South Dakota State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships by GPA/test score
- Competitive and hidden-gem awards worth exploring
- Honors College benefits and stacking opportunities
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~98%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1070–1220
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): ~3.3–3.9
Source: SDSU Admissions pages and BigFuture overview. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
South Dakota State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 18, 2025
South Dakota State University is one of the Midwest’s most affordable public flagships—especially for students in nearby states. Automatic merit awards start with a 3.0 GPA, and top students can compete for the Fishback Honors or Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarships, which can cover full tuition and more. Out-of-state students also benefit from the South Dakota Advantage and WUE programs.
Use this guide to compare SDSU’s automatic awards, competitive scholarships, and reciprocity programs to see how your student can get near in-state costs—even from hundreds of miles away.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — SDSU is test-optional through 2026 and superscores ACT/SAT for scholarship consideration.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 19–25; SAT: 1070–1220 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $18,219/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — South Dakota State participates in the South Dakota Advantage (in-state tuition for neighbors) and the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) for eligible majors.
SDSU Admissions Overview: https://www.sdstate.edu/admissions
SDSU Scholarships & Financial Aid: https://www.sdstate.edu/scholarships
Jackrabbit Guarantee Program: https://www.sdstate.edu/scholarships/jackrabbit-guarantee
Fishback Honors College: https://www.sdstate.edu/honors-college
South Dakota Advantage Tuition Program: https://www.sdstate.edu/south-dakota-advantage
College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?219356-South-Dakota-State-University
BigFuture Overview: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/south-dakota-state-university
💰 Cost of Attendance at South Dakota State University
Figures reflect the 2025–2026 academic year and assume full-time enrollment (12–15 credits per semester). Housing & meals are based on a standard double room with the most common meal plan.
| Category | In-State (SD) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $9,554 | $13,166 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,648 | $10,648 |
| Estimated Total (Before Aid) | $20,202 | $23,814 |
Note: Books, transportation, and personal expenses are not included above because they vary widely by student and are not billed directly by the university. SDSU estimates these indirect costs at roughly $5,000 per year for planning purposes.
• South Dakota Advantage: Residents of CO, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, WI, and WY automatically pay the in-state rate — saving about $3,600 per year compared to standard out-of-state tuition.
• Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): SDSU participates in the WUE program, which sets tuition at 150% of the in-state rate. However, because SDSU’s Advantage program already covers most neighboring states, WUE does not usually result in additional savings here.
• Minnesota Reciprocity: The SD–MN reciprocity agreement ended after 2024. Minnesota students now qualify under the South Dakota Advantage program instead.
Who qualifies for South Dakota Advantage?
Residents of 10 nearby states automatically pay the in-state rate with no separate application required.
How much can families save?
A student from Nebraska pays the same as a South Dakota resident—about $9,554 in tuition instead of $13,166, saving roughly $3,600 per year.
Do WUE or Advantage require a separate application?
No — both are automatic based on your state of residency. The correct rate is applied upon admission.
University COA page: https://www.sdstate.edu/office-financial-aid/cost-attendance
Tuition & Fee Schedule (2025–26): https://www.sdstate.edu/office-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees
South Dakota Advantage: https://www.sdstate.edu/south-dakota-advantage
WUE Program: https://www.sdstate.edu/admissions/tuition-discounts
College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?219356-South-Dakota-State-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
SDSU’s main admission-based award is the Jackrabbit Guarantee. Every first-time freshman is automatically considered when they apply for admission—no separate form is required. Awards scale up based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores, and they renew each year if your student keeps up their grades and credit load.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackrabbit Guarantee — Tier 1 | $1,000/yr (up to 4 years) | First-time freshmen; 3.0–3.49 GPA or ACT 20–22 (superscore) | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA + 24 credits/year | Solid B average or ACT low 20s students | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Jackrabbit Guarantee — Tier 2 | $2,000/yr (up to 4 years) | First-time freshmen; 3.5–3.79 GPA or ACT 23–25 | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA + 24 credits/year | Students with strong grades and mid-20s ACT | Dec 1 |
| Jackrabbit Guarantee — Tier 3 | $3,000/yr (up to 4 years) | First-time freshmen; 3.8–3.99 GPA or ACT 26–28 | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA + 24 credits/year | High-achievers with mostly A’s or upper 20s ACT | Dec 1 |
| Jackrabbit Guarantee — Tier 4 | $4,000/yr (up to 4 years) | First-time freshmen; 4.0 GPA or ACT 29+ | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA + 24 credits/year | Top students with perfect GPA or ACT near 30+ | Dec 1 |
Award tiers are based on SDSU’s published grid. Actual cutoffs can shift slightly each year depending on the applicant pool and funding. Apply by December 1 for priority scholarship consideration.
FAQ: Automatic Scholarships
Do we need to fill out another form? No. The Jackrabbit Guarantee is automatic with admission—just make sure you apply to SDSU on time.
Does SDSU accept superscoring? Yes. SDSU accepts ACT and SAT superscores, which can help a student qualify for a higher award tier.
