1
State Capitol – 600 E Boulevard Ave – Dept. 215 Bismarck ND 58505‐0230 Phone: 701.328.2960 Fax: 701.328.2961 E‐mail: ndfinaid@ndus.edu Web: ndus.edu The North Dakota University System administers grants, scholarships, and other financial incentives to higher education students and graduates. This document provides an overview of the programs available. More information is available online at www.ndus.edu/students/paying‐for‐college. Grants  ND State Student Incentive Grant The State Grant Program provides non‐repayable grants to North Dakota residents pursuing undergraduate degrees at North Dakota’s public, private, and tribal colleges. The application for the grant is the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be completed each year for initial awards and renewals. Awards are based on unmet need. Scholarships  ND Academic and ND Career and Technical Education Scholarships  Academic (AC) Scholarships are intended to encourage and reward high school students who take more rigorous high school courses and to attend college in North Dakota. AC Scholarships are awarded to high school graduates who complete defined high school rigorous course work and score a 24 or higher on their ACT assessment.  Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarships are intended to encourage and reward high school students to take more rigorous high school courses, promote CTE programs of study, and to retain college students in North Dakota. CTE Scholarships are awarded to high school graduates who score a 24 or higher on their ACT assessment or a score of least “5” on each of three WorkKeys assessments taken by February of their senior year in high school as well as complete defined high school rigorous course work.  ND Indian Scholarship The ND Indian Scholarship Program assists American Indian students in obtaining a college education by providing grants based upon scholastic ability and financial need. An application and supporting document must be received in the NDUS office by July 15 prior to the academic year in which the student is applying for aid.  ND Scholars Scholarship The ND Scholars Scholarship is a merit‐based full‐tuition scholarship for North Dakota’s best and brightest high school graduates to encourage them to remain in North Dakota for postsecondary education. High school juniors must take the ACT test between October and June of his or her junior year. Scholarships are awarded based on ACT scores. No application is necessary. (additional information on next page) The North Dakota University System is governed by the State Board of Higher Education and includes: Bismarck State College • Dakota College at Bottineau • Dickinson State University • Lake Region State College • Mayville State University • Minot State University North Dakota State College of Science • North Dakota State University • University of North Dakota • Valley City State University • Williston State College 2
Other Programs  Midwest Student Exchange Program Offered by the Midwest Higher Education Commission, the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) enables students to enroll in out‐of‐state colleges and universities at no more than 150 percent of the institutions’ resident tuition rate. Each participating institution determines which degree programs it will make available to students, the number of students it will admit and its admission requirements.  North Dakota/Minnesota Reciprocity The purposes of the North Dakota/Minnesota Reciprocity Program are to continue to improve postsecondary education opportunities for North Dakota and Minnesota residents and to achieve improved effectiveness and economy in meeting the postsecondary education needs to those residents through cooperative efforts by the two neighboring states. Currently, North Dakota students who attend Minnesota campuses pay the Minnesota resident rate.  Professional Student Exchange Program The Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) provides North Dakota students access to veterinary medicine, optometry, and dentistry programs not offered in the state. Participating students pay the resident tuition rates to a public out‐of‐state institution or reduced tuition to a private institution.  STEM Student Loan Forgiveness Program The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Occupations Student Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage students to pursue STEM related careers in ND. The program reduces student loan indebtedness for individuals who have graduated in STEM‐
related fields and have been employed in STEM occupations in the state for one year.  Teacher Shortage Loan Forgiveness Program The Teacher Shortage Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage teaching in North Dakota at grade levels and/or content areas identified by the Department of Public Instruction as having teacher shortages. The program reduces student loan indebtedness for individuals who have held a full‐time teaching contract in a shortage area for a full academic year.  Western Regional Graduate Programs The primary purpose of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) is to permit students from WICHE states to enroll in the more than 220 graduate programs offered by member states. Students who participate in WRGP pay resident tuition rates at public institutions.  Western Undergraduate Exchange Through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program, students in 15 participating states may enroll in designated two‐year and four‐year institutions and programs in other participating states at reduced tuition rates. WUE students pay up to 150 percent of regular in‐
state tuition at designated institutions. Sheila/500/State Financial Aid program overview – 2012.docx 3
State Capitol – 600 E Boulevard Ave – Dept. 215
Bismarck ND 58505‐0230 Phone: 701.328.4114 Fax: 701.328.2961 E‐mail: ndfinaid@ndus.edu Web: ndus.edu NORTH DAKOTA STATE STUDENT INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM
(SSIG or State Grant)
2012-13
PRIORITY DEADLINE: FAFSA must be received by April 15, 2012 for priority consideration.
The North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant Program provides non-repayable grants to eligible undergraduate students
attending eligible North Dakota public, private, and tribal colleges/universities.
NEED AND ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION
How to apply:
The State Grant Program uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as its
application. Once a student has submitted the FAFSA, no separate application is required.
How we determine
who receives awards:
All applicants are ranked according to their financial unmet need. Financial unmet need is the net
difference between the educational expenses and the applicant’s available funding. Available
funding includes the family's (parent/student) expected contribution and any Pell Grant award.
Educational expenses include tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board, and personal
expenses.
Awards will be offered to students who exhibit the greatest financial unmet need and who meet all
other eligibility requirements, within the limit of funds available.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for a State Grant, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Be a citizen or national of the United States or eligible non-citizen and a North Dakota resident.

