An NDSU degree has become more affordable for more students thanks to a new scholarship program that will ease the financial burden for many North Dakota and Minnesota residents.
For the 2024-25 academic year, Pell-eligible North Dakota and Minnesota students with family income levels of $80,000 or less will have base tuition and student fees fully covered through the NDSU Tuition Award Program if they are in their first or second year at NDSU.
“The Tuition Award Program aligns well with our land grant mission around access to education,” says NDSU President David Cook. “This is one way NDSU is able to change lives and sometimes generations of families by creating opportunities like this.”
The scholarship is intended to provide financial support to eligible students by covering any remaining base tuition and student fees after other gift aid has been applied such as from grants, scholarships, waivers from federal, state, institutional or external sources.
“Eligibility for this program makes NDSU a great, affordable option for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Not only will this benefit students, but it will also benefit the state of North Dakota and the region,” said Seinquis Leinen, NDSU senior director of strategic enrollment management. “When you think of the number of students who come to NDSU and who stay in the state to pursue their career, it’s going to have a positive impact on workforce because we know our students are highly qualified, they’re eager to do well and positively impact their profession and their communities. We are looking forward to welcoming students who are eligible to receive this funding.”
For full consideration, students must meet the following criteria during the 2024-25 academic year:
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Be a legal North Dakota or Minnesota resident eligible for the reciprocity rate
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Be a new, first-time, degree-seeking student beginning summer or fall 2024, or a returning NDSU student who first enrolled at NDSU in summer 2023, fall 2023 or spring 2024
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Have a family income (annual adjusted gross income) of $80,000 or less and be Pell-eligible as reported on the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
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Enroll full-time (12+ credits per semester) for fall and spring semesters
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Be in good academic standing and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
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Be pursuing first bachelor’s degree
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Not be in default on a state or federal student loan
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Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Financial aid and scholarships, combined with a 93% placement rate upon graduation, make NDSU both a smart and affordable investment. NDSU has a flat-rate tuition model, which means students can take additional classes at no extra cost.
Students will need to fill out the 2024-25 FAFSA, which determines eligibility for federal, state and school aid, when it becomes available in December. Read more about helpful tips to make the FAFSA application process go smoothly.
Students also need to be admitted to NDSU to be eligible for the scholarship. The application is now open.
Watch the full NDSU Tuition Award Program announcement on NDSU’s YouTube page.
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