Opportunities for Students: Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarships and Fellowships – Scholarships reward students for academic achievement and ensure access to students who otherwise might not have the financial means to pursue a higher education. South Dakota State has expanded its scholarship offerings in the past decade through the support of donors; more scholarships are needed to meet the demand of a growing undergraduate and graduate population.

The $1 Million Scholarship Challenge — The $1 Million Scholarship Challenge is all about helping today’s Jackrabbits. The Challenge is an effort to raise at least $1 million in new private scholarship dollars. This year, a fresh group of over 2,200 new Jackrabbits will start on their path to a degree form South Dakota State University. The SDSU Foundation is committed to supporting its students, and is leading this effort that will support incoming students, and make the University’s educational opportunities and experiences a reality for even more Jackrabbits. Gifts of any amount will move us closer to our $1 million goal.

Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship Program – The Jackrabbit Guarantee is the state’s signature scholarship program, impacting one in four students on South Dakota’s largest campus. The Jackrabbit Guarantee provides at least $1,000 per year in scholarship assistance, renewable for a total of four years, to students who score 24 or higher on the ACT (or 1110 on the SAT). New support in the form of annual gifts and endowments, will provide a stable funding source for the program.

Need-based Scholarships – A need-based scholarship program will help ensure access to students faced with economic hardships. South Dakota is the only state in the nation without a need-based scholarship program funded at the state level. This program will provide an opportunity for ambitious students who want to pursue a higher education but lack the financial means.

University Scholarships – Each year, South Dakota State attracts a diverse group of bright students who may not qualify under criteria of the Jackrabbit Guarantee or a need-based scholarship. Enrollment growth is helped by transfer and non-traditional students who enrich the campus and deserve an opportunity to compete for other University Scholarships.

Jackrabbit Graduate Fellowships – Fellowships will help SDSU draw the best Ph.D. students. These funds will support new Ph.D. students before they move into research or teaching assistantships.