North dakota scholarships provide critical funding for students pursuing higher education in one of America’s most affordable college states. North Dakota residents benefit from state-funded merit awards, need-based grants, and institutional scholarships that can cover a significant portion of tuition costs. The average in-state tuition at North Dakota public universities runs about $7,707 per year. That is well below the national average of $8,964.
However, tuition is only one part of the total cost of attendance. This guide covers every major north dakota scholarships program available to state residents. You will find specific award amounts, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines. Whether you are a high school senior planning ahead or a current college student seeking additional funding, these programs can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses significantly.
North Dakota State-Funded Scholarships and Grants
The state of North Dakota funds several scholarship and grant programs through the North Dakota University System (NDUS). The flagship program is the North Dakota Scholarship. This merit-based award provides up to $6,000 total. Students receive $750 per semester or $1,500 per academic year. The scholarship is renewable for up to six years after high school graduation. Students must maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA and enroll full-time.
Starting with the graduating class of 2025, the North Dakota Scholarship uses new eligibility requirements. Students must demonstrate essential skills and meet two of three qualification pathways. These pathways are Post-Secondary Ready, Workforce Ready, and Military. For example, students can qualify through ACT scores combined with approved coursework. This replaced the former Academic and CTE scholarship tracks.
The North Dakota State Grant serves students with financial need. This program awards up to $1,375 per semester based on FAFSA results. In most cases, students must reapply each year by filing the FAFSA. A new Supplemental State Grant launched in 2025-26. It provides additional funding to State Grant recipients whose family income is $80,000 or less. Eligibility extends for up to eight semesters of undergraduate enrollment.
Top North Dakota Scholarships Programs
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Deadline | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Scholarship | Up to $6,000 ($750/semester) | Determined by high school graduation | ND resident, meet 2 of 3 pathways, 2.75 GPA renewal |
| North Dakota State Grant | Up to $1,375/semester | FAFSA filing deadline | ND resident, financial need via FAFSA |
| Supplemental State Grant | Varies (additional to State Grant) | FAFSA filing deadline | State Grant recipient, family income under $80,000 |
| ND Native American Scholarship | Varies | July 15 (priority) | ND resident, enrolled in federally recognized tribe, 2.0 GPA |
| North Dakota Community Foundation Scholarships | $500–$5,000 | Varies by fund | ND resident, varies by individual scholarship |
| NDSU Tuition Award Program | Tuition reduction | Varies | Admitted NDSU students, merit-based |
| North Dakota Dollars for Scholars | $500–$3,000 | Varies by chapter | ND high school seniors, community involvement |
| Bank of North Dakota STEM Scholarship | $2,000 | March annually | ND resident pursuing STEM degree |
The most competitive north dakota scholarships come from the North Dakota Community Foundation. This organization manages over 1,000 charitable funds across 69 community foundations statewide. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the specific fund. Students apply through the NDCF scholarship portal. Each fund has unique eligibility criteria based on geography, major, or background.
The ND Native American Scholarship deserves special attention. It supports students enrolled in federally recognized tribes. As a result, applicants must demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. They also need a minimum 2.0 GPA. The priority application deadline is July 15 each year. This program is administered through the North Dakota University System.
Cost of College in North Dakota
North Dakota offers some of the most affordable public university tuition in the nation. The average in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions is approximately $7,707. Compare that to the national average of $8,964 for in-state students. For out-of-state students, North Dakota averages $9,883. The national out-of-state average is $25,622. That difference makes north dakota scholarships even more powerful dollar-for-dollar.
At the state’s two flagship universities, costs are slightly higher but still competitive. North Dakota State University charges approximately $10,963 per year for in-state tuition and fees. The University of North Dakota costs about $10,951 annually for residents. However, total cost of attendance including room, board, and supplies averages $17,449 for on-campus students. Community colleges like Bismarck State College and Lake Region State College offer even lower tuition rates. Typically, two-year institutions charge between $4,000 and $5,500 per year.
