Build Dakota Scholarship
Build Dakota Scholarship Fund / South Dakota technical colleges
Full-ride scholarship (tuition, fees, books, tools) for high-need programs at South Dakota's four technical colleges, in exchange for working in the field in South Dakota for three years.
- How much
- Full ride: tuition, fees, books and required program expenses
- Who qualifies
- New student in a Build Dakota-eligible program at a SD technical college; 3-year SD work commitment in the field of study.
- For students starting college, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For high-need technical programs (nursing, engineering technology, automotive, ag technology, etc.) students
- US citizen or US national
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual; opens January 1, closes March 31; notification by June 30.
- How to apply
- Apply for admission to the technical college, then complete that college's Build Dakota application (one per college) between January 1 and March 31, and file the FAFSA
- Applicants are notified by June 30
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (builddakotascholarships.com), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
Public-private program started in 2015 with a $25 million gift from T. Denny Sanford matched by the South Dakota Future Fund (state), renewed in 2020 with contributions led by the Governor and industry partners. Covers tuition, fees, books, equipment, technology and tools required by the program (not housing or living costs) in eligible high-need programs at Lake Area Tech, Mitchell Tech, Southeast Tech and Western Dakota Tech. Requirements: accepted into an eligible program as a new student; US citizen or national; FAFSA. Selection by each college/industry partner considers GPA, work experience, high school CTE, certifications, financial need and capacity; about 600 scholarships a year (roughly half of applicants). Recipients must enroll full time, keep a 2.5 cumulative GPA, finish on time and follow attendance policy. One award per person.
More money from South Dakota
- South Dakota Opportunity ScholarshipUp to $7,500 over four years ($1,500 in years 1-3, $3,000 in year 4)
- South Dakota Need-Based Grant (Needs Based Scholarship)$500 to $2,000
- Jump Start Scholarship$1,500 (first year only, split between fall and spring)
- Reduced Tuition for Residents 65 and Older45% off tuition
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming
- 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.