Can these stack with other discounts? Usually yes, but some competitive awards may replace the Jackrabbit Guarantee. Always check the official award letter to see how SDSU applies stacking rules.
sdstate.edu/admissions/jackrabbit-guarantee
sdstate.edu/financial-aid/scholarships
fastweb.com/college-scholarships/south-dakota-state-university-jackrabbit-guarantee
petersons.com/scholarship/jackrabbit-guarantee-scholarship-program-111_173829.aspx
facebook.com/SDStateAdmissions/posts/642297433441825
rabbitfood.sdstate.edu/no-act-no-sat-no-problem/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Beyond the automatic Jackrabbit Guarantee, SDSU offers a very small number of large scholarships that require an extra application and, in most cases, an interview. These awards are highly selective and can significantly reduce the total cost of attendance.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elma & Dolores Haver Scholarship | Full Cost of Attendance × 4 years | Any major; GPA ≥3.25 & ACT 22+; FAFSA required; preference for Irene-Wakonda HS grads | Yes — Academic Scholarship App | Yes (4 years) | One student per year; merit and need; interview required | Nov 14 (8 a.m.) |
| National Merit Semifinalist | $5,000/yr × 4 | National Merit Semifinalist standing | No — automatic with NM status | Yes | All confirmed Semifinalists enrolling at SDSU | Aug 1 |
| National Merit Finalist | $8,500/yr × 4 | National Merit Finalist standing | No — automatic with NM status (finalist confirmation by Aug 1) | Yes | All confirmed Finalists; replaces Semifinalist award | Aug 1 |
FAQ: Competitive Scholarships
Are the awards stackable with the Jackrabbit Guarantee? Generally, competitive scholarships will replace the automatic award. Check your official award letter for final stacking and replacement rules.
Do I need to fill out a separate application? Yes for the Haver Scholarship (Academic Scholarship App, due Nov 14). No for National Merit—those are automatic with confirmation of NM status to SDSU by Aug 1.
What signals help my student win? For Haver: strong grades, financial need, and outstanding service/leadership. For National Merit: qualifying test scores and sustained academic excellence.
ourdakotadreams.com/statewide-scholarship-bulletin-board/
ourdakotadreams.com/scholarship-focus-financial-need-based/
sdbor.edu/students/Pages/scholarships.aspx
collegedata.com/scholarship/south-dakota-state-university-national-merit-finalists-scholarship/
fastweb.com/college-scholarships/south-dakota-state-university-jackrabbit-guarantee
🎖 Honors College
SDSU’s Van D. & Barbara B. Fishback Honors College gives high-achieving students a smaller, more personalized community inside a large research university. Admission is by self-application, and students are guided through essays, seminars, and faculty mentorship that help them go deeper in their studies while still graduating on time.
• High school GPA around 3.8+
• ACT scores in the high 20s–30+ range (superscore accepted)
• Track record of leadership, service, or research interest
• Willingness to write essays and engage in discussion-based courses
• Priority course registration
• Honors housing options and living-learning community
• Small seminars and team-taught courses
• Faculty mentorship and support for research/thesis
• Access to special scholarships such as the Stai and Prebys Honors Awards
| Honors Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dian & Harlan Stai Honors Scholarship | $5,000/yr × 4 = $20,000 | SD, MN, IA seniors; high GPA or ACT 30+; strong leadership | Yes — Academic Scholarship App + interview | Yes (4 years) | Top academic leaders; selected through interviews | Nov 14 (priority); March 1 (final) |
| Dian & Harlan Stai Honors Access Scholarship | $5,000/yr × 4 = $20,000 | Same as Stai Honors, but FAFSA Pell-eligible | Yes — Academic Scholarship App + interview | Yes (4 years) | High-achieving students with need | Nov 14 (priority); March 1 (final) |
| Prebys Honors Endowed Scholarship | Varies ($1,000–$3,000/yr typical) | Incoming freshmen/transfers enrolled Honors; full-time; GPA req. | Yes — Honors College app; match via AcademicWorks | Yes (up to 4 years) | Engaged new Honors students; renews with good standing | Sept 5 |
Note: Deadlines and award ranges are based on the most recent SDSU Honors and campus scholarship cycle. Some scholarships require competitive interviews; all deadlines are final by September 5, 2025, for the Prebys and March 1 for Stai scholarships, with Stai priority consideration at Nov 14.
FAQ: Honors College
Is admission automatic? No. Students must complete the separate Honors College application, usually alongside their admission process.
Does it add time to a degree? No. Honors requirements are designed to integrate into a four-year plan if started as a freshman.
Are there extra scholarships? Yes. The Stai Honors, Stai Honors Access, and Prebys Endowed awards provide substantial funding in addition to SDSU’s general merit aid.
When should my student apply? As early as possible in senior year; Stai and Prebys early action deadlines maximize chances.
sdstate.edu/honors-college/
sdstate.academicworks.com/
sdsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/
sdsu.edu/aztecs-scholarships/
honors.sdsu.edu/scholarships/
sdsu.edu/admissions/
⭐ College Specialty
South Dakota State University is a public land-grant research university (classified as an R1 Research University), and it carries a strong reputation across agriculture, health, and the applied sciences. Families looking for a school with hands-on labs, industry partnerships, and professional pipelines will find SDSU particularly strong in areas that directly connect to South Dakota’s economy and beyond.
Precision Agriculture — SDSU was the first university in the nation to launch a B.S. in Precision Agriculture and continues to lead the field with the Raven Precision Agriculture Center. Students gain access to state-of-the-art labs and partnerships with ag-tech companies, making it one of the most recognized programs nationally.
- Dairy Science: SDSU operates one of the largest university dairy plants in the country and is consistently ranked among the top dairy science programs nationwide, producing award-winning ice cream and training professionals for the dairy industry.
- Pharmacy (Pharm.D.): The College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions is nationally accredited and has been recognized among the top 25% of pharmacy schools by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
- Veterinary Medicine (SDSU–UMN DVM Pathway): Through a cooperative agreement with the University of Minnesota, SDSU offers South Dakota students a direct, affordable pathway into a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program — the only route of its kind in the state.
- Nursing: SDSU’s College of Nursing is the largest in South Dakota and consistently ranks as the state’s top producer of BSN graduates, with strong NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships statewide.