Scholarships & 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. You'll find plenty of scholarships and waivers based on your financial need, academic success and other factors.
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.
Scholarships are available through a variety of sources — UND, the federal government, the state of North Dakota and outside organizations.
The University of North Dakota awards more than 2,000 scholarships to qualified students annually. The best way to search and apply for undergraduate scholarships is through Scholarship Central.
New Students
Incoming freshmen or transfer students should review Admissions Scholarship & Waiver page for more information.
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.
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.
Employees and their family members are eligible for tuition waivers. Additional information is available through UND Human Resources.
The University awards many scholarships to graduate students and individuals enrolled in the Law School.
Explore and apply to graduate student and law student scholarships in Scholarship Central.
Apply through Scholarship Central
Per SBHE policy 820, the Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver 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."
The 2018-2019 Undergraduate Cultural Diversity Waiver Application opens November 1. Priority will be given based on the date and time stamp of the submitted application date.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the goal of the Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver Program?
Recognizing the educational benefit of a diverse student population, the University of North Dakota adopted a Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver 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 Tuition Waiver?
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 Tuition Waiver.
- 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.
What academic considerations are looked at for applicants of the Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver?
- In order to be eligible for the Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver, 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 waivers have been given.
What is the amount of funding that you can receive through the Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver Program?
- Waivers will not exceed the amount of North Dakota in-state tuition. Tuition waivers do not include flight fees, application fees, books, board, room or other costs of attendance. In addition, partial waivers 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 |
What is the duration of the Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver if a student is granted one?
The duration of the waiver is up to 120 total credits or eight semesters (fall/spring) as long as renewal criteria has been met.
Application deadline: March 1
Some UND departments offer students in the program scholarships. Apply through Scholarship Central.
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
Directions on where to send checks
Congratulations on receiving an external scholarship! Scholarship checks should be sent to the following address:
Student Financial Aid
264 Centennial Drive 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.