South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
South Dakota Board of Regents
Merit scholarship of up to $7,500 over four years for South Dakota high school graduates who meet ACT/GPA/curriculum requirements and attend an eligible South Dakota college.
- How much
- Up to $7,500 over four years ($1,500 in years 1-3, $3,000 in year 4)
- Who qualifies
- South Dakota resident at high school graduation; ACT 24+ with curriculum and 3.0 GPA, or ACT 28+ alone; enter within 5 years of high school graduation; attend a participating South Dakota institution.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Open now · due January 15, 2027 Rolling; for fall entry preferred June 1, final September 1; for spring entry preferred November 1, final January 15.
- How to apply
- Apply on the SD Board of Regents Scholarship Portal and send your final official high school transcript and qualifying ACT (or SAT) scores
- Preferred: June 1 for fall entry, November 1 for spring entry
- Final deadlines September 1 (fall) and January 15 (spring)
- What you'll need
- state application + transcript + test scores
The details
Funded by the state's Education Enhancement Trust Fund. Paid $1,500 in each of the first three years and $3,000 in the fourth year (half each fall and spring), for up to eight consecutive fall/spring terms or until a bachelor's degree. Two ways to qualify: Option 1 - ACT composite or super score of 24+ (or SAT 1180+), the required high school curriculum with no final grade below C, and a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0; Option 2 - ACT 28+ (or SAT 1310+) with no curriculum or GPA requirement (GED holders qualify only through Option 2). Must be a South Dakota resident at high school graduation and enter the program within 5 years of high school graduation (or within 1 year of release from active duty, if within 5 years of graduation). Renewal: keep a cumulative 3.0 college GPA (one reinstatement allowed), complete consecutive fall and spring terms, and hit 30/60/90 earned credit-hour benchmarks. Usable at the six public universities, four technical colleges and Augustana, Dakota Wesleyan, Mount Marty and the University of Sioux Falls. Students who started out of state and return within two years of high school graduation can receive a partial award.
More money from South Dakota
- 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
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