Financial Aid in North Dakota (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, North Dakota's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
North Dakota FAFSA deadline for state aid
As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens. Awards are made while funds last.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
North Dakota grant programs
North Dakota State Grant
Need-based grant for North Dakota residents attending in-state colleges.
Administered by North Dakota University System. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for North Dakota students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches North Dakotastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in North Dakota?
For 2026–27 state aid: As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens. Awards are made while funds last. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does North Dakota offer?
North Dakota State Grant: Need-based grant for North Dakota residents attending in-state colleges. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a North Dakota resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in North Dakota?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how North Dakota University System determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.