University of South Dakota 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
If your student is looking at the University of South Dakota, you’ll want to understand the real costs and the scholarships that can make a big difference. This guide breaks down automatic merit, competitive awards, and hidden opportunities in plain English—so first-generation families can feel confident about what USD offers. For extra help, check the South Dakota state aid guide alongside this page.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of South Dakota
| Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (30 credits/year) | $9,687 | $13,299 |
| Course/Discipline Fees (avg.) | $510 | $510 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,590 | $10,590 |
| Books & Supplies | $800 | $800 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,595 | $2,595 |
| Transportation | $1,767 | $1,767 |
| Loan Fees | $66 | $66 |
| Total (before aid) | $26,015 | $29,627 |
USD automatically applies the in-state rate to:
- Students from participating states under the South Dakota Advantage (CO, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, ND, WI, WY) and children of USD alumni.
- Students from WICHE region states eligible for the WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange), who pay up to 150% of USD’s in-state tuition—typically lower than full out-of-state cost.
FAQ
Who qualifies? Residents of 10 partner states listed above and children of USD alumni.
How much can you save? Roughly $3,600 per year in tuition alone.
Do you need to apply? No — the South Dakota Advantage is automatic with admission.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
These are admission-based awards at the University of South Dakota (USD). If your student applies by the priority date and meets the criteria, they’re automatically considered—no extra hoops unless noted.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote Beginnings (Commitment level) | Up to ~$4,000/yr (renewable up to 4 years) | First-time freshmen; USD reviews HS GPA and (if submitted) ACT/SAT. Priority consideration for fall applicants who apply by ~April 1. | No | Yes — 4 years if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is maintained | *Estimated tiers: ~3.0 GPA may qualify for lower awards; GPAs 3.6–4.0 and/or ACT 27+ (superscore allowed) tend to land higher awards.* |
| Valedictorian Scholarship | $500 total (first year; $250/semester) | Awarded to HS seniors ranked #1 in their class; Vermillion campus; full-time enrollment required. | No (automatic if transcript shows #1 rank) | No (first year only) | Class valedictorians with official rank reported. |
| Child of Alumni (Legacy) Scholarship | $1,000 (limited number) | Incoming SD-resident freshmen whose parent/guardian graduated from USD. | No | No (one-time) | Legacy applicants; limited awards, competitive beyond meeting the basic criteria. |
| Dual Credit Scholarship | Varies; renewable up to 4 years | SD students who successfully completed High School Dual Credit courses with USD. | No (automatic for eligible students) | Yes — up to 4 years (excludes premier scholars already on higher awards) | Dual credit completers who enroll full time and maintain SAP. |
Note on ranges: USD does not publish a full public tier chart for Coyote Beginnings. Amounts vary by GPA, test score, and holistic review. *Items marked with an asterisk reflect evidence-based estimates drawn from Regents policy, USD examples, and peer benchmarks.
FAQ
Do I need test scores? No—USD is test optional. But if you submit ACT/SAT, the South Dakota Board of Regents policy allows superscoring. That means USD will use your best section scores across test dates to maximize eligibility for admissions and scholarships.
What’s the priority date? Apply for fall by ~April 1 for full consideration; later admits are reviewed if funds remain.
Can these stack with tuition-rate programs (South Dakota Advantage / WUE)? Yes, but stacking rules vary by award. Tuition-rate programs change the billed rate, while scholarships are applied as funding. Confirm final stacking on your award letter.
Renewal rules? Maintain full-time enrollment and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Exact GPA thresholds aren’t published; check your award letter for specifics.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
The University of South Dakota’s top competitive awards go beyond automatic merit. They cover significant costs, require strong applications and interviews, and are only awarded to a select group of students each year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rawlins Scholarship | $10,000 total ($2,500 per year) | Graduating seniors from designated South Dakota high schools; must enroll full time and maintain a 3.5 GPA with 30 credits per year. | No — considered automatically if eligible | Yes — up to 4 years | Valedictorians or top-ranked students at partner high schools whose transcripts are submitted to USD. |
| Presidential Alumni Scholarship | Covers in-state tuition and fees for 4 years | High school seniors with ACT 27+ (superscore allowed) or SAT 1280+; finalists complete an interview. Must maintain GPA and full-time enrollment. | Yes — separate application; Dec 1 deadline | Yes — 4 years if requirements are met | Students with a 3.7+ GPA and 27+ ACT superscore (or SAT 1280+) who also perform well in the interview process. |
| George S. Mickelson Scholarship | Full in-state tuition, fees, room, and board for 4 years | South Dakota high school seniors with exceptional academic and leadership records. Competitive selection with essay and interview required. | Yes — separate application; Dec 1 deadline | Yes — renewable 4 years (maintain GPA and active leadership/service involvement) | Top South Dakota seniors with 3.8+ GPAs, ACT 30+ superscore, and strong essays/interviews. Typically 8–10 awarded per year. |
Disclaimer: Competitive scholarships at USD are limited and selective. Meeting the minimum GPA or test score does not guarantee selection. Final awards depend on committee review, interviews, and available funding, and amounts may change from year to year. Always confirm details in USD’s official scholarship portal.
