Scholarships
NDSCS offered over $1.4 million in scholarships to NDSCS students in 2024-2025. Scholarships are funded by the NDSCS Foundation through generous contributions from alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends of NDSCS.
Scholarships are a valuable asset in your college investment. They not only reduce the cost of your education – since they don’t need to be repaid – but also acknowledge and celebrate your hard work and dedication.
Scholarships are offered through various sources, so it’s important to be proactive and start your search early each year.
How to Apply for Scholarships at NDSCS
NDSCS simplifies the scholarship application process for new students by incorporating it directly into the admission application. To ensure you're considered for NDSCS scholarships, be sure to complete the scholarship application section!
Returning students need to submit a quick and easy scholarship application each academic year to be eligible for consideration.
There isn’t a deadline to submit the NDSCS Scholarship application, however, students that apply the earliest and meet scholarship criteria have the best chance at obtaining scholarship(s).
NDSCS Academic Scholarship
NDSCS offers a general academic scholarship for incoming new students who graduated from high school in the spring before the upcoming academic year. Students may qualify if the following criteria are met, and funding is available:
- An ACT score of 26 or a 3.6 GPA = $2,000 for the academic year
- An ACT score in-between 22-25 or GPA in the 3.2-3.6 range = $1,000 for the academic year
Awards from this scholarship are based on the date of application and a set amount of funding, therefore, students that apply the earliest and meet scholarship criteria have the best chance at obtaining a scholarship.
NDSCS STEM Scholarship
This scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or math-related program. The Science of Success STEM Scholarship Program offers financial assistance of up to $10,000 per year.
Review STEM Scholarship details and apply here
ND Career Builders
Through the ND Career Builders program, students can receive a scholarship on the front end, loan repayment on the back end, or both, for their commitment to fill a high-demand occupation. This innovative partnership provides $1 of state funds for each $1 of private-sector matching funds, up to a total of $17,000 per recipient! The program is a tool to keep our talent in North Dakota and help businesses recruit employees in high-demand occupations. It is a win-win for students, businesses, and the state! Learn more about the ND Career Builders requirements.
NDSCS Opportunity Waiver
Pursuant to SBHE Policy 820, NDSCS may offer a tuition waiver in the amount of $800 for the academic year to students meeting certain eligibility requirements.
Opportunity Waivers are intended to encourage enrollment of a culturally diverse student body for the benefit of all students and the academic community.
Eligibility
To be considered for this waiver, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Be a student from a culturally diverse group
• Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• Demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at NDSCS
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Applicants must complete the Opportunity Waiver application and submit a written statement addressing the following:
• How your personal experiences make you a strong candidate for this waiver.
• Your career goals and how you have overcome adversity in achieving your goals thus far.
• Your achievements and any additional information that supports your application.
Applicants with Tribal Affiliation must upload enrollment documentation with their written statement.
Click here to complete the Opportunity Waiver application.
Additional Aid for North Dakota Students
The state of North Dakota provides aid to high-achieving students, including:
- North Dakota Scholars Program
- North Dakota Scholarship
- North Dakota Dollars for Scholars (New and Returning Students)
- North Dakota Dual-Credit Tuition Scholarship
- North Dakota Native American Scholarship Program
- North Dakota Board of Nursing – Nursing Ed Loan
- North Dakota Association of Counties
VA Education Benefits
VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members pay for college. Click here for more information regarding VA benefits.
Where to Send Non-NDSCS Scholarship Checks
Students that receive non-NDSCS Scholarships should be mailed to:
NDSCS Financial Aid
800 6th Street N
Wahpeton, ND 58076
If you have questions regarding how your scholarship may impact your financial aid you have received, please contact NDSCS Financial Aid.
Other Outside Organizations
Organizations that are not affiliated with NDSCS can be a great source of funding for your education. High school students -- ask your school counselor about awards for graduating seniors.
You may find scholarships or other forms of financial assistance through:
- Local branches of organizations such as the Rotary Club or Kiwanis
- Your place of worship or other religious communities
- Local businesses
- Your parents’ employers
- Your employer
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are designed to assist students with the affordability of their college education and assist businesses with recruiting and retaining qualified employees for industries that are experiencing a workforce shortage. Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Scholarship Databases
Use the scholarship search engines listed below to research and apply for many scholarships
Make sure scholarship information and offers you receive are legitimate – remember – you should not have to pay to get scholarships or other financial aid.