South Dakota State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See South Dakota aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 5, 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: ~98%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1145
- Average GPA: 3.6
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 South Dakota State University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Elma & Dolores Haver Scholarship & Jack Mohror Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$18,219/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$4,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
27 opportunities
5 automatic · 5 competitive · 14 hidden gem · 3 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 24+ / SAT 1160+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 15 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Elma & Dolores Haver Scholarship & Jack Mohror Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
South Dakota State is one of those schools where affordability isn’t a guessing game—it’s baked into the system. Automatic scholarships start at a very reachable GPA, and programs like the South Dakota Advantage and WUE can bring out-of-state costs down close to in-state levels. This is a place where families can actually map out the price ahead of time instead of hoping something comes through later.
Where SDSU gets interesting is on the upside. Strong students can move beyond the baseline automatic awards into full-tuition opportunities like the Jackrabbit Guarantee or Fishback Honors scholarships—but those are competitive. If your student is practical, wants a strong flagship experience without flagship pricing, and is open to the Midwest, this is a school where the numbers can quietly work really well.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — South Dakota State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1145.
Average net price? About $18,219/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in WUE.
💰 Cost of Attendance at South 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) |
$9,554 |
$13,166 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$10,648 |
$10,648 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$20,202 |
$23,814 |
Average Federal Net Price: $18,219 — 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.
South Dakota Advantage & Regional Discounts:
•
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.
Sources:
University COA page: https://www.sdstate.edu/office-financial-aid/cost-attendance
Tuition & Fee Schedule: 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.
Automatic
Jackrabbit Guarantee — Tier 1 ($1,000)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with major-specific awards, Honors College funding, National Merit packages, and federal/state aid. If you later qualify for a higher Jackrabbit tier or a larger named award (Stai, Briggs, NM Finalist), SDSU swaps the bigger award in — you don't lose what you've earned, you simply trade up.
💡
Strategic Detail
Lowest tier of the Jackrabbit Guarantee grid. SDSU may package this under a named donor scholarship (Yellow and Blue, named family awards) on your award letter, but the dollar amount comes from this guarantee. Scores submitted by Aug 1 (fall start) or Dec 1 (spring start) can bump you up a tier.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: This is the floor for any admitted student with a solid B average. If you have a 3.00 cumulative GPA, you get at least $1,000 a year — even if you never took the ACT or SAT. Hit the Dec 1 priority date and the money is yours.
Automatic
Jackrabbit Guarantee — Tier 1.5 ($1,500)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1160 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks freely with major-specific scholarships and federal/state aid. If your senior-year GPA bumps you into the $2,000 cell of the grid, SDSU upgrades you automatically — the higher number wins.
💡
Strategic Detail
The $1,500 band on the official Jackrabbit Guarantee grid. Multiple GPA/test combinations land here — 3.25 GPA with ACT 24 is the cleanest entry point, but a 3.75 GPA with no test score (or below 22 ACT) also unlocks this amount.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
B+ students hitting one of two grid sweet spots — a 3.25 GPA paired with an ACT of 24 (SAT 1160), or a 3.75 GPA with even a modest test score. This is the middle band of the guarantee, and it rewards consistency more than test-day heroics.
Automatic
Jackrabbit Guarantee — Tier 2 ($2,000)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1160 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with named SDSU competitive awards, Honors College funding, and outside aid. A later score bump (submitted by Aug 1) can move you up to the $3,000 or $4,000 tier without reapplying.
💡
Strategic Detail
Solid middle tier of the published Jackrabbit Guarantee grid. The cleanest entry point is GPA 3.50 + ACT 24 (or SAT 1160), but multiple combinations on the grid map to this amount.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Strong A/B students — think 3.50 GPA with an ACT around 24, or a 3.75 with a low-20s ACT. The grid is generous in the middle: several GPA/test combos all land at $2,000.
Automatic
Jackrabbit Guarantee — Tier 3 ($3,000)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~26 ACT✎ ~1230 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Pairs well with major-restricted competitive awards (Lohr Scholars, Schafer, Klingbeil, Sandfort) and Honors College funding. A 4.00+ GPA with an ACT 32+ would upgrade this to the $4,000 tier automatically.
