North Dakota State Grant
North Dakota University System
Need-based grant of up to $1,375 per semester for North Dakota residents earning a first undergraduate degree in the state; FAFSA only.
- How much
- Up to $1,375 per semester or $917 per quarter (2026-27)
- Who qualifies
- ND resident who graduated from an ND high school (or qualifying bordering-state high school), completed supervised ND home education, or earned an ND GED; first undergraduate degree; at least 3 credits; eligible program at an accredited ND institution.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Apply any time FAFSA-driven; awards made until funds run out, so file the FAFSA as soon as it opens (around Oct 1).
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA every year as soon as it opens (generally Oct 1), listing your high school name, city and state
- No separate state application
- Funding is limited, so apply early
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (ndus.edu) and page 2
The details
Also called the Student Financial Assistance Program. Non-repayable need-based grant for ND residents who are first-time undergraduates in an eligible program at a qualifying ND public, tribal or private institution (programs of at least two years). Awards use an unmet-need formula from FAFSA data, institutional costs and federal aid, and are made until funds run out. Up to $1,375 per semester or $917 per quarter, pro-rated for less than full-time (at least 3 credits required). Lifetime limit: 8 semesters / 12 quarters of full-time-equivalent undergraduate enrollment or a first bachelor's degree. Reapply each year with the FAFSA.
More money from North Dakota
- 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
- North Dakota Scholars ProgramFull undergraduate tuition (NDUS rate at 15 credits per semester)
- 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.