South Dakota college grants and scholarships come from two main state programs: the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, a merit award of up to $7,500 over four years run by the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR), and the Freedom Scholarship, a need-based award that began in fall 2022 and is awarded by each participating college using your FAFSA. South Dakota has no large statewide need-based grant with a published award chart, so the FAFSA and your college’s aid office matter a great deal.
The Opportunity Scholarship has firm application dates, so if you are a senior planning to start in fall 2027, note the June 1 preferred and September 1 final deadlines now.
South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
SDBOR says the Opportunity Scholarship “provides up to $7,500 over four years to a qualifying student who attends an eligible higher education institution in South Dakota” (SDBOR, What is the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship?). It is funded from the state’s Education Enhancement Trust Fund.
How the award is paid
| Year of attendance | Annual award published by SDBOR |
|---|---|
| First year | $1,500 |
| Second year | $1,500 |
| Third year | $1,500 |
| Fourth year | $3,000 |
Half of each year’s award is paid at the start of fall and half at the start of spring. You can receive it for the equivalent of four academic years (eight consecutive fall and spring terms) or until you earn a bachelor’s degree. Note that the South Dakota Department of Education’s scholarships page still describes the program as “up to $6,500 over four years” (SD Department of Education, Scholarships); we use SDBOR’s figure because SDBOR administers the award.
Who qualifies
SDBOR says eligibility can be reached in one of two ways set by the Legislature:
- Option 1: ACT score plus GPA and high school curriculum requirements.
- Option 2: ACT score only.
The exact score, GPA and course thresholds are listed on SDBOR’s linked requirement pages; check them with your counselor. SDBOR notes that a super score must be an ACT-reported score, not one calculated by you, your parent, your school or a campus.
Opportunity Scholarship deadlines
| Starting term | Preferred date | Final date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | June 1 | September 1 |
| Spring | November 1 | January 15 |
You apply on the SD Board of Regents Scholarship Portal. Students who first attended an accredited college out of state and returned to South Dakota within two years of high school graduation (or of release from active military service) can apply using a separate returning-student application, but SDBOR says only a partial award is made in that case.
Where you can use it
SDBOR lists the regental universities (Black Hills State, Dakota State, Northern State, South Dakota Mines, South Dakota State and the University of South Dakota), the technical colleges (Lake Area, Mitchell, Southeast and Western Dakota) and private universities including Augustana, Dakota Wesleyan, Mount Marty and the University of Sioux Falls.
South Dakota Freedom Scholarship
The Department of Education says that beginning with the fall 2022 semester, “qualified South Dakota students may be eligible to receive a needs-based scholarship to attend a participating postsecondary institution located in the state.” It adds: “Each institution determines Freedom Scholarship recipients based on eligibility criteria including a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).”
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In practice that means there is no state portal for the Freedom Scholarship. You file the FAFSA, list your South Dakota colleges, and each participating college decides. Amounts and any service or residency commitment are set out in each college’s terms; read them before accepting.
Other state awards to know
The Department of Education also lists the Hagen-Harvey Scholarship, which provides $6,000 over four years at a South Dakota institution to enrolled members of American Indian tribes. SDBOR’s portal also handles Dakota Corps, Jump Start and Critical Teaching Needs scholarships; check SDBOR for each one’s rules.
How to apply
- File the 2027-28 FAFSA for fall 2027. It is required for the Freedom Scholarship and the Federal Pell Grant. Our guide on how to fill out the FAFSA walks through it.
- Take the ACT and send your scores so they appear as official ACT-reported results.
- Apply for the Opportunity Scholarship on the SDBOR Scholarship Portal by June 1 (preferred) for fall.
- Apply to your South Dakota colleges and ask each about the Freedom Scholarship.
- Check your college’s priority FAFSA date; our FAFSA deadlines guide explains why it matters.
A federal rule to know
For award years beginning on or after July 1, 2026, a student whose non-federal aid equals or exceeds the cost of attendance is not eligible for Pell, according to a June 4, 2026 Federal Student Aid electronic announcement. Report every scholarship to your aid office so your package is calculated correctly.
South Dakota checklist
- Check the Opportunity Scholarship ACT, GPA and curriculum options with your counselor.
- Take the ACT in time for an official score.
- Apply on the SDBOR portal by June 1 for fall (final September 1).
- File the 2027-28 FAFSA.
- Ask each college about the Freedom Scholarship and its conditions.
- Plan for the fourth-year Opportunity award, which doubles to $3,000.
Questions South Dakota families ask
Can I use the Opportunity Scholarship at a private college?
Yes. SDBOR lists private universities including Augustana, Dakota Wesleyan, Mount Marty and the University of Sioux Falls among the participating institutions, along with the regental universities and technical colleges.
What if I miss the June 1 preferred date?
SDBOR accepts fall applications until September 1. June 1 is the preferred date, so aim for it, but a later application can still be considered if it arrives by the final date.
Why is the fourth-year award larger?
SDBOR’s schedule pays $1,500 in each of the first three years and $3,000 in the fourth. Staying enrolled and eligible all four years is how you collect the full $7,500.
Can I lose the Opportunity Scholarship after I start?
Yes. Continuing eligibility is checked by your college each term, and SDBOR provides an exemption request form for students seeking a waiver of the credit-hour thresholds or persistence requirements, plus a reinstatement form under state law. Ask your aid office early if you expect to fall short.
Who runs the Freedom Scholarship at my college?
The Department of Education says each participating institution determines Freedom Scholarship recipients. Ask your college’s financial aid office whether it participates, how it ranks applicants and what FAFSA date it uses.
Where to go next
Compare South Dakota with other states in our guide to state grants for college, and use our free scholarship finder for private and local awards. SDBOR can be reached at (605) 773-3455.