Scholarships at South Dakota State University

Annual scholarship for SDSU undergraduate students who are tribally enrolled in a federally recognized tribe in the United States, including Alaska Natives. The award provides $5,000 per year, renewable for three years for a total of up to $15,000. Complete the Academic Scholarship Application in the MyState portal by August 1 for fall entry or December 1 for spring entry. Part of the broader Wokini Initiative supporting American Indian student success at SDSU Brookings.

Memorial scholarship providing $1,300 for a mathematics major at SDSU. Preference is given to high school graduates enrolling for their first year at SDSU and to junior students who have shown improvement in scholastic work. Apply through the MyState scholarship application; incoming students should apply by the December 1 priority date and continuing students by February 1. Jackrabbit Guarantee students receive first priority on centrally administered awards.

Departmental scholarship of $1,000 for an SDSU student majoring in mathematics. Jackrabbit Guarantee students receive first priority on scholarships administered through the university scholarship office; remaining awards are made by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. New and continuing students apply through the MyState Dashboard scholarship application section. Continuing students should apply before the February 1 priority date for the following academic year.

Scholarship of $1,000 for junior or senior SDSU students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics with at least a 2.75 GPA who are U.S. citizens by birth and of high moral character. Preference is given to candidates with demonstrated financial need, ROTC or military reserve participation, or active civic and church involvement. Varsity athletes are ineligible. Two letters of recommendation attesting to character are required, including one from an academic advisor or department head.

Need-based renewable scholarship for SDSU undergraduate students who are dependent children or grandchildren of current or retired Smithfield Foods employees with at least eighteen months of company service. Award amounts are determined by the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships based on unmet need on the FAFSA and may be renewed up to four years. Apply through the Smithfield application portal by May 15 each year after admission to an SDSU undergraduate program.

Indian Health Service-funded scholarship for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes pursuing full-time baccalaureate or nurse practitioner graduate study in nursing at SDSU. Covers paid tuition, fees, books, tutoring, licensure exam preparation, and other reasonable educational expenses plus a monthly stipend during the academic year. Recipients must serve one year in an IHS or approved tribal direct-care position for each year of support, with a minimum two-year obligation. Contact the Native American Nursing Education Center to apply.

Talent-based scholarships for SDSU students who audition for the university theatre and dance program in dance, performance, or design and technology. Award amounts vary; the program awards over $55,000 annually to incoming and returning students. In-person auditions are February 21, 2026 and online audition submissions are due March 2, 2026. Any SDSU student wishing to participate in theatre and dance may apply regardless of academic major.