North Dakota State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See North Dakota aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 3, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~94%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20-27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1030-1260
- Average GPA: N/A
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 North Dakota State University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Harry D. McGovern Scholarship & NDSU Tuition Award Program)
Average Net Price
$16,746/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$3,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
25 opportunities
4 automatic · 6 competitive · 11 hidden gem · 4 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 30+ / SAT 1370+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Feb 1 • FAFSA: Apr 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Harry D. McGovern Scholarship & NDSU Tuition Award Program
Honors College
Honors Program Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at North Dakota State University (Read This First)
- Top awards are extremely limited: Programs like Distinguished Scholars may cover full tuition, but only a small number of students are selected each year—this is not typical merit.
- MSEP helps—but doesn’t make it “cheap” automatically: The Midwest exchange rate lowers tuition, but families still need merit or additional aid to get into true “value” territory.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — North Dakota State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 20-27; SAT: 1030-1260.
Average net price? About $16,746/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in msep.
💰 Cost of Attendance at North Dakota State University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$19,736 |
$29,604 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$10,378 |
$10,378 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$30,114 |
$39,982 |
Average Federal Net Price: $16,746 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
💡 Regional Tuition Savings Programs
-
Minnesota Reciprocity: Minnesota residents pay nearly the same rate as North Dakota residents—
about $11,052 per year in tuition, compared to $9,736 for in-state students. Apply through the
Minnesota Office of Higher Education; renewal is automatic for continuing students.
-
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP):
Students from participating Midwest states (e.g., Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri) pay about
$14,802-$a5,764 per year—roughly half the full nonresident tuition rate.
-
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE):
Students from WUE partner states (like Colorado, Utah, Washington, and California) also pay the discounted
$14,802 per year tuition, saving around $14,800 annually.
❓ Reciprocity & Regional Program FAQs
Who qualifies for these programs?
Minnesota residents (via formal application) and students from participating MSEP or WUE partner states.
How much can students save?
Minnesota reciprocity brings tuition nearly to in-state levels; MSEP and WUE each save about $14,800 per year on tuition alone.
Is eligibility automatic?
Minnesota reciprocity requires an application; MSEP and WUE discounts depend on residency and program participation,
but are usually applied automatically after verification.
Sources:
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/200332/north-dakota-state-university-main-campus/tuition/
https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid/cost
https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/account/tuition/charts
https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/account/tuition/undergraduate
https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/account/residency/minnesota
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?200332-North-Dakota-State-University-Main-Campus
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/north-dakota-state-university/tuition-and-coststs
✅ 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.
Automatic
Distinction Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.7+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with MSEP or WUE tuition rates.
💡
Strategic Detail
New 2026-27 tier in the NDSU Guaranteed Scholarships grid ($1,500/year for 3.65–3.79 GPA, up to four years). Was not present in the 2025-26 grid. If a higher renewable scholarship is awarded, it replaces this amount rather than stacking.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming freshmen with a 3.65–3.79 high school GPA. This is the middle tier in NDSU's guaranteed grid — a solid automatic $1,500/year for students with strong but not near-perfect GPAs, renewable for up to four years.
Automatic
Opportunity Award
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with MSEP or WUE tuition rates.
💡
Strategic Detail
One-time award for the first year only; not renewable. Students who qualify for a higher award through the Scholarship Portal will receive the higher amount instead.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming freshmen with a 3.0–3.49 high school GPA. Think of this as NDSU's floor guarantee — it shows up automatically so students in this range know they have at least $1,000 coming their way for that first year.
Automatic
Presidential Scholarship (automatic tier)
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with MSEP or WUE tuition rates.
💡
Strategic Detail
Top tier of NDSU's Guaranteed Scholarships grid: $3,000/year for up to four years. Accessible via GPA alone (3.98–4.00) or via a test-score path (3.0+ GPA and ACT 30+/SAT 1370+). If a higher renewable award is received, it replaces rather than stacks.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top incoming first-year students who either have a near-perfect 3.98–4.00 GPA, or a 3.0+ GPA with a strong ACT (30+) or SAT (1370+). Two very different academic profiles can both unlock this top guaranteed tier — a great reminder to always submit test scores.
