be interested in pursuing a career in TV and media. The National Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences-Upper Midwest Foundation created the Upper Midwest Chapter Emmy Student Scholarship of $1,500, offering professional development, awareness programs, and training for the upcoming generation of tv industry leaders.
South Dakota scholarships for women 2023
Women in South Dakota face many challenges when it comes to their education and career paths due to the state's low levels of education, income inequality, and lack of access to quality healthcare. These factors create a system where women are unable to take advantage of basic rights and resources that would otherwise lead them toward greater stability and opportunity. The gender wage gap has become a major issue over the years, with women in South Dakota being paid 79 cents for every dollar earned by men. Additionally, the lack of available childcare and lengthy commute times to many employers can also make it difficult for women to balance their work and family lives.
Scholarships are vital to women in South Dakota, pursuing higher education. By easing access to postsecondary education, female students can pursue their dreams and maximize their potential by reducing financial barriers that can prevent students from attending college. Scholarships also allow more women to become active participants in the South Dakota economy, contributing their skills and knowledge to help create a better future for everyone in the state. Furthermore, scholarships can provide much-needed support, helping women achieve success and further their academic and career goals. Our list of 15 scholarships in South Dakota are open to all students of all genders, races, religions, etc. to allow higher education access to all in the state so check if you are eligible.
Tips for winning South Dakota scholarships
1. Research scholarships specifically offered in South Dakota. To find these types of scholarships, you can search for local and state organizations such as community foundations, universities, corporations, and churches that offer scholarships for students living in South Dakota. It is also important to look at national organizations that have branches in the state or offer scholarship opportunities to students who live in South Dakota.
2. Start the search process early and be organized! Make a list of all the scholarships you plan to apply for, as well as all necessary deadlines and requirements, so that you can stay on track. You should also collect application materials such as recommendation letters, official transcripts, proof of citizenship/residency, etc.
3. Submit an exceptional application! Make sure to follow all instructions carefully and do your best to ensure that your application stands out. This includes paying close attention to detail and proofreading the application, writing a compelling personal statement or essay, and submitting all necessary materials in a timely manner.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any scholarships for minorities in South Dakota?
There are three South Dakota scholarships that are for minority students. Most of the scholarships available are open to all students across the state without any prejudices.
Are there scholarships in South Dakota for college students?
There are 15 South Dakota scholarships that call for applications from college students. Most of the scholarships are for those already enrolled in a college or university, or those who will be soon.
How many full-ride scholarships are available in South Dakota?
There aren’t many full-ride scholarships specifically for South Dakota. The Build Dakota Fund is one of the largest funds to support students of the state by all means possible.
Are there college-specific scholarships that I can apply for?
Yes! If you are a graduating high school student or attending college for the first time, you will find that some colleges offer scholarships for freshmen. These scholarships are usually automatically awarded based on academic merit, so you do not have to specifically apply for the scholarship. You just have to apply to college or university and perform well in high school. If you study towards a STEM degree, there are plenty of college-specific scholarships to freshmen and other college grade levels in this field too.