The North Dakota state government wants its students to succeed.
Those in leadership understand that the immense cost of education is a deterrent to many seeking to continue their learning.
Recent events have brought the enormous student loans that many graduates carry to the forefront of the conversation on the economy and education.
The rippling effects of this debt is going to be felt by society for years to come, as those with the debt are going to have difficult buying homes and may delay getting married and starting a family.
When students sit down to plan their financial aid for universities or college, they should be sure to apply for any grants and scholarships that they qualify for before student loans, as most grants do not need to be repaid.
The North Dakota state government offers a few different options for those looking to apply for grants and scholarships within the state.
North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant program
The first grant offered is known as the North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant program. This grant program will award qualified students up to $1500 for each academic year, and students need to reapply for the following year. Students who are North Dakota residents, high school graduates (or GED recipients), and enrolled in a North Dakota college for a least a full year program are qualified to apply.
To submit an application for this grant, students need to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) form.
People who are able to turn it in by April 15 will receive priority consideration.
Government Scholarships For Performance
The government also offers a variety of scholarships for qualifying students. There are academic scholarships offered for students who have performed exceptionally well through high school and taken challenging courses to prepare themselves for college. They must score at least a 24 on the ACT exam, and must take the exam before February 12. They must also have maintained a GPA of at least 3.0 for their high school career.
The scholarships are renewable for those who maintain a scholarship of at least 2.75 while studying full time. The scholarships will award up to $750 per semester, or $6000 in total.
The application must be completed by June 7 and the forms can be found on the North Dakota State website: https://www.dpi.state.nd.us/.
North Dakota Career and Technical Education Scholarships
For students who have done well academically, there are also North Dakota Career and Technical Education Scholarships. The qualifications are the same as for the academic scholarships; candidates need a 3.0 GPA for high school and maintain a 2.75 while studying, and receive a 24 on the ACT or five threes on WorkKeys Assessments. The deadline for applications is also on June 7.
This scholarship also offers $750 per semester, or $6000 in total.
Scholarships for Native Americans
There are also scholarships for Native Americans looking to attend a North Dakota college or university or tribal college. Applicants must be a member of a recognized tribe and looking to attend an institute of higher learning. Those awarded will receive between $800 and $2000 per academic year.
For more information, and for applications, interested students should contact Rhonda Schauer, the North Dakota University System coordinator for multicultural education.
North Dakota offers a wide range of academic scholarships and grants to assist students from a variety of backgrounds be able to afford higher education without incurring enormous debts. Students are strongly encouraged to carefully review these options and apply for all applicable rewards before venturing into the student loans.
Hopefully the wide range of loans will allow hard working students the opportunity to attend a state institution and pursue their career choice.