Be a graduate of a high school, or hold the General Equivalency Diploma (GED), and be able to meet all requirements
for admission as a full-time student at an eligible institution.

Use any grant awarded to you at an eligible institution in North Dakota.

Enroll as a full-time student as defined by the eligible institution you attend and maintain full-time enrollment over the
period for which a grant is awarded.

Enroll in a program of at least one academic year as defined by the eligible institution.

Be a first-time undergraduate student (a student who has not previously received a baccalaureate or graduate degree)
during the period of the award. Any freshman through senior student is eligible to apply. A student may not have
attended college for more than 8 semesters or 12 quarters since their high school graduation.

Not be in default on any Federal Family Education Loan Programs.

Not owe a refund on any Title IV grants or loans.
The North Dakota University System is governed by the State Board of Higher Education and includes: Bismarck State College • Dakota College at Bottineau • Dickinson State University • Lake Region State College • Mayville State University • Minot State University North Dakota State College of Science • North Dakota State University • University of North Dakota • Valley City State University • Williston State College 4
Further Information
HOW TO APPLY:
You can apply for the State Grant Program by completing the FAFSA. If you are a North Dakota
resident, you must indicate that in Step 1. [NOTE: For Air Base personnel, your state of
residency is ND if you are stationed on either the Minot or Grand Forks Air Force Base.]
PRIORITY
DEADLINE DATE:
The deadline date to submit an application in order to receive priority consideration for funding
is April 15, 2012. The priority date is determined by the date your FAFSA is received by the
central processor and not the date your application was mailed or submitted online. Applications
completed after April 15 will be considered only if extra funding is available.
NOTIFICATION:
It is the goal of the State Grant Program to mail initial notification of awards to eligible applicants
by the end of May. Denial letters are not issued.
DISBURSEMENT:
State Grants are traditionally disbursed equally between fall and spring semesters or fall, winter,
and spring quarters to students through the eligible institution they are attending.
TRANSFER:
If you are awarded a State Grant, the first eligible institution that you listed on your FAFSA will
be notified. If you enroll at another eligible institution, you may transfer your grant to any other
eligible institution in North Dakota. HOWEVER, changing institutions might affect your
continued eligibility for a State Grant. When you notify the State Grant Program of your intent to
change institutions, we will review your eligibility and notify you if you will not be eligible for the
grant upon transfer.
RENEWAL OF
GRANT AWARDS:
State Grant recipients may apply for renewal of a grant while earning their first undergraduate
degree. Students may be eligible to receive a grant annually until the recipient has attended
college for 8 semesters or 12 quarters, or until they have earned a baccalaureate degree, whichever
occurs first. To be eligible for renewal awards, recipients must maintain satisfactory academic
progress as determined by the institution.
Returning students may apply for the State Grant by completing and returning the FAFSA during
subsequent years.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information on the State Grant Program and other student financial aid programs visit
http://www.ndus.edu/students/paying-for-college/. Questions may be e-mailed to ndfinaid@ndus.edu.
Sheila/500/502/2012-13/apply.docx
5
North Dakota Academic Scholarship North Dakota Career and Technical Education Scholarship Applications available at https://www.dpi.state.nd.us/DPI/Scholarship/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fdpi%2fScholarship%2fdefault.aspx from March 1 – June 7 for current year high school seniors The amount of each scholarship is $750 per semester or $500 per quarter for a total of $1,500 for the academic year based on full‐time enrollment in an accredited higher education institution in North Dakota, both public and private. The scholarships are renewable provided the student maintains a 2.75 cumulative grade point average based on a 4.00 scale reviewed each semester. Students may qualify for either the North Dakota Academic Scholarship or the