Overview

North Dakota State University prioritizes and values diversity and inclusion, and recognizes the benefits that a diverse student body has on all members of the NDSU community. As one of the land grant institutions in North Dakota, NDSU remains committed to our mission of providing an accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to students from historically underrepresented populations. Through our land grant mission, we will continue to support students from historically underrepresented populations by offering the Land Grant Access Award.

Eligibility

For consideration, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

• Be admitted to NDSU for the fall semester by March 15 and meet one of the following:
  • New undergraduate first-year student with a 2.75 or higher cumulative high school GPA
  • New undergraduate transfer student with a 2.0 or higher cumulative college GPA 
• Be a United States citizen or Permanent Resident
• Demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Funding

• Undergraduate students may be eligible for up to $4,000 per semester, or $8,000 per academic year (fall and spring semesters). 
• The waiver covers a portion of tuition and does not cover transportation, fees, books, room, board or other costs of attendance. Students may use other forms of financial aid to cover these costs. 
• Due to the limited number of awards available, not all applicants are guaranteed the Land Grant Access Award.

How to Apply

To be considered for the Land Grant Access Award, you must:

• Submit the Land Grant Access Award application with required documentation in the Scholarship Portal by March 15. No late applications will be accepted.
• Submit the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), indicating NDSU's school code of 002997. To be considered, you must submit your FAFSA free of errors by March 15.

NDSU scholarship opportunities have varying deadlines and may also rely on FAFSA information for need-based awards. Be sure to submit all applications early to allow for optimal consideration. You may receive email notifications if you are selected for a scholarship or need to provide additional information for a scholarship opportunity.

NDSU students who receive the North Dakota Native American Scholarship may be eligible for a $2,000/year scholarship match.

Eligibility

• Current undergraduate or graduate recipient of NDUS North Dakota Native American Scholarship
• Students receiving the Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver or Land Grant Access Award may be eligible to receive both the NDSU Native American Scholarship Match and Land Grant Access Award, not to exceed the total annual maximum amount of up to $8,000 (up to $4,000 per fall and spring semester)

Application Process

1. Admitted for the upcoming fall semester by July 15.
2. Submit FAFSA free of errors by July 15.