Paying for College

Whether you're considering higher education for yourself or starting to plan for the education of your kids, understanding the financial aid process is the first step to meeting your education goals.

Priority deadlines for South Dakota colleges

Colleges can have priority deadlines for the FAFSA to help determine who to consider for certain financial aid programs.

Dakota Corp Scholarship Program

The Dakota Corps Scholarship Program was created to encourage South Dakota’s high school graduates to: Obtain their postsecondary education in South Dakota Remain in the state upon completion of their education Contribute to the state of South Dakota and its citizens by working in a critical need occupation

Apply for these South Dakota scholarships

South Dakota students can now apply for the Board of Regents Endowed Scholarships.

Apply now for the Build Dakota Scholarship

If you plan to attend one of South Dakota’s technical institutes next fall and pursue a degree in an area designated as high need, you could have your education paid for through the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund.

Asking for a lower tuition bill

Controlling the cost of higher education is an issue on the minds of many students and parents.

Important facts about the FSA ID

Students and parents should think of the FSA ID as the key that unlocks access to their federal financial aid.

Tips for getting "free" money for college

Scholarships are sometimes called "free money" for college.

Choosing the right way to pay for college

Not all college funding sources are created equal.

Being a responsible student (and responsible financial aid recipient)

When you get help to pay for college, it is time to celebrate.

Where do I start applying for financial aid?

If you are a high school senior or the parent of a senior, the next few months can be crucial to applying for financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.

Verification of your financial aid application

You've completed all the paperwork, filled out the forms, and submitted everything by the deadline to apply for financial aid.

Knowing when to apply for financial aid

Applying for financial aid for college is one of those things that you want to do as soon as possible.

Five facts everyone should know about parent student loans

Saving for college can be tough.

Paying for college – it's about more than the tuition

The cost of college and how to pay for it is a huge worry for many students and parents.

Financial Aid Introduction

Whether you're considering higher education for yourself or starting to plan for the education of your kids, understanding the financial aid process is the first step to meeting your education goals.

Types of Financial Aid

The main types of financial aid are education loans, grants and scholarships, work-study, and service programs.

Independent Student Status

Understanding your financial aid dependency status, including a discussion of what to do if the parents of dependent students refuse to help them pay for college.

Creating an Aid Strategy

Considerations when planning to pay for school, including school choice, employment options, accounting strategies, and the importance of borrowing wisely.

Understanding Financial Need

Some aid is based on financial need and some is not. What exactly is "financial need?"

Applying for Aid

The aid application process, including descriptions of the FAFSA and Profile forms.

Don't forget this important document when applying for financial aid

If you will be completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the first time soon, there are few things you should know about providing income information.

Taking this one step will make completing the FAFSA a lot easier

Completing the federal application for financial aid is a lot easier now than it was a few years ago, thanks to steps taken by the U.S. Department of Education.