Scholarships & Waivers
What is the difference between scholarships and waivers?
Scholarships are monetary gifts, which means you don't need to repay them or earn the funds by working. Waivers are similar to scholarships in that they're used to offset college expenses and don't need to be paid back. Keep in mind that scholarships are considered part of your financial aid package, which means that they may replace some or all of your financial aid eligibility.
Current UND Student Scholarships
At UND, we award more than 2,000 academic scholarships totaling nearly $7.8 million each year. The best way to search and apply for undergraduate, graduate and law scholarships is to use Scholarship Central. Medical school students should consult the School of Medicine & Health Sciences website for scholarships.
All scholarships are subject to change. Funding for these awards is limited and not guaranteed. You must be accepted to UND before you can apply for scholarships in Scholarship Central.
Automatic Scholarships for New Students
If you meet the criteria and submit your admissions application to UND by the priority deadline, you'll automatically be awarded a scholarship.
Receive More Than $12,000 in Freshman Scholarships
Fall Semester Priority Deadline: Feb 1
| ACT / SAT Scores* | High School GPA or GED Test Scores | Freshman Scholarship Award |
|---|---|---|
| 32-36 ACT or 1420-1600 SAT (or 1400+**) |
3.65+ GPA or 173 GED |
$12,000 $3,000/yr for a max of 4 years |
| 29-31 ACT or 1330-1410 SAT (or 1290-1390**) |
3.65+ GPA or 170 GED |
$10,000 $2,500/yr for a max of 4 years |
| 25-36 ACT or 1200-1600 SAT (or 1130+**) |
3.50+ GPA or 167 GED |
$6,000 $1,500/yr for a max of 4 years |
| 22-24 ACT or 1100-1190 SAT (1020-1120+**) |
3.50+ GPA or 165 GED |
$1,000 non-renewable |
You're eligible to receive one automatic scholarship award based on your weighted cumulative GPA and official test scores. You must be a full-time student enrolled in at least 15 credits per semester to qualify. Renewal criteria apply. All scholarships are subject to change. As funding is available, scholarships will be awarded after the priority deadline.
*SAT = Math & Evidence-Based Reading & Writing
*If you have taken the ACT or SAT multiple times, your top score from each section
of either the ACT or SAT (regardless of exam date) will be used to determine your
composite “superscore” for scholarship eligibility. Be sure to send UND all of your
test scores for consideration.
**Required score if you took the SAT exam prior to March 5, 2016.
The Hawk Scholarship is an extra automatic scholarship that provides additional dollars for one year to incoming freshmen on top of academic scholarships.
Receive Up to $2,000 in Transfer Scholarships
Fall Semester Priority Deadline: April 15
| Cumulative College GPA |
Transfer Student Scholarship Award |
|---|---|
| 3.9 - 4.0 | $2,000 $1,000/semester |
| 3.5 - 3.89 | $1,000 $500/semester |
Scholarships are awarded based on your cumulative GPA for all credits transferred to UND as calculated by the UND Registrar's Office. Students transferring more than 125 credits to UND will not qualify for the scholarship. You must be a full-time student enrolled in at least 15 credits per semester to qualify. All scholarships are subject to change. As funding is available, scholarships will be awarded after the deadline.
Note: Self-report your high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores on your application for a quicker admission decision and a better chance at receiving scholarships. We can make a preliminary admission offer if you meet our admission guidelines. You’ll be asked to confirm your academic status by providing an official transcript and test scores.
Additional Scholarships
Scholarships are available through a variety of sources including the federal government, the state of North Dakota and outside organizations. You may accept non-UND scholarships without affecting UND scholarships.
New Student - National Merit Scholars
If you're a National Merit Scholar Finalist or Semi-Finalist from North Dakota or Minnesota and select UND as your first choice on the National Merit Application, you'll receive a UND scholarship equivalent to full tuition and mandatory student fees (renewable for up to 3 additional years if criteria are met).
This scholarship is in addition to other UND scholarships and waivers you're eligible to receive (up to the full cost of attendance).
Current Student - National Scholarships
National scholarships provide high-performing students exceptional opportunities to experience learning and academic training at the highest levels. Let us help you apply.
The state of North Dakota provides aid to high-achieving students, including:
There are many resources that offer access to scholarship information. Use the scholarship search engines listed below as an effective way to gain access to many scholarships.
- CollegeBoard
- FastWEB
- College Scholarships
- FedMoney
- Sallie Mae Scholarship Search
- Scholarship Experts
Make sure scholarship information and offers you receive are legitimate; and remember that you don't have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid. Check out Federal Student Aid's information on how to avoid scams.
Per SBHE policy 820, the Cultural Diversity Scholarship is meant to "promote enrollment of a culturally diverse student body, including members of Indian tribes and economically disadvantaged students, for the benefit of all students and the academic community, to promote the enrollment of graduate students and research, and for other purposes consistent with an institution's mission."
Application for the 2020-21 academic year opened November 1, 2019 and will close March 1, 2020.
