Priority deadline for current student applications is February 1, 2025.
The deadline to submit the New/Transfer Student scholarship application is. For additional information about scholarships and financial aid options, please click here.
Students receiving BHSU Foundation scholarships are required to take all BHSU courses. The sum total of a student’s gift aid cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance.
BHSU’s Scholarships of Distinction program awards merit scholarships of up to $4,000 per year to qualifying new first-time undergraduate students, while funds are available.
Awards Based On:
Unweighted High School GPA and ACT/SAT Composite Scores or a Test Optional pathway.
Requirements:
- Apply for admission to BHSU prior to .
- First-time undergraduate students only (no prior attendance at any college or university, after high school graduation).
- Seeking a degree from BHSU (Non-degree seeking are not eligible).
What if my academic credentials improve after submission?
Although credentials at the time of your admission are used to evaluate your scholarship qualifications, you may contact the BHSU Admissions Office to request your scholarship file be re-evaluated, based on your updated credentials.
Note: Your award amount may increase based on the updated information, but only if funds are available.
How is the Scholarships of Distinction program funded?
Funds are made possible through the generosity of BHSU Foundation donors and/or other institutional aid. Specific funding sources may vary. At your time of enrollment you may see one or multiple donors listed in order to fulfill the scholarship award amount.
How long can I receive an award from the program?
Maximum of 8 undergraduate semesters. Maintaining a cumulative 3.0 GPA and completing 30 credit hours of BHSU coursework per academic year is required. Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress is also required.
Which standardized test scores do you use?
ACT or SAT scores may be used, as long as the test was taken no later than the summer immediately following high school graduation. ACT Composite, ACT Superscore Composite (official, as reported from ACT), or SAT Composite (total of SAT Math + SAT Evidence Based REading and Writing) may be used.
Other BHSU Scholarships
The Black Hills State University Foundation provides scholarship funding to students via endowments and annual donations. Scholarships enable professors in various academic disciplines and admissions staff and coaching staff to recruit and retain a wide range of students. Donors may choose to support students based on need, on high academic standing, and/or on specific areas of study. Unrestricted scholarship gifts allow the university to select the recipients in areas of high priority.
The Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship
(12 awards at $12,500 each)
The Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship provides a $12,500 scholarship to be disbursed throughout a student’s collegiate career. Like all Horatio Alger Scholarships, the Horatio Alger Denny Sanford scholarship assists high school students who have faced great obstacles in their young lives to overcome their adversities, attend a post-secondary institution, and achieve success.
To be eligible for the Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship a student must meet the following criteria:
Be committed to complete a bachelor’s degree at Black Hills State University
Be a current high school senior with plans to enroll in college Fall 2025
Demonstrate critical financial need ($65,000 or less family income required)
Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5
The Humbert Hall Room Scholarship is awarded on the basis of a student’s academic accomplishments and/or personal circumstances. Humbert Hall Room Scholarships provide students with one-half the cost of their residence hall room in Humbert Hall for up to two years.
Limited number available per academic year. Students should submit the General Scholarship Application to be considered. Students who are selected for these awards will notified by the BHSU Office of Admissions.
Joseph F. and Martha P. Nelson Scholarship Application
The Joseph F. and Martha P. Nelson Scholarship award is available to a high school senior/graduate who has not previously attended a post- secondary institution. The scholarship is worth $40,000 over four years. It is renewable without reapplying, provided the student maintains required academic performance.Learn more and Apply
F.W. Hatterscheidt Scholarship Application
The Hatterscheidt Scholarship is available to eligible seniors graduating from a South Dakota high school as a one-year award valued at $2,500. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must submit the Hatterscheidt Scholarship Application. Learn More and Apply
Freedom Scholarship
The Freedom Scholarship is available to eligible South Dakota residents pursuing a bachelor's degree program. Student must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and maintain full-time enrollment in both fall and spring semesters. Award valued up to $5,000. Scholarship amounts and continuing eligibility may vary, based on a student's financial need each year, as reported to BHSU by FAFSA results. Learn more about the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship
South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship (SDOS)
The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship is available to eligible South Dakota residents that have an ACT composite or superscores of 24 or SAT of 1180; completed specific high school curriculum requirements with a grade of "C" higher; and a cumulative high school GPA of a 3.0 or higher. This award is worth $6,500 total, over four years. Students can apply for this scholarship by visiting the Learn more about the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship.
BHSU Music Scholarships (talent/audition-based)
Auditions are held in February. Freshmen and new applicants must perform live auditions or record two contrasting pieces and send to the BHSU music department by . Music Scholarship recipients represent excellence in music as evidenced by experience in music and demonstrated commitment to playing an instrument and/or singing. Live auditions are held in February of each year. However, you may submit a video audition or a link directing us to your YouTube video for consideration. If possible, perform works or excerpts in two contrasting styles. Early deadline is . Scholarship applications are accepted year-round for the upcoming Fall class (scholarships awarded based on scholarship dollars available). Preference will be given to Music Majors and Minors. Learn more about BHSU Music Scholarships - and APPLY.
S-STEM Scholarships
Students majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, Environmental Physical Science, or Mathematics are eligible to apply to the S-STEM Scholars Program. Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrated financial need. Students selected for the S-STEM Scholars Program may receive up to $10,000 in annual scholarship, which is renewable for up to four years. Applicants must be citizens or nationals of the United States. More information and to apply: S-STEM Scholarships - Black Hills State University (bhsu.edu)
