FINANCIAL AID: Grants and Scholarships
GRANTS
Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government funds four major grant programs for undergraduate students-the Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant. Grants do not have to be repaid. You apply for these grants when you fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant ranges from $400 to $4,310 based on financial aid need and is awarded to students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Your actual award will depend on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the number of credits for which you are registered.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant ranges from $100 to $4,000 based on financial need, full-time status and the availability of funds. The award is determined by Financial Aid Office criteria.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
The Academic Competitiveness Grant is available to full-time first and second year undergraduate students. Students must be Pell Grant eligible and have completed a rigorous high school program of study. First year students are eligible for up to $750 and second year students with a 3.0 GPA are eligible for up to $1300.
National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant is awarded to third and fourth year Pell Grant eligible students majoring in computer science, engineering, technology, life science, mathematics, physical sciences or a designated critical foreign language. Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in order to qualify for the $4000 SMART Grant.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Freshman Academic Scholarships
Freshman academic scholarships at Northern State University are based on a combination of high school academic achievement, ACT scores, extracurricular involvement and community service. Scholarship amounts may vary from a $350 award for one year to a $5000 per year, four-year award. Whatever the amount you receive, a scholarship is a valuable asset in helping you pay for your educational expenses.
NSU Department Scholarships
Students are encouraged to contact individual departments for information on their scholarship opportunities. Deadlines and scholarship amounts may vary.
Other Scholarships
The NSU Financial Aid Office posts additional scholarship announcements from resources outside the University on a bulletin board outside of the Enrollment Services Office in Dacotah Hall and in the What's Up. Many departments also post announcements from outside resources. See a current listing of these scholarships.
finaid@northern.edu • 1200 S. Jay Street, Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401 • 1-800-NSU-5330