Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship
South Dakota Board of Regents
Up to two years of tuition and fees for South Dakota education majors in their final two years who commit to teach in South Dakota for five years.
- How much
- Up to tuition and generally applicable fees for 30 credit hours per year at an SD public institution
- Who qualifies
- Final two years of undergraduate study; fully admitted to a teacher education program at a participating SD institution; 5-year SD teaching commitment.
- For undergrads
- For education students
- US citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual; opens November 1, closes December 15.
- How to apply
- Apply on the SD Board of Regents Scholarship Portal between November 1 and December 15
- What you'll need
- state application + transcript
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (tdx.sdbor.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
State-funded program created by the Legislature in 2013. Eligibility: undergraduate in the final two years at a participating South Dakota institution, fully admitted to an elementary or secondary education program; minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA and 2.8 average in major coursework; US citizen or lawful permanent resident; written agreement to teach in a critical-need area in South Dakota for five years after graduating. Award is based on remaining financial need, available funding and the year's maximum, which is set at tuition and generally applicable fees for 30 credit hours at a South Dakota public institution (even at private schools). Students first awarded in their third year can renew for one more year (2.8 GPA, consecutive terms, full-time or satisfactory progress, new promissory note). For AY 2026-27 all K-12 teaching positions count as critical need. Participating: Black Hills State, Dakota State, Northern State, SDSU, USD, Augustana, Dakota Wesleyan, Mount Marty, University of Sioux Falls. Not all eligible applicants are selected.
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.