North Dakota State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Looking at North Dakota State University for your student? This guide breaks down the real costs, the automatic merit scholarships you can count on, and the competitive awards that require an extra step. We’ll also cover hidden gems like ROTC and departmental awards, plus what the Honors Program adds. Don’t forget to check the North Dakota state aid guide for programs that can stack with NDSU scholarships.
💰 Cost of Attendance at North Dakota State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $19,736 | $29,604 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,378 | $10,378 |
| Books & Supplies | $850 | $850 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,476 | $3,476 |
| Other (Parking, Dues) | $260 | $260 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $34,700 | $44,568 |
Regional Tuition Programs:
- Minnesota Reciprocity: Minnesota residents pay almost the same as ND in-state students—about $9,868 per year compared to $9,736 for North Dakota residents. You must apply through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, but once approved it renews automatically if you stay continuously enrolled.
- Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP): Students from eligible Midwestern states (like Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas) pay about $14,802 per year, instead of the full out-of-state cost of $29,604. That’s a savings of nearly $14,800 each year.
- Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): Students from WUE partner states (like Colorado, Utah, Washington, California) also pay about $14,802 per year instead of $29,604. Again, a savings of roughly $14,800 annually.
FAQs about Reciprocity & Regional Programs
Who qualifies? Minnesota residents (with application) and students from certain MSEP/WUE partner states.
How much can it save? Minnesota reciprocity brings tuition down to in-state levels; MSEP/WUE saves about $5,900 per year.
Is it automatic? Minnesota reciprocity requires an application. MSEP/WUE depends on residency and program eligibility, but is typically applied once you’re admitted and verified.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
NDSU awards automatic scholarships to incoming freshmen based on high school GPA and/or ACT/SAT scores. Students are considered once they apply for admission—no extra forms are required.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship (automatic tier) | $3,000 / year (up to 4 years) | High school GPA ≥ 3.9 or ACT ≥ 29 / SAT ≥ 1330 |
No | Yes – maintain 3.0 GPA & full-time | Top academic students with near-perfect transcripts or very strong test scores |
| Achievement Scholarship | $1,000 / year (up to 4 years) | High school GPA ≥ 3.5 or ACT 23–25 / SAT 1130–1230 |
No | Yes – maintain 2.75 GPA & full-time | Solid B+/A- students who are well-prepared for college-level work* |
| Opportunity Award | $1,000 (first year only) | High school GPA 3.0–3.49 | No | No | Students meeting NDSU admission minimums with a solid academic record |
Note: GPA/test score cutoffs are approximate where not explicitly stated. They are based on NDSU’s published ranges and past award data; actual thresholds may shift depending on the year’s applicant pool and available funding.
FAQs about Automatic Scholarships
Do I need to apply separately? No—students are automatically considered once they apply and are admitted to NDSU.
Are test scores required? Awards can be based on GPA alone if you apply test-optional. Submitting strong ACT/SAT scores can still boost your award.
Can these stack with reciprocity or MSEP/WUE rates? No—you’ll receive either the regional tuition discount or the automatic merit scholarship, whichever is higher in value, but not both.
What GPA is needed to keep the award? Renewal usually requires a 2.75–3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment, depending on the tier.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Beyond the automatic awards, NDSU also offers a small set of competitive scholarships. These have limited slots and require extra steps such as essays, interviews, or a separate application. Think of these as “above and beyond” opportunities for students with strong leadership, service, or academic records.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDSU Presidential Scholarship (competitive) | $10,000–$12,000 per year (up to 4 years) | High-achieving freshmen; usually GPA ≥ 3.9 and ACT 29+ / SAT 1330+* | Yes – separate application with essays & leadership résumé; deadline Feb 1 | Yes – maintain 3.0 GPA & full-time | Students with top academics plus strong leadership, service, or national recognition. Very limited—about 25–30 awards each year. |
| Distinguished Scholars Program | Up to full tuition (varies) | First-time freshmen; exceptional GPA, test scores, and leadership; invitation only | Yes – invitation to apply; essays and faculty interview required | Yes – maintain 3.25 GPA & full-time | A handful of the very strongest applicants statewide and regionally. Often students with 4.0 GPAs, rigorous AP/IB courses, and national awards. |
| College/Departmental Competitive Scholarships | $500–$5,000 per year (varies) | Based on major (Engineering, Agriculture, Business, Health Professions, etc.) | Yes – separate application in the Scholarship Portal (due March 1) | Most renewable with GPA ≥ 2.75 | Students who connect early with their department and show strong grades, activities, or career goals in their chosen field. |
FAQs about Competitive Scholarships
How many are available? The top Presidential Scholarship has about 25–30 awards each year. Departmental funds vary by college.
