South Dakota State University

1004 Campanile Avenue Brookings, SD

• Rating: B+
• 7,607 Students
• Public

Description

South Dakota State University (SDSU), located in Brookings, is the largest and most comprehensive university in South Dakota. It is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, nursing, and pharmacy. As a land-grant institution, SDSU emphasizes research and hands-on learning, offering students access to cutting-edge facilities and real-world experience. The university also boasts a strong athletic presence in NCAA Division I as the Jackrabbits.

National Merit

National Merit Semifinalist

Amount: $5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to National Merit Semifinalists. The award can be increased to $8,500 per year upon advancement to Finalist status.
To apply: No application necessary. Automatically awarded upon confirmation of National Merit Semifinalist status.

National Merit Finalist

Amount: $8,500 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $34,000.
Eligibility: Awarded to National Merit Finalists. This replaces, and is not in addition to, the National Merit Semifinalist award.
To apply: Awarded upon confirmation of National Merit Finalist status from the student to the Office of Admissions by Aug 1 prior to enrolling at SDSU.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

• Dian and Harlan Stai Honors Scholarship
  • Amount: $5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000.
  • Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors from South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Students are chosen for Stai Honors through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement. Stai Honors recipients will be required to participate in the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College.
  • To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
  • The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.

• Dian and Harlan Stai Honors Access Scholarship
  • Amount: $5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000.
  • Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors from South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Students are chosen for Stai Honors through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 26 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement. Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and qualify as Pell Grant Eligible. Stai Honors Access recipients will be required to participate in the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College.
  • To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
  • The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.

• Elma and Dolores Haver Scholarship
  • Amount: Amount will cover the cost of attendance, which will vary each semester. Renewable for a total of four years.
  • Eligibility: Awarded annually to one outstanding high school senior based on academics. Student must be a first-time, full-time student enrolling in any major. Preference will be given to students from the Irene-Wakonda school district. Student must have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, a 22 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent) and demonstrate financial need based on the FAFSA application. Student will be selected through a competitive interview selection process.
  • To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
    
• Elton D. Schafer Scholarship
  • Amount: $2,000–$5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $8,000–$20,000.
  • Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors from South Dakota each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Student must major in biochemistry, chemistry, physics or computer science. Students are chosen through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
  • To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
  • The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.
    
• J. Lohr Scholars
  • Amount: $5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000.
  • Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding South Dakota high school seniors each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Student must major in one of the following: agricultural and biosystems engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering. Students are chosen as Lohr Scholars through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
  • To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
  • The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.
    
• J&J Sisco Scholarship (Beca J&J Sisco)
  • Amount: Tuition and mandatory fees per year; renewable for a total of four years.
  • Eligibility:
    • A student or their immediate family member that has lived in Mexico, and
    • A student that has knowledge of the Spanish language, and
    • A student that has knowledge of Mexican culture, and
    • A student demonstrating financial need, and
    • Is an incoming first time or transfer student.
  • First preference shall be given to a first-generation student that meets the above criteria. The scholarship shall be used to cover the cost of tuition and fees. The scholarship is renewable as long as the student remains eligible and in good academic standing. Students will be chosen through a selection process that could include an interview.
  • To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
    
• John F. and Lela F. Sandfort Scholarship
  • Amount: $5,000–$7,500 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000–$30,000.
  • Eligibility: Awarded to outstanding high school seniors each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Student must major within the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. Students are chosen through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement.
  • To apply: For consideration, complete the Academic Scholarship Application.
  • The invitation to interview for this competitive scholarship will be sent via the mail to students by Dec. 31. The on-campus interviews take place in late January.

Last Updated: March 2025