North Dakota scholarships and grants
Every program the state of North Dakota runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Show service scholarships (1) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
Nursing Education Scholarship (NES) Program
Not published (one-time award per degree level)North Dakota Board of Nursing
Open now · due October 31, 2026One-time scholarship per degree level for ND residents in a board-approved nursing program (LPN through doctorate) or a nurse refresher course.
- What it takes: state application + essay + transcript
- For undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For nursing students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP)
Varies by school and program (WICHE support fee, or contract formula)North Dakota University System
Open now · due October 15, 2026State support payments that cut tuition for ND residents in dentistry, optometry or veterinary medicine at participating out-of-state schools.
- What it takes: state application
- For grad students
- For dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
North Dakota State Grant
Up to $1,375 per semester or $917 per quarter (2026-27)North Dakota University System
Apply any timeNeed-based grant of up to $1,375 per semester for North Dakota residents earning a first undergraduate degree in the state; FAFSA only.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Dual-Credit Tuition Scholarship
$250 (one course), $500 (two), $750 (three or more); one-timeNorth Dakota University System
Apply any timeOne-time $250-$750 for ND college students who passed dual-credit courses in high school.
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For undergrads, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
North Dakota Scholars Program
Full undergraduate tuition (NDUS rate at 15 credits per semester)North Dakota University System
Apply any timeFull-tuition merit scholarship for top ND test scorers (ACT 30+ or SAT equivalent) who earn their first bachelor's degree in North Dakota.
- What it takes: test scores
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Supplemental State Grant
Varies; may not exceed regular undergraduate tuition after Pell Grant and State GrantNorth Dakota University System
Apply any timeExtra need-based grant (new in 2025-26) for ND State Grant recipients with family income of $80,000 or less.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
North Dakota Scholarship
$6,000 total: $750 per semester, $500 per quarter, clock-hour term or apprenticeship termNorth Dakota University System
Opens later$6,000 merit scholarship ($750 a semester) for ND high school graduates who meet Choice Ready coursework, GPA and test requirements and study in ND.
- What it takes: state application + transcript + test scores
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- Usual timing: Annual; DPI application due in early June of senior year (June 5 for the class of 2026).
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
State Para-to-Teacher Program (PTP)
Up to $20,000 total (max $380 per credit for 2026-27)North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
Open now · due June 30, 2027Tuition scholarship of up to $20,000 for paraprofessionals working in ND schools to earn a bachelor's degree and teaching license.
- Who it's for: Paraprofessional employed in a North Dakota school
- What it takes: state application + recommendation
- For undergrads, adults going back to school
- For education students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Law Enforcement Officer Tuition and Fees Waiver
25% of resident tuition and fees (after grants and scholarships)North Dakota Office of Attorney General / North Dakota University System
Apply any time25% off resident tuition and fees at NDUS colleges for full-time, licensed ND law enforcement officers with 2+ years of service.
- Who it's for: Full-time licensed North Dakota law enforcement officer with at least 2 years of employment
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For undergrads, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
ND Dependent Tuition Waiver (Veterans' Dependents)
Full tuition and fees at ND state colleges and universitiesNorth Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs / North Dakota University System
Apply any timeFree tuition and fees at ND public colleges for dependents of ND veterans killed in action, 100% service-connected disabled, POW or MIA.
- Who it's for: Dependent (child, stepchild, spouse, widow/widower) of a veteran killed in action, 100% service-connected disabled, POW or MIA
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
North Dakota National Guard State Tuition Assistance
Tuition waiver (35% at state schools by statute) plus state reimbursement; up to 100% of tuition combined with Federal TANorth Dakota National Guard (Office of the Adjutant General)
Apply any timeTuition waiver plus state reimbursement for ND National Guard members at ND public and participating private colleges (also some out-of-state/online study).
- Who it's for: Member of the North Dakota Army or Air National Guard
- What it takes: state application + membership + transcript
- For undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tuition Waiver for Survivors of Firefighters, EMS Personnel and Peace Officers
Full tuition and fees at ND state colleges and universities (up to 45 months / 10 semesters)North Dakota University System
Apply any timeFree tuition and fees at ND public colleges for the spouse and children (under 21) of ND firefighters, EMS personnel and peace officers killed in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Surviving spouse or child of an ND firefighter, EMS worker or peace officer who died in the line of duty
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Native American Scholarship
Up to $2,000 per yearNorth Dakota University System
Check datesUp to $2,000 a year for ND residents who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe, awarded on merit (3.5+ GPA) or need (2.0-3.499).
- Who it's for: Enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA + transcript + membership
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.