North Dakota Scholars Program
North Dakota University System
Full-tuition merit scholarship for top ND test scorers (ACT 30+ or SAT equivalent) who earn their first bachelor's degree in North Dakota.
- How much
- Full undergraduate tuition (NDUS rate at 15 credits per semester)
- Who qualifies
- ND high school graduate; ACT composite 30+ (or SAT equivalent) from the junior-year window; first bachelor's degree at an ND institution; renewal requires 3.5 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Apply any time Annual; qualifying test must be taken July 1-June 30 of junior year; offers emailed in fall of senior year.
- How to apply
- Take the ACT or SAT by June 30 of your junior year and have scores reported to NDUS
- Selected students are emailed during senior year and must accept the offer
- What you'll need
- test scores
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (ndus.edu) and page 2
The details
No application: NDUS ranks ND students who scored at least a 30 ACT composite (or SAT equivalent) on a test taken between July 1 and June 30 of their junior year, by composite, then sum of scale scores, then English + math, and awards in rank order until funds run out (about 30 new awards a year). Award equals regular undergraduate tuition at 15 credits per semester under the NDUS charges schedule (at private colleges, capped at the highest NDUS undergraduate tuition or actual tuition). Usable at ND public, tribal or private colleges with programs of at least two years. Renewable for up to 8 semesters / 12 quarters or a bachelor's degree with a 3.5 cumulative college GPA and full-time (12+ credits) enrollment. Students who first attend out of state cannot be reinstated.
More money from North Dakota
- North Dakota State GrantUp to $1,375 per semester or $917 per quarter (2026-27)
- North Dakota Scholarship$6,000 total: $750 per semester, $500 per quarter, clock-hour term or apprenticeship term
- Dual-Credit Tuition Scholarship$250 (one course), $500 (two), $750 (three or more); one-time
- Nursing Education Scholarship (NES) ProgramNot published (one-time award per degree level)
- Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP)Varies by school and program (WICHE support fee, or contract formula)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.