💡
Strategic Detail
Upper-middle tier of the Jackrabbit Guarantee grid. Several grid cells map here — GPA 3.90 + ACT 26 is the entry point at this test band, but a 4.00+ GPA with an ACT 22 also lands at $3,000.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top academic students — a 3.90+ GPA paired with an ACT around 26 (SAT 1230), or a 4.00+ GPA with even a modest test score. The grid rewards a near-perfect transcript even if test day didn't go your way.
Automatic
Jackrabbit Guarantee — Tier 4 ($4,000)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1300 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Jackrabbit Guarantee maxes out here, but students with this profile are exactly who SDSU targets for competitive named awards like Briggs ($6,500), Stai Honors ($5,000), or NM Finalist ($8,500). Those replace the guarantee if larger — you keep the bigger number.
💡
Strategic Detail
Top tier of the Jackrabbit Guarantee grid. The grid shows multiple entry paths: GPA 4.00+ with ACT 28, or any GPA 3.50+ with ACT 32+.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top-of-class students — 4.00+ unweighted GPA with an ACT 28+ (SAT 1300+), or a 3.50+ GPA paired with an ACT 32+. If you're in this band, complete the scholarship application early; many of SDSU's competitive interview scholarships use the exact same profile.
* 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.
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.
Sources:
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.
Automatic
National Merit Semifinalist Award
📅 Deadline: Aug 1 (confirmation to Office of Admissions before fall enrollment)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces any lower Jackrabbit Guarantee tier — you don't double-dip, you upgrade. If you advance to Finalist status, the award jumps to $8,500 per year automatically; no need to reapply.
💡
Strategic Detail
Flat $5,000 per year for four years ($20,000 total). Automatically upgraded to the $8,500 Finalist award if the student advances to Finalist status.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who scored in the top ~1% of PSAT/NMSQT takers in their state and were named National Merit Semifinalists during their senior year. Enroll at SDSU, confirm your status, and the money lands in your package.
Automatic
National Merit Finalist Award
📅 Deadline: Aug 1 (Finalist confirmation deadline)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces — does not stack on top of — the Semifinalist award and any lower Jackrabbit Guarantee tier. Still stacks with major-specific competitive awards, Honors College funding, and outside aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Flat $8,500 per year for four years ($34,000 total). Replaces, not added to, the Semifinalist award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who advance from National Merit Semifinalist to Finalist status. The jump from $5,000 to $8,500 per year ($34,000 over four years) is one of the most valuable automatic awards SDSU offers.
App Required
Stephen F. Briggs Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces the Jackrabbit Guarantee tier if larger. Stacks with Honors College awards, federal/state aid, and external scholarships, though SDSU caps total institutional aid at the published cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the SDSU Academic Scholarship Application by the Dec 1 priority deadline. Top applicants receive an interview invitation by Dec 31; on-campus interviews are held in late January. Half of Briggs awards go to engineering majors and half to all other majors.
Selection criteria: GPA/test scores + extracurricular leadership + interview performance
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
$6,500 per year, renewable for four years ($26,000 total). One of SDSU's flagship competitive merit awards open to all majors. Interview invitations go out by Dec 31 with on-campus interviews in late January.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top-tier students — a 3.90+ GPA or 30+ ACT plus serious leadership, service, or extracurricular depth. Briggs deliberately splits awards 50/50 between engineering and everyone else, so non-engineering applicants aren't competing against a flooded engineering pool.
App Required
SDSU Foundation Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Amounts vary by donor fund, so stacking math depends on the specific Foundation Scholarship awarded. Generally replaces the Jackrabbit Guarantee tier if larger; institutional aid is capped at cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the SDSU Academic Scholarship Application by Dec 1. Top applicants receive an interview invitation by Dec 31 and travel to campus for on-campus interviews in late January. Foundation Scholar selections are made through that competitive interview process.
Selection criteria: GPA/test scores + extracurricular leadership + interview performance
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts vary based on the specific donor fund matched to the student. All Foundation Scholars are selected through the same competitive interview process as Stai Honors, Briggs, Schafer, Lohr, and Sandfort.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a 3.90+ GPA or 30+ ACT plus standout leadership and extracurricular involvement who make it through the late-January on-campus interview round. The Foundation funds many named donor scholarships — what you get depends on which fund matches your profile.
