Apply for Scholarships
First-time freshman and transfer scholarships are awarded through the Admissions Office.
The scholarship application for new incoming students enrolling in the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 is now available in the MyState portal. Priority for Summer and Fall 2025 is given to applications received on or before Dec. 1, 2024.
Scholarship Application — Start Term Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025 AND Spring 2026
In MyState, go to your Dashboard tab. Then look for the Scholarship Application section to access the 2025-2026 Incoming First-Time and Transfer Student Scholarship Application.
Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship Program
The Jackrabbit Guarantee is a commitment by SDSU to award a minimum academic scholarship award to qualifying students. No scholarship application is required to receive the Jackrabbit Guarantee amount. This financial promise is made based on a student's high school GPA or a combination of high school GPA and ACT composite score, ACT superscore, or SAT composite score. Minimum scholarships may increase based on improved high school GPA, ACT or SAT scores received by Aug. 1* prior to the fall semester a student is starting, or Dec. 1 prior to the spring semester a student is starting.
Scholarship awards which fulfill the Jackrabbit Guarantee Program commitment vary by name. For example, you may see Yellow and Blue Scholarship, John Doe Scholarship, etc. listed in your award information.
*ACT or SAT scores utilized for minimum scholarship consideration must be completed during high school or during the summer immediately following high school graduation. For students starting in the fall semester, scores must be submitted to SDSU by Aug. 1 to qualify for consideration for scholarship awards. For students starting in the spring semester, scores must be submitted to SDSU by December 1 to qualify for consideration for scholarship awards.
Eligibility
The grid below shows qualifying scores and guaranteed award amounts for first-time freshmen enrolling Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
| TEST SCORES | ACT | 32+ | 28 | 26 | 24 | 22 | No test score or lower than 22 ACT or 1100 SAT |
| SAT | 1420+ | 1300 | 1230 | 1160 | 1100 | ||
| GPA | 4.00+ | $4,000 | $4,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| 3.90 | $4,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | |
| 3.75 | $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $1,500 | $1,500 | |
| 3.50 | $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| 3.25 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| 3.00 | $2,000 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Scholarships in support of the Jackrabbit Guarantee Program
Dian and Harlan Stai Honors Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors from South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Students are chosen for Stai Honors through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement. Stai Honors recipients will be required to participate in the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.
Dian and Harlan Stai Honors Access Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors from South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Students are chosen for Stai Honors through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 26 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement. Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and qualify as Pell Grant Eligible. Stai Honors Access recipients will be required to participate in the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.
Elma and Dolores Haver Scholarship
Amount: Amount will cover the cost of attendance, which will vary each semester. Renewable for a total of four years.
Eligibility: Awarded annually to one outstanding high school senior based on academics. Student must be a first-time, full-time student enrolling in any major. Preference will be given to students from the Irene-Wakonda school district. Student must have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, a 22 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent) and demonstrate financial need based on the FAFSA application. Student will be selected through a competitive interview selection process.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
Elton D. Schafer Scholarship
Amount: $2,000–$5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $8,000–$20,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors from South Dakota each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Student must major in biochemistry, chemistry, physics or computer science. Students are chosen through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.
J. Lohr Scholars
Amount: $5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding South Dakota high school seniors each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Student must major in one of the following: agricultural and biosystems engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering. Students are chosen as Lohr Scholars through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.
J&J Sisco Scholarship (Beca J&J Sisco)
Amount: Tuition and mandatory fees per year; renewable for a total of four years.
Eligibility:
- A student that has lived in Mexico.
- A student that has knowledge of the Spanish language.
- A student that has knowledge of Mexican culture.
- A student demonstrating financial need.
- A student that is an incoming student.
First preference shall be given to a first-generation student that meets the above criteria. The scholarship shall be used to cover the cost of tuition and fees. The scholarship is renewable as long as the student remains eligible and in good academic standing. Students will be chosen through a selection process that could include an interview.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
Traducción en español:
Qué Cubre?: El costo de matrícula y las cuotas obligatorias de cada año; renovable por un máximo de cuatro años.
Requisitos de Elegibilidad:
- Un estudiante que haya vivido en México.
- Un estudiante que tenga conocimientos del idioma español.
- Un estudiante que tenga conocimientos de la cultura mexicana.
- Un estudiante que demuestre necesidad financiera.
- Un estudiante que sea estudiante entrante.
Se dará primera preferencia a un estudiante de primera generación que cumpla con los criterios anteriores. La beca se utilizará para cubrir el costo de la matrícula y las cuotas obligatorias. La beca es renovable siempre que el estudiante siga siendo elegible y tenga buen desempeño académico. Los estudiantes serán elegidos mediante un proceso de selección que podría incluir una entrevista.
Para Solicitar la Beca: Complete la Solicitud de Becas Académicas.
John F. and Lela F. Sandfort Scholarship
Amount: $5,000–$7,500 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000–$30,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Student must major within the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. Students are chosen through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.
Klingbeil Scholars Scholarship
Amount: $10,000, renewable for four years for a total of $40,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors based on academics and extracurricular activities. Student must major in Agriculture Systems Technology or Agronomy or Precision Agriculture. Students are chosen through a competitive selection process that could include an interview. At a minimum, students selected for consideration must have a 22 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.5 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
National Merit Finalists
Amount: $8,500 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $34,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to National Merit Finalists. This replaces, and is not in addition to, the National Merit Semifinalist award.
To apply: No application necessary. Automatically awarded upon confirmation of National Merit Finalist status.
National Merit Semifinalists
Amount: $5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to National Merit Semifinalists. The award is increased to $8,500 per year upon advancement to Finalist status.
To apply: No application necessary. Automatically awarded upon confirmation of National Merit Semifinalist status.
Schellpeper Family Scholarship
Amount: Progressive amount — $2,000 first year, $3,000 second year, $4,000 third year, $5,000 fourth year for a total of $14,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Student must major in a health science career field. At a minimum, students selected must have a 26 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.5 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
SDSU Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Amounts vary.
Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Students are chosen as Foundation Scholars through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.
Stephen F. Briggs Scholarship
Amount: $6,500 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $26,000.
Eligibility: Briggs scholarships are awarded to new freshmen each year, half to students majoring in engineering and half to students in all other majors. Students are chosen as Briggs Scholars through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.
Wokini Scholarships
Amount: $5,000 per year, renewable for five years for a total of $25,000.
Eligibility: Students who are tribally enrolled in a federally recognized tribe in the United States, including Alaskan Natives, are eligible for the Wokini scholarship.
To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application by Aug. 1 if starting the fall semester and December 1 if starting the spring semester.
Additional Scholarships
Jackrabbit Journey Scholarship
Amount: $500–$1,500 first year only
Eligibility: Available for any student who enrolls as a full-time, first-time freshman and has successfully completed (grade of C or above) Dual Credit courses from SDSU.
- 1-6 credit hours = $500;
- 7-12 credit hours = $1,000; or
- 13 or more credit hours = $1,500
To apply: No application necessary.
South Dakota Boys and Girls State Officer Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 first year only
Eligibility: Awarded to students elected to a state level officer position while attending South Dakota Boys and Girls State. Elected officer positions are determined by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.
To apply: No application necessary.