Your Tuition Could Be FREE!
Southwest Scholars Day, the Mustang Scholarship, 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
Southwest Scholars Day
Southwest Scholars Day is an on-campus scholarship competition from which high school seniors can earn SMSU’s top scholarships! During the day, you will also have the opportunity to participate in various campus events to meet the Mustang Family and learn more about the exciting opportunities we offer our Scholars. Each student is required to fill out the General Scholarship Application, provide an unofficial transcript, and write a personal statement in order to qualify. Qualifying students must have at least a 3.6 weighted GPA or a 28 ACT. Applications open October 1, 2026, and close February 5, 2027.
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 remaining balance of tuition and fees 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 details, connect with the SMSU Office of Admission at Admission@SMSU.edu or visit:
Mustang Scholarship
Your high school GPA may qualify you for a Mustang Scholarship. Students starting at Southwest Minnesota State University in the 2027–2028 academic year with a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher receive $1,000 to $3,500 for their first-year. An application by March 1 for the Fall semester, or December 1 for the spring semester, is all you need to be automatically considered for this scholarship.
| Cumulative High School GPA | Award for One Academic Year |
|---|---|
| 3.90 or Higher | $3,500 |
| 3.60–3.89 | $3,000 |
| 3.30–3.59 | $2,500 |
| 3.00–3.29 | $2,000 |
| 2.75–2.99 | $1,000 |
Grade Point Average of 3.9+
- $3,500 and Eligible for Southwest Scholars Day
Grade Point Average of 3.6–3.89
- $3,000 and Eligible for Southwest Scholars Day
Grade Point Average of 3.3–3.59
- $2,500
Grade Point Average of 3.0–3.29
- $2,000
Grade Point Average of 2.75–2.99
- $1,000
Scholarships & Awards
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.
