University of South Dakota Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See South Dakota state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit awards by GPA/test score
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth exploring
- Honors College benefits and stacking opportunities
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~99%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1145–1260
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): ~3.3–3.9
Source: University of South Dakota Common Data Set & College Board BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of South Dakota at a Glance
Last verified: October 18, 2025
The University of South Dakota is a strong value play for merit aid. Most admitted students are automatically considered for Coyote Beginnings (up to $4,000/year), while top candidates compete for flagship awards like the Presidential Alumni and George S. Mickelson scholarships that can cover in-state tuition and fees. With the South Dakota Advantage extending in-state rates to many neighboring states, out-of-state families can often pay close to resident prices.
Use this guide to see how USD’s automatic awards, competitive scholarships, and residency programs stack to lower your four-year cost.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — USD is test-optional; ACT/SAT are considered for scholarships and placement.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 19–25; SAT: 1145–1260 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $19,155/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — USD’s South Dakota Advantage gives in-state tuition to residents of CO, IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, WI & WY.
University admissions/testing info: https://catalog.usd.edu/content.php?catoid=39&navoid=2562
Automatic scholarship (Coyote Beginnings): https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Financial-Aid/Types-of-Aid/Scholarships
Presidential Alumni & Mickelson details: https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Financial-Aid/Types-of-Aid/Scholarships
South Dakota Advantage: https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Tuition-and-Costs/South-Dakota-Advantage
Common Data Set: https://www.usd.edu/-/media/Project/USD/DotEdu/About/Departments-Offices-and-Resources/Institutional-Research-Planning-and-Assessment/USD-Common-Data-Set.pdf
BigFuture Overview: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-south-dakota/admissions
College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?219471-University-of-South-Dakota
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of South Dakota
Figures reflect the 2025–2026 academic year and assume full-time enrollment (12–15 credits per semester). Housing & meals are based on a standard on-campus double room with a regular meal plan.
| Category | In-State (SD) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $9,687 | $13,299 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,590 | $10,590 |
| Estimated Total (Before Aid) | $20,277 | $23,889 |
Note: Books, transportation, and personal expenses are not included above because they vary widely by student and are not billed directly by the university. USD estimates these indirect costs at roughly $5,200 per year for planning purposes.
• South Dakota Advantage: Residents of CO, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MT, NE, ND, WI, and WY automatically qualify for in-state tuition — a savings of about $3,600 per year.
• WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange): Students from WUE-participating states pay up to 150% of the in-state rate, often close to the Advantage rate. Learn more in our WUE guide.
• Example: A student from Nebraska pays the in-state rate ($9,687) instead of the nonresident rate ($13,299), saving about $3,600 annually.
Who qualifies for South Dakota Advantage?
Residents of 10 neighboring states listed above automatically pay in-state tuition — no separate application needed.
How much can families save?
Typically $3,500–$4,000 per year compared to standard out-of-state tuition.
Does WUE overlap with the Advantage program?
WUE applies to select majors, but most out-of-state students save more through the South Dakota Advantage program.
University COA page: https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Tuition-and-Costs
Tuition & Fees (2025–26): https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Tuition-and-Costs/Undergraduate
South Dakota Advantage program: https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Tuition-and-Costs/South-Dakota-Advantage
WUE participation: https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Tuition-and-Costs/Tuition-Discounts
College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?219471-University-of-South-Dakota
✅ 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ~3.0 GPA may qualify for lower awards; GPAs 3.6–4.0 and/or ACT 27+ (superscore allowed) tend to land higher awards. | December 1 (priority) |
| 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. | December 1 |
| 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. | December 1 |
| 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. | December 1 |
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 ~December 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.
usd.edu/scholarships/
usd.edu/financial-aid/
usd.edu/admissions/
usd.edu/dual-credit/
ourdakotadreams.com/coyote-beginnings-scholarship/
fastweb.com/college-scholarships/university-of-south-dakota-coyote-beginnings-scholarship
🏆 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rawlins Scholarship | $10,000 total ($2,500 per year) | Seniors from designated SD high schools; must enroll full time, 3.5+ GPA with 30 credits/year | No — automatic for eligible partner schools | Yes, up to 4 years | Valedictorians/top-rank students from partner schools | December 1 |
| Presidential Alumni Scholarship | Covers in-state tuition and fees for 4 years | HS seniors; ACT 27+ or SAT 1280+ (superscore OK); GPA 3.7+; finalists are interviewed | Yes—separate app and interview | Yes (4 years with SAP) | ~10–12 per year; top academics/test scores + interview | December 1 |
| George S. Mickelson Scholarship | Full in-state tuition, fees, room, board (4 years) | SD seniors with top academics and leadership; essay + interview | Yes—separate app and interview | Yes (4 years with GPA/leadership) | ~8–10 per year; 3.8+ GPA, ACT 30+ superscore, strong essays | December 1 |
Disclaimer: Competitive scholarships at USD are limited and selective. Meeting GPA/test minimums does not guarantee selection. Interviews, essays, and committee review determine final recipients.
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 not—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? All require application/materials by December 1. Rawlins is automatic; Presidential Alumni and Mickelson require a separate scholarship app and interview.
Who actually wins? Students at the very top of their class—GPA 3.7–3.8+, ACT superscore 27–30+, strong essays and interviews, leadership/service, and top school standing.
How many are awarded? USD selects about 10–12 Presidential Alumni Scholars, 8–10 Mickelson Scholars, and a Rawlins award to one senior from each partner high school each year.
usd.edu/scholarships/
usd.edu/financial-aid/
petersons.com/scholarship/university-of-south-dakota-presidential-alumni-scholarship/
fastweb.com/college-scholarships/university-of-south-dakota-george-s-mickelson-scholarship/
collegereadyparent.org/college/university-of-south-dakota-scholarships/
usd.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/
collegedata.com/scholarship/george-s-mickelson-scholarship-institutional-aid-3391
🎖 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Tuition Scholarship | $4,000 total ($1,000/yr for 4 years) | Accepted into USD Honors Program (apply by Dec 1 for priority consideration). | No—automatic with Honors app | Yes — 3.2 GPA + 1 Honors course/semester + thesis progress | Most admitted Honors students who stay engaged and meet GPA/course load | December 1 (priority) |
| Rawlins Honors Scholarship | $1,000–$2,500/yr (up to 4 years) | Admitted to Honors; selection based on GPA/test score + essay/interview | Yes—supplemental review | Yes — 3.25+ GPA and active Honors | Smaller group per year (20–30) excelling in academics, leadership, service | December 1 |
FAQ
Is Honors admission automatic? No—students must apply and submit an essay; admission is competitive but common for 3.7+ GPA/27 ACT students.
Does Honors add time to a degree? No—courses substitute for electives. The thesis adds depth, not extra semesters.
What’s the deadline? December 1 is the priority application date for Honors and best scholarship consideration.
Is there extra funding? Yes—many students receive both tuition and Rawlins awards, plus grants for research/travel.
usd.edu/honors-program/
usd.edu/scholarships/
usd.edu/financial-aid/
usd.edu/honors-program/honors-tuition-scholarship
usd.edu/honors-program/rawlins-honors-scholarship
usd.edu/admissions/
fastweb.com/college-scholarships/university-of-south-dakota-rawlins-honors-scholarship
⭐ 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.