Automatic
Achievement Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with MSEP or WUE tuition rates.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers two GPA tiers: $2,000/year for 3.80–3.97 GPA and $1,000/year for 3.0–3.64 GPA, each renewable up to four years with a 2.75 renewal GPA. If a higher renewable scholarship is awarded, it replaces this amount — it does not stack on top.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming freshmen with a 3.0–3.97 high school GPA. Students in the 3.80–3.97 range earn $2,000/year; those in the 3.0–3.64 range earn $1,000/year. No test scores required — this one's all about your transcript.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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. For exact yearly dates, check NDSU’s current scholarship priority deadline.
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.
Sources:
https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid/scholarships
https://merit-scholarships.com/north-dakota-state-university/
https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/finaid/awards/scholarships/eligibility
https://ndlegis.gov/sites/default/files/statutorily-mandated-reports/2024-academic-cte-nd-scholarship-report-to-leg-mgt-mgt.pdf
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
Beyond automatic awards, NDSU offers a small set of competitive scholarships with limited spots and extra steps (essays, interviews, separate applications). These target students with standout academics, leadership, and service.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
College/Departmental Competitive Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other awards up to tuition/COA per NDSU policy.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the NDSU Scholarship Application via the AcademicWorks portal. Most departmental opportunities close March 1 for continuing students and February 1 for incoming freshmen. One application opens the door to hundreds of departmental awards simultaneously.
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes hundreds of named funds across Engineering, Agriculture, Business, Health Professions, and more. One scholarship portal application automatically matches students to eligible opportunities. More than $2.5M was awarded through Engineering alone in 2024.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who apply early, write thoughtful responses, and match their profile to what a department values — whether that's research interests, career goals, FFA/4-H background, or community involvement. Awards vary widely by college; strong GPAs help but aren't always the deciding factor.
App Required
Distinguished Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 4.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacking allowed up to tuition/COA per NDSU policy.
📄
How to Apply
Historically awarded by invitation; finalists typically interviewed in late January or February. For 2026-27, top academic admits are primarily directed into the NDSU Honors College Scholarship competition. Verify current status with NDSU Admissions.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Program name does not appear prominently on 2026-27 pages. Retained as a legacy record. The Honors College Scholarship is the current primary flagship competition for top admits.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A very small group of the top first-year admits — think 4.0 GPA, rigorous AP/IB coursework, significant leadership and awards. In recent cycles, NDSU has folded this cohort into the Honors College Scholarship process, which is now the primary flagship competition.
Full TuitionApp Required
Harry D. McGovern Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
merit/STEM
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other NDSU awards per COA limits.
📄
How to Apply
Declare a STEM-related major and submit the NDSU online scholarship application by February 1. Admission by February 1 is also required.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award covers up to full-time undergraduate base tuition. Exact award amounts vary; listed on the live scholarship page as a named example award. STEM-declared major required at time of application.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving incoming freshmen who have declared a STEM major and apply by the Feb 1 deadline. STEM includes science, technology, engineering, and math — a wide net. If your student is STEM-bound at NDSU, this is one to put squarely on the radar.
App Required
Mildred Larson Business Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other NDSU awards per COA limits.
📄
How to Apply
Declare a College of Business major and submit the NDSU online scholarship application by February 1. Admission by February 1 is required.
💡
Strategic Detail
$6,000 total over four years ($1,500/year × 4). Requires declared College of Business major. Listed as a named example scholarship on the live 2026-27 page.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving incoming freshmen who have declared a College of Business major and apply by Feb 1. A named presidential-level award specifically for future Bison business students — worth applying for if the major fits.
Automatic
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other NDSU awards per COA limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
$20,000 total over four years ($5,000/year). Requires Finalist status and NDSU designated as first-choice institution with NMSC. Must be admitted by Feb 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who have achieved National Merit Finalist status — the top ~1% of PSAT scorers nationally — and have designated NDSU as their first-choice school with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. If your student is a Semifinalist gunning for Finalist, NDSU is worth having on the list.
