Helping Students Learn, Live
and Work in South Dakota
Apply for the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship
There’s an obvious financial gap in post-secondary education. The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship was designed to help close it, awarding need-based scholarships to students of all economic backgrounds who plan to learn, live and work in South Dakota after graduation.
By partnering with colleges and universities across the state, the Freedom Scholarship offers a statewide opportunity for students to help pay for college, as they help build South Dakota’s workforce. By demonstrating financial need and meeting scholarship requirements, students can use the scholarship toward any bachelor’s degree.
Changing Lives. Supporting South Dakota
Since our inception in 2021, the Freedom Scholarship has been managed and supported by the South Dakota Community Foundation.
Participating Schools
If you’re awarded a Freedom Scholarship, you can use it toward a bachelor’s degree at a participating college or university.
How it Works
The Freedom Scholarship started in 2022 and will be available for the upcoming academic year. Eligible students will have the opportunity to be considered for the Freedom Scholarship through their respective school’s financial aid process. If you’re eligible, you’ll be asked whether you wish to proceed with the award and commit to the requirements.
Our Purpose
The Freedom Scholarship was created to help students finish college degrees and keep skilled, talented workers in state. Made possible by public entities like the state of South Dakota as well as private donors, the Freedom Scholarship is the state’s largest financial need-based scholarship, awarding thousands to students who want to stay and work in South Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out commonly asked questions on the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship! Whether you're a student, a parent or an educator, we've got the answers. If you don't find the information you're looking for, contact us for further assistance.