Scholarships

North Dakota State University (NDSU) offers a comprehensive range of need-based and merit-based scholarships for students at all academic levels, including incoming freshmen, transfer students, undergraduates, graduates, and professional students. To be eligible for consideration, students must complete the scholarship application in the NDSU Scholarship Portal. This application, along with academic records and responses to specific questions, will be used to determine scholarship eligibility and awards. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a scholarship.

Applicants must be continuing NDSU students or accepted incoming students for the upcoming academic year. Incoming students need an NDUS account with a valid email. All applicants must use their NDUS log-in credentials to access the NDSU Scholarship Portal. Applications must be submitted yearly for future awards.

IMPORTANT: To be considered for need-based scholarships through the NDSU Scholarship Application, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted by February 1, 2026. The FAFSA can be completed at studentaid.gov. A completed FAFSA is not required for consideration for merit-based scholarships.

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Scholarship Deadlines

Incoming freshmen: February 1, 2026
Currently enrolled students: March 1, 2026
Transfer students: April 1, 2026

Additional Scholarship Information

Tips and Resources for Applying for Scholarships

Below is a list of scholarship suggestions and resources which may aid in the scholarship search and application process.

Begin your scholarship search for the next academic year in the fall. Deadlines range from January to May, so start early.

Apply for all NDSU Scholarships (see link above, when available)

Private/External Scholarships - Apply for private/external scholarships.

Contact the following:

Business/professional organizations
Religious organizations
Employers
Fraternal organizations
Library
Multicultural Student Services
Tribal agencies
Veteran associations

Additional information on private/external scholarships.

The Internet has a variety of scholarship search databases, some of which are listed below. These services ask for personal information such as age, gender, ethnicity, extracurricular activities and career interests. The best way to utilize scholarship searches is to conduct multiple searches in each database by varying your personal characteristics.

Develop a suite of generic reusable materials that you can customize to fit a particular scholarship. Create reusable application materials and recycle essays. Also develop a broad list of people you could approach for recommendation letters. Include adults involved in school related activities, such as instructors, advisers or coaches.

If, for some reason, you find that the instructions on an application are unclear call either Student Financial Services or the department or organization through which the scholarship is offered. Don't be shy about asking for help. If you don't, you may hurt your chances of receiving a scholarship.

If you are required to write essays, papers or short responses, take the time to work through several drafts. Before you start, decide exactly what you want to say. What you write should be clear, concise, well organized, interesting and distinctive. Ask an instructor, counselor or friend for their input. Rework your material until it says what you want.

Applications, forms, letters, essays, questionnaires and any other information you send in as part of the application process should be typed or computer generated. Laser printing looks the best. Proofread your materials. Make sure everything is professional, no obvious white-out, last minute corrections with a pen, misspelling, errors and crumpled paper. Have someone else proofread your materials again before you send them in.

Keep copies of everything you send. You can use the material for later reference in the selection process. It may also be helpful the next time you apply for scholarships.

If you're willing to put in the time, effort and hard work that the process demands, there are many benefits. The average NDSU student graduates with a loan debt of nearly $20,000 which means monthly payments of $220 for ten years! Don't commit yourself to a long string of post-college debt payments. Search for scholarship aid to reduce potential loan debt.

If you use a scholarship search firm, check with the Better Business Bureau or the North Dakota Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-472-2600. Be cautious if you are asked to pay a fee, if you are guaranteed to win, if you are a finalist in a contest you never entered, if you are asked to give your bank or credit card number or if the scholarship search firm says they'll do all the work for you.