First Year Student Scholarships
2027–2028 Academic Year
All dates on this page are in 2027 unless a different year is shown.
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. The Office of Admission awards this scholarship automatically, so your admission application is all you need.
| 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 |
These amounts apply only if you start at SMSU in the 2027–2028 academic year. The Mustang Scholarship is not renewable. Each amount covers one academic year and is split in half – one half in the fall semester, one half in the spring.
Scholarship Requirements
No separate Mustang Scholarship application is required. The Office of Admission uses the cumulative high school GPA from your admission application to automatically grant your award.
- Apply for Admission to SMSU by March 1 if you're starting in the fall or December 1 if you're starting in the spring.
- Send Your High School Transcripts to Admission@SMSU.edu.
- Send an updated transcript if your GPA goes up. A higher GPA can increase your award amount if SMSU receives your new transcript by March 1 if you're starting in the fall or December 1 if you're starting in the spring.
Mustang Scholarship Details
Award Amount
Awards range from $1,000 to $3,500 and cover one academic year. The amount arrives in two equal payments, one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester. The GPA tiers in the table above show which amount applies to each tier.
How Awards Work
Award amounts are determined based on cumulative high school GPA alone. A higher GPA means a higher award. Test scores are not used to determine your Mustang Scholarship.
Application
There is no separate Mustang Scholarship application. The Office of Admission reviews the GPA on the admission application and grants the award, so applying for admission and sending your cumulative high school GPA covers everything.
Renewal
The Mustang Scholarship covers the first academic year and is not renewable. You may still qualify for other scholarships and financial aid in later years.
Eligibility
Students must be enrolled full-time at SMSU to be eligible to receive the Mustang Scholarship. Students enrolled in a fully online undergraduate program are not eligible. Taking some of your courses online as part of a full-time schedule does not affect your eligibility.
Scholarships You Can Combine With This Award
- Athletic scholarships
- Upward Bound scholarships
- National Merit Finalist Scholarship
- Eligible SMSU Foundation scholarships
Scholarships not listed here cannot be combined with this award. If you qualify for a larger scholarship that can’t be combined with the Mustang Scholarship, the larger award will replace it rather than being added to it.
Capitalize on Value. With one of the most robust scholarship offerings among peer institutions, most SMSU students also receive financial assistance. The average financial aid package is over $10,900. With banded tuition, credits between 12–18 cost the same, so your tuition does not change.
Additional First-Year Student Scholarships at SMSU
Review scholarship requirements and details to see which opportunities you may qualify for. Some scholarships below are awarded automatically when you apply for admission. Others need a separate application or a competitive review. Check each one to see if it fits you.
Southwest Scholars Day
Scholarship Details
Award Amount
Award amounts vary. Southwest Scholars Day is a competition through which students earn SMSU's top scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarships, awarded at $5,000 each year for four years, totaling $20,000.
How Awards Work
Southwest Scholars Day is an on-campus scholarship competition for high school seniors. Students complete the General Scholarship Application, submit a personal statement and transcript, then interview with a scholarship committee on campus. Results are announced after the event.
Application
Students apply using the General Scholarship Application. The application must include an unofficial transcript and a personal statement to qualify for the competition.
Award Duration
Duration depends on the scholarship awarded. Renewable scholarships continue as long as renewal requirements are met.
Eligibility Requirements
Students qualify by meeting at least one of the following requirements.
- Ranking in the top 10 percent of the high school graduating class
- Earning a weighted cumulative high school GPA of 3.60 or higher
- 28 ACT Score
Selection Criteria
SMSU also considers each student's interview and personal statement, including academic achievement and demonstrated leadership experience, when selecting scholarship recipients.
Application and Selection Process
- Complete the SMSU Foundation Scholarship Application in AwardSpring
- Provide an unofficial high school transcript
- Submit the required personal statement
- RSVP for Southwest Scholars Day
- Participate in the scholarship interview process if selected as a finalist
Application and Interview Schedule
Check the current General Application in AwardSpring for the application deadline and interview schedule.
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
Scholarship Details
Award Amount
$2,500 each year for four years, up to a total award amount of $10,000.
How Awards Work
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation decides who becomes a Finalist. If you reach Finalist standing and name SMSU as your university choice, SMSU awards you this scholarship. It is separate from any award National Merit gives you directly.
Required Designation
Select Southwest Minnesota State University as your university choice through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Award Duration
Up to four years, as long as scholarship requirements are met.
Eligibility Requirements
You qualify if you are named a National Merit Finalist and name SMSU as your university choice.
Recognition and Award Process
- Complete the National Merit Scholarship Corporation process.
- Receive recognition as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.
- Designate Southwest Minnesota State University as your university choice.
- Follow all dates and instructions provided by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Scholarships You Can Combine With This Award
- Mustang Scholarship
- Athletic Scholarship
- Upward Bound Scholarship
Scholarships not listed here cannot be combined with this award. If you receive a larger scholarship that can’t be combined with this scholarship, the larger award will replace it.
Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Details
Award Amount
Award amounts vary by scholarship. SMSU offers hundreds of donor-funded awards supported by alumni, businesses, and friends of the University.
How Awards Work
Donors set the criteria for their own scholarships, so the qualifications range widely. Some look at an academic program, others at interests, achievements, talents, financial need, or a mix of these.
Application
SMSU's Foundation Scholarship Application in AwardSpring matches you with scholarships you may qualify for, so there's no need to hunt through the list one award at a time. Answering the supplemental questions and adding requested materials opens up even more matches.
Award Duration
Duration varies by scholarship. Each listing in AwardSpring spells out its own details and requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Requirements vary by scholarship, and opportunities may rest on any of these.
- Academic program or area of study
- Interests, experiences, or personal background
- Academic achievement or other accomplishments
- Leadership, service, or specific talents
- Financial need
- Other donor-established criteria
Review each scholarship listing for its complete eligibility requirements.
Application and Matching Process
- Sign in to SMSU AwardSpring.
- Complete the General Application.
- Review the scholarships that AwardSpring identifies as possible matches.
- Complete any supplemental questions, applications, essays, documents, or other materials required for individual scholarships.
- Submit all required materials by the deadlines shown in AwardSpring.
Application Dates
The General Application opens October 1, 2026. Closing dates and additional deadlines vary by scholarship and application cycle. Check AwardSpring for the current dates.
Additional Application Requirements
Completing the General Application does not complete every scholarship application. Some opportunities require additional questions, essays, documents, or other materials before your application can be considered.
Not ready to sign in? Browse SMSU Scholarship Listings.
Admission Instructions for First-Year Students
- Complete the Application for Admission
- Self-Report Your Academic Credentials OR Send Official High School Transcript(s) to Admission@SMSU.edu
- Submit Scores from the ACT (code #2151) or the SAT (code #6703) (Optional)
- Submit a $20 Non-Refundable Application Fee (or eligible Promo Code).
- First-Year Admission Process and Requirements
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