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North Dakota · Grants & scholarships

North Dakota State Grant

Need-based undergraduate aid at qualifying North Dakota institutions, with annual FAFSA renewal and specific ND schooling/residency routes.

Free if eligibleSources checked Oct 16, 2026View sources ↓Compare related routes ↓
Students & families · General optionAdult learners · General optionLow-income learners · Explicitly served

At a glance

Free if eligible
What it covers
Non-repayable need-based aid of up to $1,375 per semester or $917 per quarter, adjusted for enrollment, for qualifying first-time undergraduates.
Income / financial rules
Financial need is assessed through the FAFSA. This base grant is distinct from the Supplemental State Grant, which has its own total-family-income test.
Who to check first
Be a North Dakota resident and pursue an eligible programme at a qualifying accredited ND public, Tribal or private institution with programmes at least two years long. At least quarter-time enrollment is required.
Application timing
Reapply annually through the FAFSA as soon as the application opens; limited funding makes early filing advisable. The source does not give a single full-year final filing date.
Read official guidanceYou’ll leave FreeCheapEdu. The program makes the eligibility decision.

Check your eligibility

Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.

How to apply

  1. 1
    Complete the FAFSA each year as soon as that year’s application opens, and ensure the high-school name, city and state are recorded.
  2. 2
    For home education, send the final high-school transcript and required Statement of Intent to Homeschool; for an ND GED, send the final earned GED certificate. Ask NDUS about bordering-state or disability exceptions.
  3. 3
    Have the institution confirm your award and enrollment. Total state aid is limited by cost of attendance after other federal, institutional, Tribal and outside grants or scholarships.

What to watch for

Apply early: funding is limited. The maximum is not an automatic award, and the enrollment/time limits still apply.
If total cost of attendance is exceeded, state aid must be reduced or cancelled for the term. An out-of-state school is not generally covered merely because you live in ND.

Common questions

What is the main benefit?

Non-repayable need-based aid of up to $1,375 per semester or $917 per quarter, adjusted for enrollment, for qualifying first-time undergraduates.

Is there an income limit?

Financial need is assessed through the FAFSA. This base grant is distinct from the Supplemental State Grant, which has its own total-family-income test.

When should I apply?

Reapply annually through the FAFSA as soon as the application opens; limited funding makes early filing advisable. The source does not give a single full-year final filing date.

Sources & verification

Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.

North Dakota State Grant
North Dakota University System
Checked Oct 16, 2026
Read official guidance