Dakota Corps provides tuition and fee support for students pursuing a critical-need occupation at a participating South Dakota institution and then staying to work in the state. Awards use public-school tuition and fee benchmarks; at participating private institutions, the school must cover the difference under program rules. Not every eligible applicant receives an award: selection is competitive and funding, occupation, and school acceptance matter.
Start by checking the occupation list for the specific cohort. For 2026–27, the state database lists K–12 teaching areas and subjects such as special education, mathematics, languages, science, and music, among other fields. Academic rules include South Dakota residency and high-school graduation, GPA and test requirements set for the cycle, admission to a participating institution, and an application with records, activities, and an essay. Cohort terms can change, so do not rely on an old form without confirming its year.
The acceptance agreement and promissory note are central: for each funded year, recipients must work in South Dakota in an eligible occupation for the service period set by the program, generally the number of funded years plus one. Failure to comply can turn the award into repayable debt. Before accepting, ask how a break in study, out-of-state job, or career change is treated, and confirm the current deadline and process with Dakota Corps.
Before accepting aid, confirm in writing who decides eligibility, which costs are covered, how renewal works, and which deadline applies to your cohort. Compare the award with the net cost at your school.
Read the aid-program profile and the FAFSA guide; your institution’s aid office can verify your individual case.
Becas de South Dakota y Dakota Corps — South Dakota Board of Regents.
Ocupaciones de necesidad crítica para 2026–27 — South Dakota Board of Regents, Dakota Corps Knowledge Base.
Dakota Corps: finalidad y reglas del premio — South Dakota Board of Regents.
Information checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Dates and funding can change by cycle; confirm current terms with the agency and your school’s financial-aid office before enrolling.
Confirm the active cycle, aid already applied, and final balance before committing to tuition or housing.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Dakota Corps Scholarship
Dakota Corps provides tuition and fee support for students pursuing a critical-need occupation at a participating South Dakota institution and then staying to work in the state. Awards use public-school tuition and fee benchmarks; at participating private institutions, the school must cover the difference under program rules. Not every eligible applicant receives an award: selection is competitive and funding, occupation, and school acceptance matter. Start by checking the oc
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
South Dakota Board of Regents · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
South Dakota Board of Regents, Dakota Corps Knowledge Base · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
South Dakota Board of Regents · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
South Dakota Board of Regents · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Dakota Corps Scholarship ↗
Primary source
South Dakota Board of Regents, Dakota Corps Knowledge Base · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Dakota Corps Scholarship ↗
Primary source
South Dakota Board of Regents · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.