North Dakota Career and Technical Education Scholarship. The students may be eligible for up to $6,000 within six academic school years (do not have to be consecutive years) of undergraduate study after graduation from high school. ND Career and Technical Education Scholarship Eligibility ND Academic Scholarship Eligibility Requirements Requirements North Dakota resident student North Dakota resident student Graduate from a high school in North Dakota or a bordering Graduate from a high school in North Dakota or a bordering state per ND century code 15.1‐29 or from a nonpublic high state per ND century code 15.1‐29 or from a nonpublic high school in a bordering state while residing with a custodial school in a bordering state while residing with a custodial parent in this state parent in this state Complete all of the following course and grade Complete all of the following course and grade requirements: requirements:  4 units of English language arts  4 units of English language arts  3 units of mathematics, including 1 unit of Algebra II and  3 units of mathematics, including 1 unit of Algebra II  3 units of science, including 1 unit of physical science, 1 1 unit of mathematics for which Algebra II is a prerequisite unit of biology, and 1 unit or 2 half units of any other science
 3 units of science, including 1 unit of physical science,  3 units of social studies, including 1 unit of US History, 1 biology, and 1 unit of 2 half units of any other science  3 units of social studies, including 1 unit of US History, 1 unit of POD or ½ unit of US Government and ½ unit of economics, and 1 unit or 2 half units of any other social unit of POD or ½ unit of US Government and ½ unit of studies economics, and 1 unit or 2 half units of any other social  1 unit of physical education or ½ unit of physical studies education and ½ unit of health  1 unit of physical education or ½ unit of physical  1 unit selected from foreign languages, Native American education and ½ unit of health  2 units of the same foreign or Native American language languages, American sign language, fine arts or Career and Technical Education or American sign language  1 unit selected from foreign languages, Native American  2 units of a coordinated plan of study (CTE)  Any 5 additional units, 2 of which must be in the area of languages, American sign language, fine arts or career and technical education Career and Technical Education  Any 5 additional units, 1 of which must be in the area of fine arts or Career and Technical  1 unit of Advanced Placement course or ½ unit of dual credit course Obtain a grade of at least “C” in each unit or ½ unit required Obtain a grade of at least “C” in each unit or ½ unit required under the diploma and scholarship requirements under the diploma and scholarship requirements Obtain a final cumulative grade point of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 Obtain a final cumulative grade point of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale scale Receive a composite score of at least 24 on ACT Receive a composite score of at least 24 on an ACT or a score of at least “5” on each of 3 WorkKeys assessments to include Reading for Information, Locating Information, and Applied Mathematics 6
Eligible ND Institutions STATE UNIVERSITIES TWO‐YEAR COLLEGES PRIVATE COLLEGES Dickinson State University Bismarck State College Jamestown College Mayville State University Cankdeska Cikana Community College MedCenter One College of Nursing Minot State University Dakota College at Bottineau Rasmussen College North Dakota State University Fort Berthold Community College Trinity Bible College University of Mary University of North Dakota Lake Region State College Valley City State University North Dakota State College of Science Sitting Bull College Turtle Mt. Community College United Tribes Technical College Williston State College Diploma Requirements 1. 4 units of English language arts from a sequence that includes literature, composition, and speech 2. 3 units of mathematics 3. 3 units of science, including: o 1 unit of physical science o 1 unit of biology o 1 unit (or 2 half‐units) of any other science 4. 3 units of social studies, including: o 1 unit of US history o ½ unit of US government and ½ unit of economics; OR o 1 unit of problems of democracy; AND o 1 unit (or 2 half‐units) of any other social studies, which may include civics, civilization, geography and history, multicultural studies, ND studies, psychology, sociology, and world history 5. 