App Required
NDSU Presidential Scholarship (competitive)
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~29 ACT✎ ~1330 SAT👥 ~25-30 winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with other NDSU scholarships up to full tuition/COA. Interacts with top Honors College Scholarship if both are awarded.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the NDSU Scholarship Application by February 1. High-achieving applicants may be invited for additional Presidential-level consideration, which can include an essay review and interview beyond the guaranteed automatic tier.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Total value $12,000 over four years. In recent cycles, NDSU emphasizes both the automatic Presidential guaranteed tier and the Honors College Scholarship; this stand-alone competitive Presidential process may vary year to year. Always worth applying by Feb 1.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A select group — roughly 25 to 30 students per year — with near-4.0 GPAs, strong standardized test scores, and a compelling track record of leadership and service. This goes beyond the automatic guaranteed tier to reward the full picture of a student's high school career.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Reality check: These awards are limited. Winners usually pair ~3.9+ GPAs with leadership, service, and well-crafted essays/interviews. Apply early and be specific about impact.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
How many are available? Presidential offers ~25–30 annually; departmental funds vary by college.
Is need considered? Mostly merit-based, though some departmental awards include need.
Can these stack with automatic merit? Often yes, but stacking is capped so total aid can’t exceed tuition/COA per NDSU policy.
Are interviews required? Typically for Presidential finalists and Distinguished Scholars (faculty/staff panels).
Sources:
https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/cost-aid/scholarships
https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/7706
https://www.ndsu.edu/news/view/detail/71179
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/academics/scholarships
Hidden Gem Scholarships
North Dakota State University offers many lesser-known scholarships beyond automatic merit awards — including identity-based, departmental, ROTC, research, and study-abroad opportunities. These programs often go unnoticed but can stack with other aid to make a significant difference in affordability.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
AFROTC HSSP + NDSU Waiver
📅 Deadline: National deadlines (Oct–Jan)
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
full tuition + first-year room/board
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One NDSU housing award; not stackable with other full tuition programs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through AFROTC national board; NDSU matches with first-year housing/board.
💡
Strategic Detail
First-year room/board waiver stacks with ROTC HSSP.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top STEM, leadership/fitness cadets selected by national ROTC competition.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: National boards (Oct–Feb)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition or room/board
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with other full tuition programs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Army ROTC board; selection based on academic, fitness and leadership criteria.
💡
Strategic Detail
~$10k/yr for room/board if not full tuition.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-performing Army ROTC cadets with strong commitment.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Coatings & Polymeric Materials Awards
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
✓ Renews
$500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other aid and awards.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via NDSU Scholarship Portal (Mar 1); open to students pursuing minor, engaged in research.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Coatings minor students involved in lab/research.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
College of Agriculture Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with up to COA in other scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through NDSU Portal (Mar 1); available to Ag/Animal Science/Food Systems/Natural Resources majors.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: FFA/4-H and research-oriented Ag college majors with strong engagement.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
College of Engineering Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
✓ Renews
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
More than $2.5M awarded in 2024. Awards may stack with others.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via NDSU Scholarship Portal (Mar 1). Open to all Engineering majors (freshmen–seniors).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Engineering majors with good GPA and activity; F/S/J/Sr eligible.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
First-Generation Student Award
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
✓ Renews
$500–$1,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Most can stack with merit and need-based aid up to allowable total.
📄
How to Apply
Complete NDSU Scholarship Portal app by Mar 1; short essay required.
✎ Essays
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-generation applicants who complete portal steps and essays.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Gold Star Marching Band Award
📅 Deadline: Early spring (varies)
✓ Renews
$500–$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with other merit and departmental awards.
📄
How to Apply
Audition required through Band Office; active participation and GPA maintenance required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Committed Gold Star Band members maintaining attendance and participation.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Land Grant Access Award
📅 Deadline: Mar 15
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with tribal/state/need-based awards as allowed under aid policy.
