University of South Dakota

At The U, our Office of Financial Aid works hard to help make your education affordable. We're consistently ranked as one of "America's Best Value College" – meaning you're getting a world-class education from a leading, flagship university while paying only a fraction of the tuition cost.

Even as an out-of-state student, you'll likely pay less at The U than you would at one of your own state universities.

Applying for Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid can assist you in providing options for financing your education to make your studies at The U even more affordable. Follow these easy steps for applying for financial aid:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  The FAFSA evaluates eligibility for need-based assistance including federal loans, grants, scholarships and work-study.
• • List The University of South Dakota's federal code of 003474 on your FAFSA
  • The FAFSA is available beginning January 1 or each year and there is no charge for submitting the FAFSA. 
  • Submit your FAFSA by The U's priority deadline of March 15

• Check out The U's scholarships that may be available to you.

• Receive your award letter from The U's Office of Financial Aid beginning in the late spring
• • Your award letter will list the details of your financial aid package and could include different types of aid (grants, loans, scholarships)
  • You will be asked to return a signed copy of your letter in which you accept or reject each source of financial assistance
  • Your award and your family contribution will help meet the total educational cost to attend The University of South Dakota

Related Links

• Office of Financial Aid