North Dakota offers a wide variety of financial aid to prospective college students. Along with the state grant program, there are many scholarships available. North Dakota also offers a Teacher Shortage Loan Forgiveness Program for students seeking a degree in education.
The last thing you want to worry about when planning for college is how you’re going to pay for it. Scholarships are obviously the easiest way to pay for tuition. Many are offered that pertain to certain schools, and others may only be available to students seeking a degree in a certain field. We hope the list below will be valuable in your search.
1. Anna B. Spangler Memorial Scholarship
Featured Programs
Established in Anna B. Spangler’s memory by 5 of her nieces, this scholarship is for upper-level (beginning juniors or seniors) females pursuing a four-year degree. Only available through Valley City State University, the student must be majoring in business. The award is for $250. The applicant must show financial need, and a financial application must be on file with the university.
You can learn more about the Anna B. Spangler Memorial Scholarship here.
Related Resource: 35 Top Bachelor’s in Accounting Degrees
2. John P. Windish, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
This $1000 scholarship was established by a North Dakota Engineering firm, with offices in Valley City, and the Windish family. John Windish was a lifelong resident of Barnes County. The award is available to upper-class (beginning juniors or seniors) students showing academic promise and financial need. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be currently attending one of North Dakota’s colleges. Preference is shown to residents of Barnes County.
3. North Dakota Academic Scholarships
This award is available to eligible applicants attending any approved North Dakota public, private, or tribal schools. Applicants must take 12 credit hours the first two semesters and 15 credit hours for the remaining semesters. They must have a 3.0 GPA, and they may not have a C or lower in their required program of study. A composite score of 24 is required on the ACT. The scholarship is awarded at $750 per semester.
You can learn more about the North Dakota Academic Scholarships here.
4. North Dakota Career & Technical Education Scholarships
This award is available to eligible applicants attending any approved North Dakota public, private, or tribal schools. Applicants must take 12 credit hours the first two semesters and 15 credit hours for the remaining semesters. They must have a 3.0 GPA, and they may not have a C or lower in their required program of study. A composite score of 24 is required on the ACT. The scholarship is awarded at $750 per semester.
5. North Dakota Indian Scholarships
Applicants that are federally recognized as belonging to an Indian tribe and having a 2.0 GPA are eligible for this award. They must be accepted into the school and plan to attend full-time. This $2000 award is based on financial need and academic merit. If the applicant has a 3.5 or greater GPA, financial need is not considered.
You can learn more about the North Dakota Indian Scholarships here.
6. North Dakota Scholars Program
This full-tuition award is for applicants scoring at or above the 95th percentile among ACT participants before July 1 in the calendar year before college admission. Applicants must plan to attend school full-time. The award pays for eight semesters or when a bachelor’s degree is earned. These scholarships are awarded in descending rank until all funds are used.
You can learn more about the North Dakota Scholars Program here.
7. Percy G. Willson Scholarship
Established with proceeds from his estate, Mr. Willson was always interested in helping young people. The Percy G. Willson Scholarship is awarded to two rural Barnes County applicants. They must show academic promise, financial need, and provide ACT or SAT scores. The award is for $1500.
You can learn more about the Percy G. Willson Scholarship here.
8. Horatio Alger State Scholarship
Funded by BNSF Railway, this scholarship is $7000. Applicants must be planning to attend full-time and show a strong commitment to earning a bachelor degree. They must show critical financial need, strong co-curricular and community activities, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity. Recipients must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
You can learn more about the Horatio Alger State Scholarship here.
9. University of North Dakota Freshman Scholarships
The following freshman scholarship awards are available to applicants planning to attend the University of North Dakota. Awards vary depending on GPA and ACT/SAT scores. They include $3000/year up to 4 years for qualifying students with a 32+ ACT score or 1400+ SAT score and a 3.65 GPA or 173 GED scores. $2500/year up to 4 years is available to qualifying students with a 29-31 ACT score or 1290-1390 SAT score and a 3.65+ GPA or 170 GED scores. $1500/year up to 4 years is available to qualifying students with a 22-24 ACT score or 1130+ SAT score and a 3.5+ GPA or 167 GED score. A one-time $1000 award is available to qualifying students with a 22-24 ACT score or 1020-1120 SAT score and a 3.5+ GPA or 165 GED scores. All recipients must attend full-time and be enrolled in at least 15 credit hours per semester.
