Reduced Tuition for South Dakota Educators
South Dakota Board of Regents
South Dakota teachers, vocational instructors and school counselors pay 50% of tuition for up to six credits a year at public universities.
- How much
- 50% of tuition, up to 6 credits per year
- Who qualifies
- Employed SD teacher, vocational instructor, school counselor or psychologist
- Credits required for employment or certification; 3.0 course grade to remain eligible.
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time Apply each term for the courses you take.
- How to apply
- Apply through the Reduced Tuition for Teachers application (sdbor.edu/educatorapplication)
- Your employer verifies employment and the university verifies your certificate and registers you
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (sdbor.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
SDCL 13-55-24 to 13-55-28 (updated 2024). South Dakota residents employed or contracted by an accredited South Dakota school or Head Start program as a teacher, vocational instructor, school counselor or psychologist, who need college credit as a condition of employment or to maintain certification, can take undergraduate or graduate courses at Board of Regents universities at 50% of tuition (100% of fees), for up to six credit hours per year, space available. Must earn a 3.0 average grade in the course to stay eligible. Cannot be combined with another reduced-tuition program (the larger benefit applies).
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.