📄
How to Apply
Admitted by Mar 15, complete FAFSA, annual reapplication in Scholarship Portal required.
💡
Strategic Detail
Year-to-year grant eligibility, SAI ≤ 7000.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
FAFSA-qualified, Pell-eligible, and need-based students admitted by Mar 15.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Multicultural Student Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with merit and some need-based aid.
📄
How to Apply
Complete Portal app by Mar 1 and indicate eligible identity group; activities/essays may boost chances.
✎ Essays
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Active multicultural (BIPOC/LGBTQ+/underrepresented) students, especially those engaged in inclusion/leadership.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ND Native American Scholarship + Match
📅 Deadline: Jul 15
✓ Renews
🏫 2.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
State $2k + NDSU $2k match; stackable with state/federal aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through ND state portal with tribal documentation and FAFSA; merit tier requires GPA 3.5+; need tier requires FAFSA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: ND tribal members maintaining required GPA and/or demonstrating need.
Full TuitionAutomatic⚠ All Undergrad Onlygeographicneed_based
NDSU Tuition Award Program
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
✓ Renews (2 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition + fees
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Last‑dollar program that pays remaining base tuition and student fees for income‑limited North Dakota or Minnesota residents after grants and scholarships are applied.
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with other tuition waivers.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers tuition/fees up to 15 credits. Through 2027.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Pell-eligible ND or MN residents who meet FAFSA/SAI criteria (SAI ≤ 7000).
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Promising Undergraduate Research (PURS)
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with most merit/departmental awards.
📄
How to Apply
Application via College of Arts & Sciences or Portal (Mar 1); submit project proposal.
✎ Essays
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A&S students in faculty-mentored research with strong proposals.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Study Abroad Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies by program
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with other awards provided COA not exceeded.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through International Programs or Scholarship Portal. Requires program acceptance and approved application.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
External competitive study abroad awards may provide up to $8,000.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Planners with approved study abroad participation and strong application materials.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs
Do these stack with automatic merit?
Yes. Most can stack with automatic and competitive awards, though total aid cannot exceed tuition and fees when tuition waivers apply.
Where do students apply?
Nearly all campus-based scholarships use the NDSU Scholarship Portal (open Nov 1–Mar 1). ROTC awards use national service applications, and study abroad funds are through International Programs.
What are the key deadlines?
March 1 for most portal awards, March 15 for the Land Grant Access Award, and July 15 for the ND Native American Scholarship. ROTC national boards typically run from October through February.
Who benefits most from these?
First-gen, Pell-eligible, multicultural, tribal, ROTC, and music students—as well as those majoring in agriculture, engineering, or research-intensive programs.
Sources:
https://www.ndsu.edu/challeyinstitute/programs/scholarships/firstgen
https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/34299
https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/finaid/awards/scholarships/eligibility
https://www.ndsu.edu/community-belonging/student-support
https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/34554
https://www.ndsu.edu/tuition-award-program
https://www.ndsu.edu/afrotc/scholarships
https://www.ndsu.edu/arts-sciences/currentstudents/scholarships-1/cas
https://global.ndsu.edu/_customtags/ct_FileRetrieve.cfm?File_ID=060377767A723F00020671000E74051C0D09030F1A7B7077051C07077A71720B75077A0476740B72720D
https://ndsu.academicworks.com/?utf8=%E2%9C%93&page=1
Honors College at North Dakota State University
The NDSU Honors Program offers an enriched learning environment for academically motivated students who want smaller classes, closer faculty connections, and deeper engagement with research and service. Admission is competitive, but based on a holistic review—grades, essays, and recommendations all matter.
What a Typical NDSU Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA around 3.7–4.0, strong ACT/SAT if submitted, several AP/IB or dual-credit courses, leadership roles in school or community, and interest in research or service.