You can learn more about the University of North Dakota Freshman Scholarships here.
10. Great Plains Scholarships for New Freshmen
Freshman planning to attend Minot University are eligible to apply for the following awards. The Great Plains Exceptional Scholar Award pays full tuition for four consecutive years. The applicant must have a 3.65 GPA and a 30-36 ACT score or 1330-1600 SAT score. The Distinctive & Engaged Scholar Award applicant must have a GPA of 3.5.
The amounts are based on ACT scores or SAT Critical Reading & Math scores. $3500 is the award for applicants with a 27-29 ACT score or 1210-1320 SAT score. $3000 is the award for applicants with a 24-26 ACT score or 1090-1200 SAT score. $2500 is the award for applicants with a 22-23 ACT score or 1020-1080 SAT score. $2000 is the award for applicants with a 20-21 ACT score or 940-1010 SAT score. $1500 is the award for applicants with an 18-19 ACT score or 860-930 SAT score.
The Service for Common Good Scholar Award applicants must have a 3.0 GPA. The criteria is the same as the Distinctive & Engaged Scholar Award, however, the amounts are $500 less.
You can learn more about the Great Plains Scholarships for New Freshmen here.
11. Peggy Wittliff Memorial Scholarship
Students enrolled full-time at MSU are eligible for this $4000 award. Along with the application, applicants must have a 2.5 GPA. Applicants must be beginning juniors or seniors and preference is given to children/grandchildren of MSU alumni. Scholarships are awarded in the spring each year for the following year’s expenses at one-half given each semester.
You can learn more about the Peggy Wittliff Memorial Scholarship here.
12. Harvey & Arlone Twyman Scholarship (Art)
Incoming and current students of MSU majoring in art are eligible for this award. The awards are determined by the quality of the student’s application and portfolio. Applicants must have completed eight credits of art courses and have a 3.25 GPA. The Art Department Scholarship Application covers all art scholarships.
You can learn more about the Harvey & Arlone Twyman Scholarship (Art) here.
13. Catholic Charities North Dakota Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to three juniors attending MSU majoring in social work. The requirements include the applicants must have been a North Dakota resident for at least four years, they must plan to practice social work in North Dakota, they must plan to complete the social work program the following year, and applicants must be knowledgeable about and compatible with the basic tenets of the Catholic Church (they do not have to be Catholic). This scholarship is for $1000.
You can learn more about the Catholic Charities North Dakota Scholarship here.
14. Jim Wahlberg Memorial Scholarship
This award was established in memory of longtime faculty member and social work chair, James Wahlberg. Applicants must be students at MSU majoring in social work. The core social work classes must be completed, and the applicant must have a 3.0 GPA. Three letters of recommendation are also required.
You can learn more about the Jim Wahlberg Memorial Scholarship here.
15. Minot State University Theatre Scholarship
MSU offers some $500 awards to students with a sincere desire in a theatre. Applicants must have participated in a variety of performance activities in high school and show promise in speech and theater. Applicants may be asked to take part in an interview or audition process. To maintain the scholarship, recipients must remain a full-time student at MSU, major in Communication Arts, audition for all main stage productions during the year, register and complete THEA 201, Theatre Practicum, and maintain a 2.25 GPA.
You can learn more about the Minot State University Theatre Scholarship here.
16. Minot State University Humanities Scholarship
This scholarship is available because of financial contributions of the Division’s faculty members. Amounts can vary, and applicants must be majoring in one of the following Division of Humanities majors: Art, Broadcasting, English, Foreign Language, or Theater. Applicants must have an outstanding academic record and be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year. The award is based on the strength of the student’s application. The award will apply to the recipient’s tuition over two semesters of the following academic year. Recipients must maintain a GPA of 3.25.
You can learn more about the Minot State University Humanities Scholarship here.
17. Nell E. Boozenny Sander Scholarship
MSU female applicants entering their junior or senior year are eligible to apply for this award. They must submit in writing their major and why they chose it, education goals, 5 and 10-year goals after receiving a degree, community service or volunteer work, and describe what receiving this scholarship would mean to them. The award is also based on financial need.