1 unit of physical education; OR ½ unit of physical education and ½ unit of health 6. 3 units of: a. Foreign languages; b. Native American languages; c. Fine arts; or d. Career and technical education courses 7. Any 5 additional units Scholarship Renewal Requirements  Student must be enrolled as a full‐time student in an accredited higher education institution in North Dakota, both public and private. Full‐time for the purpose of North Dakota scholarship eligibility means enrollment in at least twelve credits during a student's first two semesters and enrollment in at least fifteen credits during each semester thereafter or enrollment in the equivalent number of credits, with respect to a quarter system.  Student must maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA based on a 4.00 scale, reviewed each semester. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.75, the student will be given one term to bring their cumulative GPA to 2.75 or above. The scholarship will be revoked if the student fails to meet the GPA requirement after their next term.  If a student is not enrolled as a full‐time student, the scholarship will be revoked until the time the student is enrolled full‐time. The scholarship will be reinstated the next semester the student is enrolled full‐time. Additional Details  A student does not have to be enrolled in consecutive semesters. However, the scholarship is valid only for 6 academic years after the student’s graduation from high school. The total value of the scholarship is $6,000.  The scholarship may not be applied to graduate studies. Exceptions include courses of study (5‐year programs such as architecture or pharmacy) wherein a student moves into the graduate program in the third year of course work without delineation between an undergraduate and graduate program of study. G:\Gina\500\Academic and CTE Scholarships\Scholarship information 2011‐2013 Edited.docx 7
8
State Capitol – 600 E Boulevard Ave – Dept. 215 Bismarck ND 58505‐0230 Phone: 701.328.4114 Fax: 701.328.2961 E‐mail: ndfinaid@ndus.edu Web: ndus.edu North Dakota Scholars Scholarship Program
Fall 2013 College Freshmen
The North Dakota Scholars Program, administered by the North Dakota University System, recognizes
high school seniors graduating with outstanding scholastic achievement. To be eligible for an in-state
tuition scholarship, students must graduate from a North Dakota high school in 2013. Also, students must
take, or have taken, the ACT test on one of the test dates indicated below. ACT test scores will be sent
automatically to the North Dakota University System unless the student notifies ACT by June 24, 2012.
ACT test date schedule for recognition selection
 September 10, 2011
 February 11, 2012
 October 22, 2011
 April 14, 2012
 December 10, 2011
 June 9, 2012
How to apply: Taking the ACT test by the required date is the only application you need.
NOTE: June 9, 2012, WILL BE THE LAST OPPORTUNITY FOR 2013 GRADUATING
SENIORS to take the ACT test for Scholars Program consideration.
Awards will be based on the achievement of individuals as measured by their:
1) ACT composite score ranking the student in the 95th percentile or higher of all North Dakota
(junior) students taking the test; and
2) ACT composite score sums.
The 2013 Scholars will be announced in the fall of 2012 and will receive a letter from the North Dakota
University System designating them as North Dakota Scholars. Scholars who enroll in a North Dakota
college or university will be awarded an in-state tuition scholarship for the 2013-14 academic year. The
number of Scholarships is limited to funds appropriated by the Legislature. Also, a Scholar who
maintains a 3.50 cumulative GPA is eligible for a renewal scholarship.
The North Dakota Scholars program is another commitment to education excellence as an essential
component in both the preparation of our youth for the future and for the assurance of continued vitality
of the State's economy. If you have questions, please feel free to call me at 701.328.4114 or e-mail me at
nathan.stratton@ndus.edu.
Sheila/500/504/2013-14/Scholar information for distribution.docx
The North Dakota University System is governed by the State Board of Higher Education and includes: Bismarck State College • Dakota College at Bottineau • Dickinson State University • Lake Region State College • Mayville State University • Minot State University North Dakota State College of Science • North Dakota State University • University of North Dakota • Valley City State University • Williston State College