Your Tuition Could Be FREE!
The President’s Regional Scholars Program, the Southwest Guarantee, and the North Star Promise can all lead to free tuition. These new opportunities provide funding to cover tuition for students who meet the requirements for each program. At SMSU, over 90% of students receive some type of scholarship or grant! Read more about the programs below. Not sure which you qualify for? Contact us and we’ll help you navigate all the options you have available: admission@SMSU.edu
President's Regional Scholarship Program
The President’s Regional Scholarship Program at SMSU partners with area high schools to connect with outstanding students. Through a combination of their outstanding academic achievements and interviews with SMSU faculty and staff, as well as individual interviews with President David Jones, four students are awarded full-ride scholarships. Launched in 2019, the Regional Scholars program offers six scholarship levels, ranging from $2,000 to a full-ride four-year scholarship. In 2024, over 80 students participated in Southwest Scholars Day and received scholarships at different levels.
North Star Promise Scholarship Program
The North Star Promise makes your path to college clear by eliminating financial barriers. Beginning in fall 2024, the North Star Promise Scholarship program will provide tuition and fee-free pathways to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents at participating institutions as a "last-dollar" program, covering the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends, and tuition waivers have been applied. The Minnesota State Legislature funds this program through the Office of Higher Education. For the details, connect with the SMSU Office of Admission at admission@SMSU.edu or visit:
The Southwest Guarantee
SMSU's guaranteed scholarship program is available to new on-campus, first-year students. If you meet the GPA or ACT level, your scholarship is guaranteed. Top students are eligible to compete for one of our full-ride scholarships at the Southwest Scholars Day.
Grade Point Average of 3.9+ OR ACT Score of 30+
- $2,500 per year, up to $10,000 for 4 years AND Eligible for Southwest Scholars Day
Grade Point Average of 3.6-3.89 OR ACT Score of 28-29
- $2,000 per year, up to $8,000 for 4 years AND Eligible for Southwest Scholars Day
Grade Point Average of 3.3-3.59 OR ACT Score of 25-27
- $1,500 per year, up to $6,000 for 4 years
Grade Point Average of 3.0-3.29 OR ACT Score of 21-24
- $1,000 per year, up to $4,000 for 4 years
Grade Point Average of 2.75-2.99 OR ACT Score of 20
- $500 per year, up to $2,000 for 4 years
Scholarships & Awards from the SMSU Foundation
The SMSU Foundation offers a variety of scholarships and awards for both incoming and current students. Please visit SMSU's AwardSpring website for a comprehensive list of scholarships. The awards are subject to change annually. Most can be applied for with one application. Some, such as the music scholarships, required an additional application or audition step.
