Freedom Scholarship

Scholarship Background

The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship is South Dakota's first need-based scholarship, made possible by the generosity of First PREMIER Bank / PREMIER Bankcard, the State of South Dakota, Avera Health, and Sanford Health.

Scholarship Amount

For the 2025-26 academic year, amounts vary, beginning at $3,000.

Student Eligibility and Commitment

Maintain South Dakota residency for at least one year prior to scholarship application.
Demonstrate financial need (Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution - Awarded Financial Aid = Student Need).
Maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 while enrolled at an eligible institution.
Be pursuing a baccalaureate degree.
Graduate within five years or less.
Commit in writing to live and work in South Dakota for three years after graduation.
Acknowledge that any failure to meet these requirements will result in the conversion from a scholarship to an interest-bearing loan.

Intent to Apply

Student Name:

USF ID Number:

Permanent Address:

Email Address:

By selecting "I agree", I am verifying that I currently meet and plan to maintain the Student Eligibility and Commitment criteria as outlined in numbers 1-7 above. I understand that failure to comply with the provisions of the scholarship shall result in the scholarship being converted to an interest-bearing student loan.

I agree