FAQ
Are these Honors-only? No — Rawlins, Presidential Alumni, and Mickelson are open to all qualified applicants, not just Honors students.
Can these stack with other scholarships? Usually no — Presidential Alumni and Mickelson replace base merit since they cover most or all direct costs. Rawlins may combine with smaller awards but not beyond full tuition/fees.
What are the deadlines? Presidential Alumni and Mickelson require a Dec 1 application and interview. Rawlins is automatic for eligible students; no extra application.
Who actually wins? Students at the very top of their class: GPAs 3.7–3.8+, ACT superscore 27–30+, leadership/service, and strong performance in USD’s interview/selection process.
How many scholarships are awarded? USD typically selects around 10–12 Presidential Alumni Scholars and 8–10 Mickelson Scholars each year. Rawlins Scholarships are offered to one senior from each designated South Dakota high school (dozens statewide each year).
⭐ College Specialties
USD is South Dakota’s flagship public research university—with the only law and medical schools in the state, an internationally recognized business program, and a museum that’s a global destination for music scholars. You get flagship opportunity, hands-on learning, and a personal touch in one place.
USD is home to South Dakota’s only AACSB-accredited business school—its programs consistently rank regionally for student success, affordability, and real-world experience. It’s a recognized leader in business education in the region. *(Note: USD is classified as an R2 “High research activity” university.)*
- Education (Graduate Programs) – USD’s School of Education is the highest-ranked in the Dakotas; ranked #136 nationally overall, and #58 for online master’s in education in 2024.
- Law – USD’s Knudson School of Law is the only accredited law school in the state. Its alumni include multiple governors, U.S. attorneys, and state supreme court justices.
- Medicine – The Sanford School of Medicine spans multiple campuses and leads the state in training rural physicians through its FARM program.
- National Music Museum – On campus, USD hosts one of the world’s most comprehensive musical instrument collections. It’s a globally recognized research and performance center.
- U.S. News Recognition – For more than three decades, USD has been ranked among the “Best National Universities”; it’s the top public university in the Dakotas.
🎖 Honors College
USD’s Honors Program—known as the U. Honors Program—is designed for high-achieving students who want smaller classes, close faculty mentoring, and research opportunities that set them apart for grad school or professional paths. Students apply separately for admission, with the strongest consideration given to those who apply by December 1.
High school GPA: 3.7+
ACT: 27+ superscore (or SAT 1280+)
Strong record of AP/dual credit, leadership, and service
• Priority class registration
• Honors housing community
• Small, discussion-based seminars
• Research and thesis mentorship
• Extra funding for study abroad and conference travel
| Honors Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Tuition Scholarship | $4,000 total ($1,000/yr for 4 years) | Accepted into USD Honors Program. No extra application beyond Honors admission (apply by Dec 1 priority date). | No — automatic with Honors application | Yes — maintain 3.2 GPA, complete 1 Honors course/semester, and progress toward Honors thesis | Most admitted Honors students who stay engaged and meet GPA/course load requirements. |
| Rawlins Honors Scholarship | $1,000–$2,500/yr (up to 4 years) | Admitted to USD Honors Program. Selection based on GPA/test scores plus essays/interview. | Yes — requires supplemental review | Yes — maintain 3.25+ GPA and active Honors participation | A smaller group of Honors students (often 20–30 per cohort) who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and service. |
FAQ
Is Honors admission automatic? No — students must apply and submit an essay; admission is competitive but attainable for students above a 3.7 GPA/27 ACT superscore.
Does Honors add time to a degree? No — Honors courses replace electives. The thesis adds depth, not extra semesters.
What’s the deadline? The priority date is December 1. Applying by then ensures consideration for both the Honors Tuition Scholarship and Rawlins Honors Scholarship.
Is there extra funding? Yes — Honors students may receive the Tuition Scholarship, the Rawlins Honors Scholarship if selected, plus additional research, travel, and conference grants.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
For many families, USD offers the best of both worlds: the affordability of a public flagship and the access of a smaller campus where professors actually know your student’s name. With automatic merit, flagship-level competitive awards, hidden gems in music, business, and research, plus the Honors Program for high-achievers, there are clear paths to make this education more affordable. Pair that with South Dakota Advantage or WUE, and the savings can be significant. If your student is willing to apply early, keep their GPA strong, and lean into leadership, USD can be a great value.
✅ Last updated: August 30, 2025