University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota Scholarship & Award Policy

The University of South Dakota is proud to honor academically talented and exceptionally skilled students with a variety of scholarships and awards. The University annually awards more than $5.3 million in scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students as funded by the USD Foundation through various scholarship donors.  USD Scholarship Policy - Printable Version

Limit of University Scholarship/Award Funding to Individual Students

A student's USD funds (gift, scholarships and guarantee awards) may not exceed in-state direct costs (tuition, fees, room and board). If the student also receives non-USD funds (including all forms of federal, state and external assistance), the total of all funds cannot exceed the total direct and indirect costs of education. Indirect costs include allowances for personal expenses and transportation. All USD financial commitments may be adjusted to ensure that total gift and need-based assistance does not exceed total cost as defined for federal student aid purposes.

Scholarship Acceptance and Terms

Acceptance of an individual scholarship award is an agreement to the terms and conditions of that award as well as all policies governing USD scholarships. Every student's financial award package (scholarships, gift and need-based assistance) is subject to audit with the final determination of scholarships and other forms of assistance to be made by the USD Financial Aid Office in compliance with federal aid regulations.

• USD reserves the right to adjust individual scholarship awards after letters have been accepted to ensure effective use of federal, state and university dollars.
• Full-time enrollment is required for all USD scholarship recipients.
• Scholarships are not available for summer school.

Mickelson & Presidential Alumni Scholarships

The most prestigious awards offered by The University of South Dakota, the George S. Mickelson Scholarships and Presidential Alumni Scholarships provide outstanding recipients with four-year, renewable awards contingent upon the student maintaining the minimum grade point average and meeting all other conditions of the renewal criteria as specified by the award:

• The Mickelson Scholarships are valued at $40,000 over a four-year period. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and remain enrolled full time on the Vermillion campus.
• The Presidential Alumni Scholarships are valued at $28,000 over a four-year period. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and remain enrolled full time on the Vermillion campus.

Students applying for the Mickelson and/or Presidential Alumni Scholarship should do so under the assumption that, if awarded, either scholarship will replace any Coyote Commitment offer previously made by The University.

Coyote Commitment Scholarship Program

(Formerly Promise Plus)
The Coyote Commitment offers students a guaranteed annual dollar amount predicated on meeting the required credentials. The actual funds to support a Coyote Commitment award may be fulfilled through various sources including departmental scholarships. In these cases, Coyote  Commitment offers may be fulfilled by one or more other scholarships totaling the same amount and will be noted as such on the student's financial aid award letter.

• The Coyote Commitment Veritas of $3,000 per year is renewable up to four years. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average and remain enrolled full time of the Vermillion campus.
• The Coyote Commitment Leadership of $2,000 per year is renewable up to four years. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average and remain enrolled full time on the Vermillion campus.
• The Coyote Commitment Distinction of $1,750 per year is renewable up to four years. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average and remain enrolled full time on the Vermillion campus.
• The Coyote Commitment Achievement of $1,500 per year is renewable up to four years. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average and remain enrolled full time on the Vermillion campus.
• The Coyote Commitment of $1,000 per year is renewable up to four years. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average and remain enrolled full time on the Vermillion campus.
• The Coyote Commitment Grant of $1,000 per year is renewable up to two years. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average and remain enrolled full time on the Vermillion campus.

Additional USD Scholarships and Requirements

• Al Neuharth Scholarship for Excellence in Journalism -  This premiere scholarship is for exceptional journalists who plan to pursue a career in journalism.  Recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, be active in the USD student newspaper, The Volante, and meet all other criteria as specified by the award. The scholarship is valued at up to in-state tuition and fees and may include additional support. A maximum of three scholarships are awarded annually and may be renewed.
• Rawlins Scholarship – The Rawlins Scholarship of $2,500 per year is renewable up to four years. The scholarship is awarded to the highest ranking senior student submitting the scholarship application and enrolling at USD from each of the following South Dakota high schools: Aberdeen Central, Aberdeen Roncalli, Brandon Valley, Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, Rapid City Central, Rapid City Stevens, Sioux Falls Lincoln, Sioux Falls O'Gorman, Sioux Falls Roosevelt, Sioux Falls Washington, Vermillion, Watertown and Yankton. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average, complete 32 hours per year and remain enrolled full time on the Vermillion campus.
• Ullyot Lakota Scholarship – The Ullyot Lakota Scholarship is awarded to Native American students who are members of recognized tribes.  Amounts of the scholarship may vary and are renewable up to four years. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, remain enrolled full time on the Vermillion campus and participate in USD cultural activities.

Student Athletes

Student-athletes are subject to all NCAA regulations and guidelines. Individual scholarships may be adjusted to ensure compliance with these rules and regulations.

Study Abroad & National Student Exchange

Students studying abroad or students participating in National Student Exchange Plan B may use their USD scholarships to pay for costs only when a student is registered at USD in a USD program. In cases where students study abroad through other institutions and are not registered at USD, no USD scholarship funding will be available. Questions regarding these programs should be directed to the USD Financial Aid Office.

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarships

The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship (SDOS) is available to South Dakota residents who meet certain eligibility criteria/requirements. Application should be submitted to the USD Office of Admissions. Eligibility and renewal are established under South Dakota law. Questions regarding this award should be directed to the USD Financial Aid Office.

Talent and Leadership Scholarships

Additional scholarship opportunities may also be available based on talent/leadership through departments such as music, theatre and military science.  In addition to separate applications, these scholarships may require auditions, portfolios or other qualifying procedures. Scholarships awarded may require participation in the respective major ensembles, productions or events; maintenance of a minimum grade point average; or other requirements as stipulated in departmental policies. Questions regarding these awards should be directed to the sponsoring department/program.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a fundamental concept underlying the educational enterprise of The University.  We are committed to honesty, fairness, trust, respect and taking responsibility for our actions. All students are expected to abide by the principles of academic integrity and the USD Student Code of Conduct.  

All programs, policies & procedures described are subject to change. All statements in this online publication concerning requirements, dollar amounts, conditions or other matters are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice. 10/15/09