Is financial need considered? Most of these are merit-based, though some departmental awards may include a need component.
Can these stack with automatic awards? Yes, but NDSU caps stacking so the total doesn’t exceed the cost of tuition.
Are interviews required? For the top Presidential and Distinguished Scholars awards, yes—finalists are interviewed by faculty and staff.
⭐ College Specialty
NDSU isn’t just North Dakota’s land-grant university—it’s classified as an R1 research university, meaning it’s among the nation’s top tier for research activity—what that means for students: access to hands-on research, funding, and innovation projects.
- R1 Research Status – Classified as a “Doctoral University: Very High Research Activity” by Carnegie, placing it among the top research institutions nationwide.
- Research Spending – Ranked in the top 100 public research universities for total R&D expenditure, and leads North Dakota in research spending across USDA, NSF, DOD, and USDOT.
- Agriculture Program – Recognized as a Top 50 U.S. agriculture school and ranked #12 in the Midwest. It stands out for its expertise in crop science, animal science, and precision ag.
- Pharmacy & Health – The School of Pharmacy enjoys strong licensure outcomes and midwest recognition for Pharmacy and Health Professions training.
- Engineering – Produces more engineering bachelor’s graduates than any other ND university and maintains strong industry partnerships.
- Business & Supply Chain – AACSB-accredited and home to one of the nation’s early Supply Chain Management programs with strong placement outcomes.
- Undergrad Research Access – R1 status ensures meaningful undergraduate involvement in funded research and innovation across disciplines.
🎖️ Honors College
The NDSU Honors Program offers an enriched experience for motivated students who want more challenge and connection. Admission is competitive but based on more than just grades—essays, activities, and teacher recommendations matter too.
High school GPA around 3.7–4.0*, strong ACT/SAT if submitted, AP/IB or dual-credit courses, leadership in school or community, and curiosity for research or service.
- Priority class registration
- Small seminars with faculty mentors
- Dedicated Honors housing in Cater Hall
- Undergraduate research opportunities and funding
- Special recognition at graduation
Honors-Specific Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award | Eligibility | App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honor Scholarship | $2,000 per year (up to 4 years) | High school GPA ≥ 3.7 or ACT 26–28 / SAT 1240–1320; admitted to Honors Program |
No – considered with Honors admission | Yes – maintain GPA ≥ 2.75 & remain in Honors | Students accepted to Honors who show strong academics plus curiosity for research/service |
| Catherine Cater Honors Program Scholarship | Varies (typically $1,000–$2,500) | Undergraduate in Honors Program; major within College of Arts & Sciences; preference for financial need | Yes – separate application | Generally 1 year | Honors students in Arts & Sciences who also demonstrate financial need |
| Delsie Holmquist Memorial Scholarship | Varies (multiple awards given) | College of Arts & Sciences major with strong GPA; preference for Honors students | Yes – separate application | Generally 1 year | Arts & Sciences students; at least two awards typically go to Honors Program students |
FAQs about the Honors Program
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA? No—students apply with essays and teacher input. Admission is selective.
Does being in Honors add time to my degree? No—courses count toward graduation, though some students add an optional thesis or project.
When should I apply? Apply early in your senior year; deadlines are usually in December–February.
Do Honors students get extra money? Yes—the Honor Scholarship provides $2,000/yr, and departmental awards like the Cater and Holmquist scholarships often go to Honors students.
📎 Official Links
📌 Final Thoughts
Figuring out college costs doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. At NDSU, the automatic merit, Honors options, and hidden departmental scholarships can make a real dent in tuition—especially if your student is motivated and applies early. Add in the perks of the Honors Program and the chance to layer awards, and families can stretch their dollars further than they might expect. If NDSU is on your student’s list, the key is to run the numbers, note the deadlines, and apply with intention—you’ll thank yourself later.
✅ Last updated: September 4, 2025