Perks of the Honors Experience:
- Priority class registration each semester
- Smaller, discussion-based seminars with top faculty
- Dedicated Honors housing in Cater Hall
- Undergraduate research opportunities and grant support
- Special Honors designation on transcript and diploma
Honors Scholarships at NDSU
App Required
NDSU Honors College Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$5,000–$25,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Other NDSU or state scholarships and grants are applied first. The Honors College Scholarship then covers the difference up to $25,000/year — including tuition, mandatory fees, Bison Ready book charges, housing, and meal plan. External (non-NDSU) scholarships do not reduce this award.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to NDSU for admission, then submit both the NDSU Scholarship Application and the supplemental Honors College application by the December 1 priority deadline (application opens November 1). Competitive finalists are typically invited to interview.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
NDSU's flagship Honors award. Covers up to $25,000/year toward tuition, mandatory fees, Bison Ready book charges, housing, and meal plan for up to eight semesters. Other NDSU/state gift aid is applied first; the Honors College Scholarship makes up any remaining difference. FAFSA not required, but Pell Grant and other gift aid received will reduce the Honors award dollar-for-dollar. External scholarships are not factored in and go toward other charges. Full-time enrollment and 3.0 cumulative GPA required each semester to maintain eligibility.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A small, highly competitive cohort of top incoming freshmen — typically near-perfect GPAs with rigorous coursework, strong test scores, and demonstrated leadership. Finalists interview, and the process rewards intellectual curiosity and engagement beyond the transcript. If you have a 3.98+ GPA or a 3.0+ GPA with ACT 30+, get this application in by Dec 1.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Catherine Cater Honors Program Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other need-based and merit scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Current Honors College students apply through the NDSU AcademicWorks portal by March 1. Preference is given to students in the College of Arts & Sciences with demonstrated financial need.
✎ Essays
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Current Honors College students majoring in Arts & Sciences who are actively engaged in the program and have demonstrated financial need. This one rewards both academic rigor and real-world need — a meaningful combination.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Delsie Holmquist Memorial Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Mar 1
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with need-based, merit, and other departmental scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via the NDSU AcademicWorks portal by March 1. Arts & Sciences majors are preferred; Honors students are strongly considered.
💡
Strategic Detail
Multiple awards per year; amounts depend on fund availability. Active Honors College participation is a strong differentiator among finalists.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Arts & Sciences majors with strong academic records; multiple awards are given each year and several consistently go to active Honors College students. Dollar amounts are set by fund availability and vary year to year.
Automatic
Honor Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.7+ GPA✎ ~26 ACT✎ ~1240 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with departmental and need-based scholarships. Interacts with the Honors College Scholarship if both are awarded.
💡
Strategic Detail
NDSU's primary published Honors award is now the Honors College Scholarship; this $2,000/year award applies to admitted Honors freshmen who fall in the strong but non-flagship range. Not always individually itemized on public pages.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming Honors freshmen with at least a 3.7 GPA or ACT 26–28 / SAT 1240–1320 who are admitted to the Honors College but are not selected for the top-tier Honors College Scholarship. Think of this as the strong-but-not-flagship Honors merit award.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Honors FAQs
Is Honors admission automatic if I meet the GPA?
No. Admission also depends on essays, activities, and teacher recommendations. It’s selective, not guaranteed.
Does being in Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors coursework counts toward graduation, though some students choose to complete an optional thesis or project.
When should I apply?
Apply early in your senior year — deadlines usually fall between December and February.
Do Honors students receive extra scholarships?
Yes. The Honor Scholarship provides $2,000 per year, and departmental awards like the Cater and Holmquist often go to active Honors members.
Sources:
https://www.ndsu.edu/honors-college
https://collegereadyparent.org/north-dakota-state-university-scholarships/
https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/38285
https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/31681
https://ndsu.academicworks.com/opportunitiesies/19986
⭐ 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.
Agriculture & Food Systems: NDSU is regularly ranked among the top 50 agriculture schools in the U.S. and #12 in the Midwest, with national leadership in precision agriculture and crop sciences.
- 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.
📌 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.
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