SMSU Scholarships
2027–2028 Academic Year
All dates on this page are in 2027 unless a different year is shown.
Paying for college may be easier than you think. SMSU offers need-based aid, Mustang Scholarships awarded automatically, and scholarships funded by donors and academic departments. Find yours by the student type that fits you best.
See Your SMSU Scholarships
First-Year Student Scholarships
Entering college for the first time? If you qualify, your Mustang Scholarship is based on your cumulative high school GPA and is awarded automatically. Awards range from $1,000 to $3,500. To be considered for a higher Mustang Scholarship level, students must send transcripts showing an updated cumulative high school GPA to the Office of Admission by March 1 for fall-start terms or by December 1 for spring-start terms.
Important Dates
- Starting in the Fall (March 1) OR Starting in the Spring (December 1): Apply for admission to SMSU.
- Donor-Funded Scholarships – October 1, 2026: SMSU's Foundation Scholarship Application in AwardSpring opens for the next academic year cycle. Fill out the General Application, then answer any extra questions for the scholarships you are matched with.
Transfer Student Scholarships
Coming from another college with at least 24 transferable credits? If you qualify, your Mustang Transfer Scholarship is based on your cumulative college GPA and is awarded automatically. Awards are $1,000 or $1,500.
Important Dates
- Starting in the Fall (June 1) OR Starting in the Spring (December 1): Apply for admission to SMSU.
- Donor-Funded Scholarships – October 1, 2026: SMSU's Foundation Scholarship Application in AwardSpring opens for the next academic year cycle. Fill out the General Application, then answer any extra questions for the scholarships you are matched with.
Current Student Scholarships
Already enrolled at SMSU? One General SMSU Scholarship Application in AwardSpring can match you to donor-funded awards, and your academic department may offer additional scholarships.
Important Dates
- Donor-Funded Scholarships – October 1, 2026: SMSU's Foundation Scholarship Application in AwardSpring opens for the next academic year cycle. Fill out the General Application, then answer any extra questions for the scholarships you are matched with.
How SMSU Scholarships Work
Automatic
The Office of Admission automatically awards Mustang Scholarships based on your cumulative high school GPA – or your cumulative college GPA if you transfer. There is no separate scholarship application.
Application Required
Competitive, donor-funded, and academic department awards may require an application, a personal statement, an interview, supplemental questions, or an audition.
FAFSA-Based
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application (formerly the Minnesota Dream Act Application). If that fits your situation. These applications are used to determine your eligibility for programs like the North Star Promise and other forms of financial aid.
Donor-Funded Foundation Awards
Alums, businesses, and friends of the University fund scholarships each year. One general application can match you to awards you qualify for.
Cost of Attendance
At SMSU, the estimated cost of attendance includes tuition, housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses.
Financial Aid
Scholarships are only one part of paying for college. Complete the FAFSA to see your scholarships, along with grants, student employment, and loans.
Questions About Scholarships?
Email Scholarships@SMSU.edu or call (507) 537-6281.
Last Modified: 8/18/26 2:22 PM | Website Feedback