Full RideApp Requiredgeographicneed_based
Elma & Dolores Haver Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 (Academic Scholarship Application priority date)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Single‑recipient, full‑ride scholarship for a top South Dakota high‑school senior (preference to Irene‑Wakonda), requiring strong academics (3.25+ GPA, 22+ ACT) and demonstrated financial need.
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~22 ACT✎ ~1100 SAT👥 ~1 annually winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers the full published cost of attendance — tuition, fees, room, board, and standard expenses — so it generally absorbs other institutional awards rather than stacking with them. Federal Pell and SD state grants still apply on top where allowed.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the SDSU Academic Scholarship Application and the FAFSA. The Haver selection round begins at the end of March and includes a competitive interview. Preference goes to Irene-Wakonda School District graduates.
Selection criteria: Academic profile + demonstrated financial need + interview
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Single recipient per year. Covers full cost of attendance for four years. Preference for students from the Irene-Wakonda School District in southeastern South Dakota.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
One high-achieving, high-need South Dakota senior each year — almost always a graduate of Irene-Wakonda High School. The trifecta is a 3.25+ GPA, an ACT 22+, demonstrated FAFSA need, and a strong interview at end-of-March.
* 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.
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.
Sources:
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
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These awards aren’t tied to the basic admission offer, but they can make a big difference for certain students. Some are identity-based, others come through departments or the state, and a few are connected to ROTC or research opportunities. They’re worth knowing about because they often stack on top of other aid.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
South Dakota Freedom Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (2 GPA)
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 2.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarship converts to a loan if post-grad work requirement is not met.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to SDSU with FAFSA; sign commitment to work in SD post-graduation; complete SDCF paperwork.
💡
Strategic Detail
Available for any SD resident at a participating institution pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students committed to working in SD after graduation
App Required
SD Opportunity Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Sept 1 (fall); Jan 15 (spring)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$6,500–$7,500
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1160 SAT
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Dakota Dreams/Board of Regents; must meet Regents Scholar requirements and standardized test minimums.
Selection criteria: Regents Scholar standards.
💡
Strategic Detail
Minimum ACT score must be met before starting college. Must maintain eligibility for continued funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: In-state, high academic
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Undergrad Research & Creative Grants
📅 Deadline: Oct 6
Non-Renewable
$500–$1,500
✘ Not stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Apply via URCA office with faculty mentor support and project proposal.
Selection criteria: Quality of research/creative plan and mentor support.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
For faculty-mentored research, creative, or scholarly projects.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with mentor/project proposal
App Required
Nancy and Mark Wahlstrom Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$3,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with the Jackrabbit Guarantee and other named SDSU awards. Total institutional aid capped at cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the SDSU Academic Scholarship Application by Dec 1. Selection is competitive and restricted to current students at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$3,000–$5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years. Strictly restricted to Washington High School (Sioux Falls, SD) seniors.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A graduating senior from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD, selected competitively across the strongest applicants in that single-school pool. Any major is eligible — Wahlstrom is about supporting a Washington HS student, not steering them into a specific field.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Air Force ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Dec 31 (national)
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition/stipend/books
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Service commitment required after graduation.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via National AFROTC portal; meet program standards and service obligation.
Selection criteria: Academics, fitness, service.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Many high school and college options; full or partial tuition. Includes stipend and book allowance.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: STEM, fit, academic
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Wokini Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (5 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
📄
How to Apply
Submit Academic Scholarship App and tribal enrollment documentation.
💡
Strategic Detail
Open to students tribally enrolled in federally recognized tribes, including Alaska Native.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Native students engaged with Wokini, Honors, or research
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb 4, Mar 4 (national ROTC deadlines)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition/fees or housing/meal plan + stipend
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Service commitment required after graduation.
📄
How to Apply
Apply using GoArmy ROTC or campus application; meet all Army standards for fitness, academics, commitment.
Selection criteria: Academics, fitness, leadership.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Full tuition/fees or room/board option plus books and stipend. Two- to four-year awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Leaders, STEM/tech, fit students
App Required
Elton D. Schafer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 14
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$2,000–$5,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Academic Scholarship App; SD residents in STEM fields.
