SDSU is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best universities in the nation. In addition, the Carnegie Foundation has ranked SDSU as the number one research institution in the state. There is no denying the fact that college is an investment. The return you get back from it is invaluable – especially at SDSU.
SDSU is proud to say that we make our educational opportunities accessible and affordable for all students by offering one of the lowest tuition rates in the US for international (non-residents of South Dakota) students. We also do not require the SAT or ACT to qualify for up to a $3,000 award, which you can renew for up to four years!
SDSU offers the Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship
The Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship is open to all first-time freshman undergraduate applicants who enroll at the main campus in Brookings. You do not need to submit a separate application – we will include your scholarship with your letter of admission! Awards are made according to the following scale for the 2024-2025 academic year:
| 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 | $1,500 | $1,500 | |
| 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 |
External Funding Opportunities
The following links will also help you explore the potential of receiving aid from sources not connected with SDSU:
- Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund – This grant supports the education of women from developing countries who are committed to improving the lives of women and children in developing nations. Previous grant recipients studied agriculture, architecture and urban planning, civil engineering, education, forestry, journalism, nursing, nutrition, pediatrics, public administration, public health, social sciences and social work.
- Dr. Gombojab Hangin Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is to be given to a student of Mongolian heritage, defined as an individual of Mongolian ethnic origin, who has permanent residency in Mongolia, the People's Republic of China, or the former Soviet Union to pursue studies in the U.S. The amount of the award may be up to $2,400. The award does not include transportation from the recipient's country to the U.S., nor does it include board and lodging at the university where the recipient will study. The recipient will receive the scholarship monies in one lump sum after enrollment in the scholarship holder's institution in the U.S.
- Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship Program – This program is designed to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. The Academic-Year scholarship is for one regular academic year (usually nine months) of full-time study at an institution assigned by the Rotary Foundation Trustees. Applicants must have completed at least two years of university or college course work or must have a secondary school education and have been employed in a recognized vocation for at least two years when the scholarship begins. All applicants must be citizens of a country in which there is a Rotary club. Applicants must initially apply through a Rotary club located in the area of their legal or permanent residence or place of full-time study or employment.
- Aga Khan Foundation – The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies, in order to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July. The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master's level courses but is willing to consider applications for Ph.D. programs, only in the case of outstanding students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a Ph.D. for the fulfillment of their career objectives (academic or research-oriented).
- American Association of University Women – AAUW has a long and distinguished history of advancing educational and professional opportunities for women in the United States and around the globe. One of the world's largest sources of funding for graduate women, AAUW is providing more than $4.3 million in funding for more than 278 fellowships and grants to outstanding women and nonprofit organizations in the 2012-13 academic year. Due to the longstanding, generous contributions of AAUW members, a broader community of women continues to gain access to educational and economic opportunities — breaking through barriers so that all women have a fair chance.
- WU Scholars – a global scholarship program from the Western Union Foundation - is designed to support young people around the world in their efforts to pursue a post-secondary undergraduate education. Scholars will receive a $2,500 USD Scholarship. Eligibility: Students must be seeking an undergraduate degree in one of the following categories: science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), or business/entrepreneurship. The application requires a letter of recommendation and an academic transcript.
- EduPass – How much does a U.S. education cost and how will you pay for it? Find the answers here, plus the best sources of financial aid for international students.
- Fastweb – Create a personal profile and Fastweb will find scholarships that may be appropriate for you.
- NAFSA – General Information on how to find scholarships and grants.
- Nursing Scholarships for International Students – A collection of both undergraduate and graduate scholarships for international students who wish to pursue nursing.
- The Paul and Daisy Soros Foundation – The purpose of The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is to provide opportunities for continuing generations of able and accomplished New Americans to achieve leadership in their chosen fields. The Program is established in recognition of the contributions New Americans have made to American life and in gratitude for the opportunities the U.S. has afforded the donors and their families.
- U.S. Education Guide – Information on scholarships, student loans, grants and other funding possibilities for your U.S. studies.
- U.S. Journal of Academics – Will provide steps in locating potential scholarships and grants.
- Vietnam Education Foundation – The Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) is an independent federal agency created by the U.S. Congress and funded annually by the U.S. Government. Its mission is to strengthen the U.S. - Vietnam bilateral relationship through educational exchanges in science and technology.
- World Wide Learn – A resource to help international students learn of potential scholarship and grant opportunities.
- International Scholarships – Free online scholarship database for international students wishing to study worldwide.
- General resource site for international students.
- Organization of American States interest-free loans to qualified citizens from Latin America and Caribbean countries to help them finance their higher education or research at accredited institutions in the U.S.