- In order to be eligible for the Cultural Diversity Scholarship, you must be an admitted, degree-seeking undergraduate first-time, full-time student or transfer student (having earned 24 or more credits and minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 3.00) from a tribal college. First-year applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.00 and a minimum 20 ACT/1020 SAT (math & reading).
- The application will open in Scholarship Central on November 1. Priority will be given based on the submitted application date, which includes timestamp, until all scholarships have been awarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the Cultural Diversity Scholarship Program?
Recognizing the educational benefit of a diverse student population, the University of North Dakota adopted a Cultural Diversity Scholarship program. Special emphasis of this policy is to recruit, assist and retain enrolled members of federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Natives and Villages, American Indian graduates of tribally-controlled community colleges in North Dakota, all other under-represented groups and economically disadvantaged students.
Who is eligible for the Cultural Diversity Scholarship?
You must meet one of the following definitions for eligibility under this program:
- Individuals historically under-represented (African American, American Indian, Asian American or Hispanic American).
- Incoming first-year students with a minimum high school GPA of 3.00 and a minimum 20 ACT/1020 SAT (math & reading) OR, transfer students, having earned 24 or more credits with a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 3.00 from a tribal college, are eligible to apply for the Cultural Diversity Scholarship.
- Funding will be reviewed based on academic eligibility and when the application is received, priority in which it was received.
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What academic considerations are looked at for applicants of the Cultural Diversity Scholarship?
- In order to be eligible for the Cultural Diversity Scholarship, you must be an admitted, degree-seeking undergraduate first-time, full-time student or transfer student (having earned 24 or more credits and minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 3.00) from a tribal college. First-year applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.00 and a minimum 20 ACT/1020 SAT (math & reading).
- The application will open in Scholarship Central on November 1. Priority will be given based on the submitted application date, which includes timestamp, until all scholarships have been given.
What is the amount of funding that you can receive through the Cultural Diversity Scholarship Program?
- Scholarships will not exceed the amount of North Dakota in-state tuition. Scholarships do not include flight fees, application fees, books, board, room or other costs of attendance. In addition, partial scholarships may be awarded.
- Online tuition will not be waived through this program.
| Freshman | $2750 per semester/$5500 per academic year |
|---|---|
| Sophomore | $2250 per semester/$4500 per academic year |
| Junior | $1750 per semester/$3500 per academic year |
| Senior | $1250 per semester/$2500 per academic year |
The duration of the scholarship is up to 120 total credits or eight semesters (fall/spring) as long as renewal criteria has been met.
Scholarship Requirements
Freshman
- Earn 15 credit hours per semester
- Maintain a 2.75 Institutional Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Meet with CDS Advisor | 2 visits per semester
- Meet with Academic Advisor | 1 visit per semester
- Meet with each Instructor | 1 visit per semester
Sophomore
- Earn 15 credit hours per semester
- Maintain a 2.75 Institutional Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Meet with CDS Advisor | 2 visits per semester
- Meet with Academic Advisor | 1 visit per semester
- Meet with each Instructor | 1 visit per semester
Junior
- Earn 15 credit hours per semester
- Maintain a 2.75 Institutional Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Meet with CDS Advisor | 2 visits per semester
- Meet with Academic Advisor | 1 visit per semester
Senior
- Earn 15 credit hours per semester
- Maintain a 2.75 Institutional Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Meet with CDS Advisor | 2 visits per semester
- Meet with Academic Advisor | 1 visit per semester
If you plan to be a student-athlete on an intercollegiate sports team at UND, any scholarships you're awarded are subject to NCAA rules. You may not be able to accept every scholarship you are offered.
You must immediately report all scholarships to the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance by August 1.
Organizations that aren't affiliated with the University can also be a great source of funding for your education. Ask your school counselor about awards for graduating seniors.
You may also find scholarships or other forms of financial assistance through:
- Your place of worship or other religious communities
- Local branches of organizations such as the Rotary Club or Kiwanis
- Other organizations, such as Army ROTC, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and North
- Dakota National Guard
- Your parents' employers
- Your employer
Where to send scholarships checks:
Congratulations on receiving an external scholarship! Scholarship checks should be sent to the following address:
Student Financial Aid
264 Centennial Dr Stop 8371
Grand Forks, ND 58202-8371
One-Stop Student Services offers a drop box in the One-Stop space if you need to turn in a scholarship check. Checks can also be delivered directly to the Student Financial Aid office, 2nd floor of Twamley Hall.
External scholarships must be accounted for on your financial aid. If you have questions regarding how your award may impact other financial aid you have received, please visit with us in One-Stop.
Waivers
Employee, Spouse and Dependent Tuition Waiver
UND employees and their family members are eligible for tuition waivers.
Veterans / Active Duty Spouses and Children Waiver
Spouses and children of veterans or active duty military members are eligible for a tuition waiver reducing tuition from the out-of-state rate down to the North Dakota Resident rate.