🎓 North Dakota State Grants and Scholarships: A Straightforward Guide for Families
← Back to the State Aid & Grants hub • College Scholarship Hub
North Dakota keeps things simple when it comes to college aid, but that doesn’t mean your kid can’t get help paying for school. There are two major state-level scholarships—one for merit and one for need—as well as regional tuition discounts and in-state public universities that are already more affordable than most.
If your family files the FAFSA and applies early, there’s real opportunity here, especially if your kid plans to stay in-state.
🔗 Jump to What You Need
🎓 Merit Scholarships | 💰 Need-Based Grants | 📌 Local & Institutional Aid | 🌐 Tuition Reciprocity | 🏫 Public Colleges | 📝 What To Do Next | ❓ FAQ
🎓 North Dakota Academic and Career & Technical Scholarships
These two merit-based scholarships are open to North Dakota high school seniors who meet GPA and coursework requirements. Both awards are worth up to $6,000 total (distributed as $750 per semester for 8 semesters).
Your kid can only receive one of these two, but they’re great options for families who have stayed on track academically.
Academic Scholarship
- 3.0 GPA
- 24 ACT or 1180 SAT
- Completion of a rigorous high school curriculum (includes Algebra II, Chemistry, a foreign language, etc.)
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship
- 3.0 GPA
- 24 ACT or qualifying WorkKeys score
- Completion of a state-approved CTE pathway
Both require:
- North Dakota residency
- Graduation from a North Dakota high school
- Enrollment at an eligible ND college (public, tribal, or some private)
💰 North Dakota State Grant (Need-Based)
If your kid qualifies for the Pell Grant, they might also receive the North Dakota State Grant, which provides around $1,100–$1,500 per year, depending on funding.
Eligibility:
- ND resident
- Attending a qualifying ND public, tribal, or private college
- Demonstrated financial need (based on FAFSA)
This grant is automatically considered based on the FAFSA. There is no separate application.
📌 Local and Institutional Aid
- North Dakota Dollars for Scholars – Each chapter has its own awards. Many are need-based, merit-based, or community-service focused. Your kid can apply for multiple awards with one application.
- North Dakota Tribal Colleges & Scholarships – There are five tribal colleges in the state that offer generous support for eligible Native American students, including tuition waivers, tribal grants, and housing aid. Your child may need to show tribal enrollment or affiliation. Learn more at ndus.edu/native-american-students
- North Dakota University System (NDUS) campuses – Offer automatic and competitive scholarships for in-state students. ACT scores, GPA, and FAFSA data often factor in.
Going Out-of-State?
Families in North Dakota may qualify for reduced tuition through the
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
This program lets students attend public colleges in other Western states at a discounted rate.
2. WUE – Western Undergraduate Exchange
- ND students can attend colleges in WUE states at no more than 150% of in-state tuition
- Often used for majors not offered in-state
- Not automatic — students must apply early and request WUE consideration
More info at: wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
🏫 Division I Public Colleges in North Dakota
Both schools offer merit and need-based aid for in-state students. Students who qualify for the state scholarship or grant can stack it with institutional aid, FAFSA-based support, and reciprocity discounts.
📝 What To Do Next
- ✅ Submit the FAFSA as early as possible (October 1)
- ✅ Apply for either the Academic or CTE Scholarship in senior year (must choose one)
- ✅ Make sure your child meets eligibility requirements for ND state grant (Pell + FAFSA)
- ✅ Look into reciprocity if considering schools in Minnesota or other WUE states
- ✅ Start the ND Dollars for Scholars application in January
- ✅ Keep ACT/SAT and GPA up for college-based merit aid
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can my kid get both the Academic and CTE scholarship?
No. They must choose one. If eligible for both, they can only receive one award.
Is the North Dakota State Grant guaranteed if we qualify?
No. It’s awarded on a funds-available basis. That’s why submitting the FAFSA early is key.
Can my kid use these scholarships at private colleges?
Yes, if the school is located in North Dakota and approved for the program. Not all private schools participate.
Do these programs cover full tuition?
Not entirely, but they can significantly reduce the cost. Most families combine them with Pell, school-based merit aid, or reciprocity discounts.
What is ND Dollars for Scholars?
It’s a network of local scholarship chapters across the state. One application can match your kid to multiple awards. Check early—each chapter has different rules.
How do we apply for Minnesota reciprocity?
You must complete a separate application through the ND University System or Minnesota Office of Higher Ed. This is not automatic with FAFSA.
🎒 Want More Help?
Download the College Ready Parent Starter Kit — it’s free and includes a brag sheet builder, offer comparison tool, and everything you need to keep college deadlines on track.