North Dakota offers two main programs: the North Dakota Scholarship, worth $6,000 total for students who complete a required set of academic, career, and readiness components, and the North Dakota State Grant, a need-based award of up to $1,375 a semester. A newer Supplemental State Grant adds more for State Grant recipients with family income of $80,000 or less. You apply for the grants with the FAFSA, and the North Dakota Scholarship has a June 5 application deadline.
If your student attends college in North Dakota, these programs can lower the cost. Here is how they work for 2026-27.
What state financial aid does North Dakota offer?
North Dakota's main programs are the North Dakota Scholarship (a merit and readiness award) and the need-based North Dakota State Grant, with a new Supplemental State Grant for lower-income recipients. The scholarship is overseen by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, and the grants run through the North Dakota University System.
These work alongside federal aid like the Pell Grant. For how the federal pieces fit together, see our complete 2026-27 financial aid guide.
What is the North Dakota Scholarship?
The North Dakota Scholarship is worth $6,000 total and can be used at approved North Dakota colleges, universities, professional schools, and registered apprenticeship programs. To qualify, you must complete an essential skills component plus two of three additional components: Post-Secondary Ready, Workforce Ready, and Military.
Because it rewards both academic and career readiness, the North Dakota Scholarship fits a wide range of students. Applications are due on or before June 5, 2026.
What is the North Dakota State Grant?
The North Dakota State Grant is a need-based grant for North Dakota residents who are first-time undergraduates in an eligible program at a qualifying in-state school, enrolled at least quarter-time. It awards up to $1,375 a semester (or $917 a quarter), based on your enrollment status and financial need, and does not have to be repaid.
Because it is need-based, you must file the FAFSA. For how grants fit a full plan, see our guide to paying for college.
What is the Supplemental State Grant?
The Supplemental State Grant is a newer program that adds an extra award for students who already receive the North Dakota State Grant and whose total family income, based on the FAFSA, is $80,000 or less. It is designed to give lower-income students additional help on top of the regular grant.
To be considered, you simply need to qualify for the State Grant and meet the income threshold, both determined from your FAFSA. Filing early gives you the best chance while funds last.
How do you apply for North Dakota state aid?
You apply for the grants by filing the FAFSA and listing your North Dakota college, and for the North Dakota Scholarship by completing its application by June 5. File the FAFSA early, since grant funds are limited.
Your step-by-step path:
- File the FAFSA for the State Grant, Supplemental Grant, and federal aid.
- Complete the North Dakota Scholarship application by June 5 and finish the required components.
- Confirm your North Dakota residency and rules at the North Dakota University System.
- Track your college's own aid deadlines.
Your next step
North Dakota's $6,000 Scholarship rewards academic and career readiness, and the State Grant and Supplemental Grant add need-based help, so meet the components and file the FAFSA. Complete the scholarship application by June 5, file the FAFSA early, and confirm your eligibility. Read our complete 2026-27 financial aid guide for the federal side, then create your free CollegeLens plan to see your real cost at each North Dakota school.
You're doing the hard, smart work of claiming every program your state offers. That is how North Dakota families make college more affordable.
-- Sravani at CollegeLens