You can learn more about the Nell E. Boozenny Sander Scholarship here.
18. North Dakota 4‐H Foundation Scholarships
Several scholarships are available for 4-H and former 4-H members. Applicants may apply for more than one by checking the appropriate sections of the application. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited North Dakota school, under the age of 21, and a current or former North Dakota 4-H member for at least one year. Applicants must include a copy of their transcript and two letters of recommendation. Ten different awards are available ranging from $100-$1000.
You can learn more about the North Dakota 4‐H Foundation Scholarships here.
19. UND Engelstad Late Bloomer Scholarship – New Freshmen
This renewable scholarship is available to new, incoming freshmen attending the University of North Dakota. The award is for $2500. Considerations include GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and financial need. A major in the following must have been declared: business, economics, engineering, computer technology, accounting, medicine, nursing, math, physics, chemistry, or biology.
You can learn more about the UND Engelstad Late Bloomer Scholarship – New Freshmen here.
20. UND Engelstad Under-Represented Student Scholarship – New Freshmen
This award is for $5000 a year to first-generation college and low-income students. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and show financial need. Applicants must have declared a major in the following: business, economics, engineering, computer technology, accounting, medicine, nursing, math, physics, chemistry, or biology. Preference is given to underrepresented students including American Indian/Alaskan Native, African American, Asian American, and Hispanic American.
You can learn more about the UND Engelstad Under-Represented Student Scholarship – New Freshmen here.
21. UND Leslie and Marjorie Duncan Scholarship – New Freshmen
Applicants accepted into the University of North Dakota that have an interest in engineering, the sciences, education, or nursing are eligible to apply. Preference is given to applicants from Pembina or Cavalier counties. Applicants must also have a proven record of academic achievement. Entering freshmen and those with financial need will be given first consideration.
You can learn more about the UND Leslie and Marjorie Duncan Scholarship – New Freshmen here.
22. North Dakota Junior Stockmen’s Scholarship
This $500 award is for children of members or students that are members of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. The applicant must be a college junior majoring in animal science, range science, pre-vet, agribusiness, ag communications, or farm and ranch management. They must also have an interest in the North Dakota beef industry, have a GPA of 2.0, and have financial need.
You can learn more about the North Dakota Junior Stockmen’s Scholarship here.
23. Bismarck State Technical Program Scholarship
Awards are available to applicants enrolled in BSC. They range from $500-$2000 and are based on academic achievement and the number of credit hours being taken. Consideration is given to financial need and the potential to succeed in the program. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA during the fall to continue receiving the award the following spring.
You can learn more about the Bismarck State Technical Program Scholarship here.
24. BSC Academic Scholarship
There will be $1000-$2000 awarded to students enrolled in BSC. Considerations include academic achievement, the number of credits being taken, and they must maintain a 3.0 GPA during the fall semester to continue receiving the award the following spring. This is available to incoming freshman, transfer students, and returning students. Applicants must also submit a letter of recommendation and a transcript.
You can learn more about the BSC Academic Scholarship here.
25. BSC Energy Program Scholarship
BSC students enrolled in the BSC Energy Program are eligible to apply for the ten scholarships available. They range from $500-$2000. Considerations include financial need, academic achievement, a number of credits being taken, and the potential to succeed. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA in the fall to continue receiving the award the following spring. Programs for consideration include power plant, process plant, nuclear power, electric power, electrical transmission systems tech, energy services and renewable technician, BAS in energy management, instrumentation and control, lineworker, mechanical maintenance, petroleum production, and water/wastewater technology.
26. University of Mary the Catholic Scholars Program
Entering full-time freshmen are eligible for this award. It provides free room and board to eligible graduates of Catholic high schools in North Dakota. It is designed to help make a Catholic college education readily accessible. It cannot be combined with any other institutional aid. Therefore, many students eligible for the program may also qualify for more substantial aid based on merit and need.
You can learn more about the University of Mary The Catholic Scholars Program here.
27. CHI Healthcare Leasers Scholarship
Applicants at the University of Mary majoring ineligible health sciences, business, or behavioral sciences can receive up to $1500 of stackable scholarship aid per term. Applicants must submit an application, declare a qualifying major in the above, and intend to see employment with any nationwide CHI healthcare organization the following graduation. Applicants must also complete a 500-word essay about their understanding of both CHI and Mary’s missions and how it reflects in their lives.