Selection criteria: Academic performance, interview, extracurriculars.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded to outstanding SD STEM seniors; ACT/SAT scores and extracurriculars considered.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top STEM; interview required
App Required
J. Lohr Scholars (Engineering)
📅 Deadline: Nov 14
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Academic Scholarship App; SD seniors entering select engineering majors.
Selection criteria: Merit, engineering majors, interview.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Select engineering majors only; interview may be required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving engineering majors
Full RideApp Required
Jack Mohror Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 (Academic Scholarship Application priority date)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
full cost of attendance
✘ Not stackable
🏫 2.0+ GPA👥 ~1 annually winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, room, board, standard expenses — and typically absorbs other institutional awards. Federal Pell and outside scholarships still apply where allowed.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the SDSU Academic Scholarship Application. Selection through a competitive interview that begins at the end of March. Restricted to graduates of Arlington High School in Arlington, South Dakota.
Selection criteria: Academic record + work ethic + interview
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Single recipient per year. Full cost of attendance for four years. Strictly restricted to graduates of Arlington High School in Arlington, SD.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: One Arlington (SD) High School senior per year with a 2.00+ GPA, a strong work ethic, and a compelling interview. FAFSA-demonstrated financial need is a preference, not a hard requirement — this scholarship is designed to be a real pathway for an Arlington student regardless of test profile.
Full TuitionApp Required
J&J Sisco Scholarship (Beca J&J Sisco)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 (Academic Scholarship Application priority date)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition and mandatory fees
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers tuition and mandatory fees — generally absorbs other tuition-targeted institutional aid. Federal Pell, SD state grants, and outside scholarships still apply on top.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the SDSU Academic Scholarship Application. Selection includes an interview, with awarding beginning in April. First preference is given to first-generation students who meet all eligibility criteria.
Selection criteria: Eligibility criteria + interview + first-generation preference
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers tuition and mandatory fees per year for up to four years. All eligibility criteria must be met — Mexico ties, Spanish-language knowledge, Mexican cultural knowledge, financial need, and incoming status. First-generation students receive first preference.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students with Mexican heritage or family ties to Mexico, Spanish-language ability, demonstrated financial need, and a real connection to Mexican culture. First-time freshmen and incoming transfers both qualify.
App Required
Klingbeil Scholars (CAFES)
📅 Deadline: Nov 14
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~22 ACT✎ ~1100 SAT
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Academic Scholarship App; select CAFES majors, 3.5+ GPA and ACT 22+.
Selection criteria: Academic achievement, relevant CAFES major, interview.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Tech, Agronomy, Precision Ag majors only.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving ag/tech/precision ag majors
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Music & Ensemble Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$500–$3,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Participation in band, choir, orchestra is required.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and audition; ensemble participation required.
Selection criteria: Talent and ensemble participation required.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewal for up to eight semesters if requirements and participation met.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented musicians in band/choir/orchestra
App Required
John F. & Lela F. Sandfort Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 14
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000–$7,500/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
📄
How to Apply
Apply via Academic Scholarship App; ACT 30+ or GPA 3.9+, engineering majors only. Interview required.
Selection criteria: Merit, engineering majors, interview.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Advantage to ACT/GPA high engineering applicants.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top engineering students selected by interview
App Required
Schellpeper Family Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$2,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Progressive award structure — $2,000 freshman year, $3,000 sophomore, $4,000 junior, $5,000 senior ($14,000 total). Stacks with the Jackrabbit Guarantee and other major-specific funding.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the SDSU Academic Scholarship Application by Dec 1. Schellpeper is awarded through the same admissions review — no separate application or interview required.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Progressive award — $2,000 first year, $3,000 second year, $4,000 third year, $5,000 fourth year. Total $14,000 over four years. Requires health science major.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Health science majors with a 3.00+ GPA and real leadership or service depth. The progressive structure rewards students who stick with their health science track — the money grows each year you stay enrolled in the major.
Automatic
South Dakota Boys and Girls State Officer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time freshman-year award that stacks freely with the Jackrabbit Guarantee and any other SDSU funding.