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North Dakota FAFSA Tips and State Deadlines
Filing the FAFSA is the essential first step for all north dakota scholarships and grants. The federal application opens October 1 each year. North Dakota does not publish a hard state deadline. However, students should file as early as possible. In most cases, state grant funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until money runs out. Financial aid offices recommend filing by February for priority consideration.
The Bank of North Dakota provides free FAFSA completion assistance. They offer workshops and online resources to help families navigate the process. One important tip for North Dakota students is to list NDUS institutions on your FAFSA. This automatically sends your information to those schools for state grant consideration. You do not need a separate application for the North Dakota State Grant.
For the North Dakota Scholarship specifically, eligibility is determined by high school coursework and assessments. The FAFSA is not required for that program. However, filing it opens doors to the State Grant and federal Pell Grant simultaneously. As a result, every North Dakota student should complete the FAFSA regardless of income level.
Best North Dakota Universities for Financial Aid
The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks offers robust institutional scholarships stacked on top of state programs. UND provides automatic merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores. North Dakota State University in Fargo features the Tuition Award Program. This program reduces tuition costs for qualifying admitted students. Both schools participate fully in north dakota scholarships programs.
Minot State University stands out for generous institutional aid packages. The school actively recruits students with competitive financial offers. Dickinson State University and Valley City State University also provide strong merit-based institutional awards. These smaller institutions often have more scholarship dollars available per student. Typically, students at regional universities receive higher percentage coverage of their total costs.
Tribal colleges including United Tribes Technical College and Sitting Bull College offer additional funding layers. Students can stack tribal scholarships with north dakota scholarships and federal aid. For example, a student might receive the ND State Grant, a Pell Grant, and tribal education funding simultaneously. This combination can fully cover tuition at many tribal institutions.
How to Maximize North Dakota Scholarships
Start early by researching north dakota scholarships during your junior year of high school. Meet with your school counselor about the North Dakota Scholarship pathways. Complete the required coursework and assessments before graduation. The pathway requirements must be fulfilled during high school. You cannot qualify retroactively. Planning ahead ensures you meet all three potential pathways for maximum flexibility.
Apply to multiple programs simultaneously. The North Dakota Community Foundation alone manages dozens of individual scholarship funds. Many students overlook these smaller awards. However, several $1,000 scholarships add up quickly. Students looking for extra cash to cover textbooks or living expenses can also check out bank sign-up bonuses at Bonus Bank Daily for easy supplemental income.
File your FAFSA early every single year. North dakota scholarships eligibility can change annually based on your financial situation. The Supplemental State Grant is new and provides additional money for families earning under $80,000. Keep your GPA at or above 2.75 to maintain the North Dakota Scholarship renewal. Finally, consider the DEAL Student Loan from the Bank of North Dakota as a last resort. It charges zero fees and offers competitive rates for any remaining gap after north dakota scholarships are applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA do I need for the North Dakota Scholarship?
You need a 2.75 cumulative GPA to renew the North Dakota Scholarship each semester. However, initial eligibility is based on meeting pathway requirements during high school. These include coursework, assessments, and workforce readiness criteria.
Can I use north dakota scholarships at private colleges?
Yes, the North Dakota Scholarship can be used at approved private colleges and registered apprenticeship programs within the state. The North Dakota State Grant also applies to private and tribal colleges in North Dakota. However, you must be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution.
How much total financial aid can North Dakota students receive?
North Dakota students can stack multiple awards together. For example, the North Dakota Scholarship provides $1,500 per year. The State Grant adds up to $2,750 per year. Combined with federal Pell Grants of up to $7,395, students could receive over $11,000 annually in gift aid. Typically, total awards cannot exceed the institution’s cost of attendance.
Explore More Scholarship Resources
Looking for more scholarships, financial aid guides, and strategies to pay for college? Browse our complete library of scholarship resources.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on scholarships, financial aid, and federal student programs:
- Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov
- U.S. Department of Education: ed.gov
- College Board: collegeboard.org
- NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators): nasfaa.org
- NCES (National Center for Education Statistics): nces.ed.gov
- IRS Education Credits: irs.gov
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.