You can learn more about the CHI Healthcare Leasers Scholarship here.
28. CHI Nursing Scholarship
Applicants enrolled in the University of Mary Nursing Program at the Bismarck campus are eligible for up to $15000 toward their senior year’s tuition. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and play to see employment with any nationwide CHI healthcare organization the following graduation. Applicants must submit a CHI Nursing Scholarship Letter of Intent.
You can learn more about the CHI Nursing Scholarship here.
29. ECOWEB scholarship
University of Mary applicants that are full-time students majoring in biology with either a wildlife conservation concentration or an environmental science minor are eligible. Applicants must have financial need, have a GPA of 3.0, and a ACT math score of 25. They must also submit two letters of recommendation with one being a high school science or math teacher and participate in an interview with the selection committee. Awards range from $8000-$10000 per year.
You can learn more about the ECOWEB scholarship here.
30. Frank Bain Freshman Presidential Scholarships
North Dakota State University Presidential and Presidential Honor Scholarship recipients are eligible. The award is for $1000 per semester for one year. The recipient must be enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, or Natural Resources and maintain a GPA of 3.0. There are also many other scholarships available for the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, or Natural Resources available at the link below.
You can learn more about the Frank Bain Freshman Presidential Scholarships here.
31. Walter B. & Helene Booth Presidential Scholarship
Provided by the Walter B. Booth Trust, this award is available to incoming freshman entering NDSU’s College of Engineering. The amount of $2500 is disbursed at $1250 per semester over four consecutive years. The applicant must have an exemplary academic record as well as a high ACT/SAT score. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA. The scholarship will automatically renew based on recipient’s academic record.
You can learn more about the Walter B. & Helene Booth Presidential Scholarship here.
32. Amy and William R. Layne Scholarship
Provided by the Area Foundation Fargo-Moorhead, this award is for incoming freshmen or returning NDSU students in the engineering program. The award is for $5000 and is based on financial need. Applicants must be from Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, Dilworth, Glyndon, Felton, or Barnesville to apply.
You can learn more about the Amy and William R. Layne Scholarship here.
33. Dickinson State University Fine and Performing Arts Awards
Dickinson State University applicants interested in the fine and performing arts programs are eligible. Applicants must submit the DSU Heritage Foundation Scholarship application also. They must submit a letter of recommendation and the following information according to their major. For Visual Fine Arts, applicants must submit 8-12 of their best works of art identified by size, media, title, and year created. They must be in PowerPoint or PDF. A brief 1-2 paragraph explanation should be included explaining why the work was created or what the applicant was attempting to accomplish.
Music applicants must submit a video of their voice or instrumental performance. Theatre applicants will need to submit a video of any performance or samples of any set or costume design. If this is unavailable, the applicant should submit two letters of recommendation from a teacher or mentor that can support the applicant’s ability to pursue a theater degree. Communication applicants must submit video/samples of oral and an autobiographical essay. All recipients of these scholarships are expected to assist in recruitment and promotion of the Performing and Fine Arts Department. They must be enrolled full-time, maintain good academic standing, and remain in good financial standing.
You can learn more about the Dickinson State University Fine and Performing Arts Awards here.
34. LRSC Honor Scholarships
Honor Scholarships in the amounts of $300-$1000 are available for Lake Region State College students. A scholarship application must be submitted along with ACT scores and class rank information. Returning students must submit the scholarship application or be recommended by a faculty member. They may also be recognized for the award by earning the Dean’s or President’s List status. Awards are distributed to two semesters and recipients must be enrolled full-time.
You can learn more about the LRSC Honor Scholarships here.
35. Alan Martin Cooperative Management Training Scholarship
LRSC students, full or part-time, seeking an AAS in Marketing or AA degree in other business related courses are eligible to apply. Students must show interest in entering business management careers with a focus on businesses structured as cooperatives. Applicants must submit the scholarship application. It is based on academic record and financial need. The award is $1500 and is renewable.
We’ve worked hard to include a variety of scholarship opportunities within our list. If you have any suggestions on additional scholarships, please feel free to leave them in the comments section.
Related Resources:
Colleges With Full Ride Scholarships
The 20 Best Performing Arts Degree Programs