💡
Strategic Detail
One-time $1,000 award in the freshman year only. No separate scholarship application needed.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students elected to a state-level officer position at South Dakota Boys State or Girls State — usually a small handful each year per program. If you held an elected statewide office, this $1,000 lands automatically once you enroll at SDSU.
* 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.
Award ranges and deadlines based on the most recent published data. Some programs—like ROTC or research—have differing renewal and reporting policies. Final offers may depend on available funding and the applicant pool each cycle.
Sources:
ourdakotadreams.com/scholarship-focus-native-american-tribal/
freedomscholarshipsd.com/
music.sdsu.edu/
armyrotc.sdsu.edu/requirements-and-scholarships.html
det075.sdsu.edu/
grad.sdsu.edu/core-fellowship
ourdakotadreams.com/sd-opportunity-scholarship-fall-2025-college-enrollment/
ourdakotadreams.com/statewide-scholarship-bulletin-board/
sdsucollegian.com/
🎖 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.
What a Typical SDSU Honors Student Looks Like:
• 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
Perks of the Fishback Honors College:
• 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
App Required
Dian & Harlan Stai Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Interview invitations mailed by Dec 31
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1370 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces the Jackrabbit Guarantee tier if larger. Stacks with other Honors College funding and outside aid, with total institutional aid capped at cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the SDSU Academic Scholarship Application by Dec 1. Interview invitations are mailed by Dec 31; on-campus interviews happen in late January. Recipients are required to participate in the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College.
Selection criteria: GPA/test scores + extracurricular leadership + interview performance
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
$5,000 per year, renewable for four years ($20,000 total). Restricted to high school seniors from SD, MN, and IA. Fishback Honors College participation required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top-tier seniors from South Dakota, Minnesota, or Iowa — typically a 3.90+ GPA or 30+ ACT, plus deep leadership and extracurricular involvement. The late-January interview decides it. Recipients commit to the Fishback Honors College, which is the value-add beyond the dollars.
App Required
Dian & Harlan Stai Honors Access Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 · 📢 Results: Interview invitations mailed by Dec 31
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.9+ GPA✎ ~26 ACT✎ ~1230 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to layer with the federal Pell Grant and SD state aid so Honors College participation is affordable. Replaces the Jackrabbit Guarantee tier if larger; institutional aid capped at cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the SDSU Academic Scholarship Application and the FAFSA by Dec 1. Pell-eligible seniors from SD, MN, or IA are considered; interview invitations are mailed by Dec 31 with on-campus interviews in late January. Fishback Honors College participation required.
Selection criteria: GPA/test scores + Pell eligibility + extracurricular leadership + interview
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
$5,000 per year, renewable for four years ($20,000 total). Pell eligibility required. The lower ACT threshold (26 vs Stai Honors' 30) recognizes that test scores often track family income.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Pell-eligible seniors from SD, MN, or IA who also bring honors-caliber academics — a 3.90+ GPA or 26+ ACT, plus strong leadership. This is the pathway Stai uses to make the Honors College accessible to high-achieving students from limited-income families.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Prebys Honors Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Early spring (follows SDSU's continuing and new student scholarship deadlines in AcademicWorks)
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with the Jackrabbit Guarantee, Stai-family awards, and outside aid. Total institutional aid still capped at cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts and selection criteria vary year to year. No separate application beyond the SDSU General Scholarship Application in AcademicWorks.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Engaged Honors College students in good academic standing — Prebys looks at the General Scholarship Application essay responses and Honors involvement, not at a specific GPA or test cutoff. Both incoming freshmen and continuing students are eligible.
* 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: 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, 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.
Sources:
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.
🎓 Signature Program:
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.
Final Thoughts
SDSU may not always get the national spotlight like some larger universities, but for families in South Dakota and the surrounding states it offers a powerful mix of affordability, hands-on learning, and research-level opportunities. With automatic scholarships like the Jackrabbit Guarantee, generous state aid programs, and hidden gems like Wokini or music awards, many students can bring the cost down much lower than the sticker price. Add in the Fishback Honors College and SDSU’s strength in fields like agriculture, nursing, and pharmacy, and it’s a smart option for students who want strong programs without overwhelming debt.
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