At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- Up to $7,500 over four years: $1,500 annually in years one–three and $3,000 year four, normally split fall/spring. Eligible return transfers can receive a partial award; participation ends at four academic years/eight consecutive fall-spring terms or bachelor’s completion.As of Oct 16, 2026 · South Dakota Board of Regents ↗
- Income / financial rules
- This is merit qualification: one route combines test, curriculum and GPA, while the higher-test route waives initial curriculum/GPA requirements. Neither route is a single household-income test.As of Oct 16, 2026 · South Dakota Board of Regents ↗
- Who to check first
- Be a South Dakota resident at high-school graduation and attend an eligible accredited in-state institution. Enter within five years after graduation, with a named active-duty release exception; qualifying out-of-state return transfers have a two-year window and continuing-eligibility conditions.As of Oct 16, 2026 · South Dakota Board of Regents ↗
- Application timing
- Initial fall: preferred June 1, final September 1. Initial spring: preferred November 1, final January 15. These recurring dates have no sourced year here; confirm the intended term and category.As of Oct 16, 2026 · South Dakota Board of Regents ↗
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
- 1Use the SD Board of Regents Scholarship Portal for initial eligibility and submit requested supporting records; returning out-of-state transfers use their applicable category, not an assumption of a fresh four-year award.As of Oct 16, 2026 · South Dakota Board of Regents ↗
- 2Follow the initial term’s preferred/final application dates and campus continuing-credit checks. Continuing awardees do not need another application but must meet renewal conditions each semester.As of Oct 16, 2026 · South Dakota Board of Regents ↗As of Oct 16, 2026 · South Dakota Board of Regents ↗
What to watch for
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
Up to $7,500 over four years: $1,500 annually in years one–three and $3,000 year four, normally split fall/spring. Eligible return transfers can receive a partial award; participation ends at four academic years/eight consecutive fall-spring terms or bachelor’s completion.
Is there an income limit?
This is merit qualification: one route combines test, curriculum and GPA, while the higher-test route waives initial curriculum/GPA requirements. Neither route is a single household-income test.
When should I apply?
Initial fall: preferred June 1, final September 1. Initial spring: preferred November 1, final January 15. These recurring dates have no sourced year here; confirm the intended term and category.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.