ND Career Builders: scholarship for high-need careers and North Dakota service

ND Career Builders combines state investment with matching funds from businesses, associations, communities, or other eligible sources to support training for high-need occupations. It has two routes: a scholarship while studying in an eligible North Dakota program, and loan repayment for newly hired workers in a priority occupation. They are not the same benefit and do not share every rule; this guide focuses on the student scholarship.

The program must be a certificate, associate degree, or the final two years of a bachelor’s degree and relate directly to an occupation on the state list. The college confirms eligibility of the program and institution. Students must be full-time under their academic plan and have at least a 2.50 GPA; the program is limited to four semesters or six quarters. Occupations and eligible courses are reviewed, so use the current list when applying.

The state matches eligible private or public funds dollar for dollar up to $8,500, for a lifetime maximum of $17,000 per recipient. The award cannot exceed tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Payment depends on matching funds being confirmed first; meeting academic criteria is not enough if no donor or qualifying funding is available for the student.

Recipients sign a binding agreement to complete the program, live in North Dakota, and work in an in-demand occupation in the state for three years after graduation. There is a six-month window to meet the post-completion requirements. If a student does not finish or fails the service terms, repayment may include both state and private match funds; read the contract before accepting.

The college generally starts the process with the student, and NDUS confirms final eligibility. Applicants check the program list, create an Applicant account in ND SAMS, and select the Career Builders scholarship application. The portal uses multifactor authentication, and NDUS recommends a computer; for a minor, a parent account is separate and does not replace the student’s registration. Ask the campus who verifies the donor match and how funds are posted.

The separate loan-repayment route may interest graduates with student debt: it requires new employment in North Dakota in a priority occupation, state residency, and an eligible student loan. Matching funds reach $8,500, with a $17,000 maximum, payments over up to three years, and an annual or loan-balance cap. Credit-card, housing, or consolidated debt no longer classified as student loans is excluded; review that route separately.

Before applying, confirm the current cycle, priority date, participating institution, enrollment load, and any missing records. Keep a copy of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, and submission confirmation. Ask about renewal, covered expenses, and coordination with other aid. Do not budget money until you receive an official award.

Compare net cost and distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans; they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Verify current-cycle dates and requirements directly with the administrator.

Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.

ND Career Builders — North Dakota University System.

ND SAMS Portal — North Dakota University System.

NDUS Foundation — North Dakota Workforce Development Council.

Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Aid, funding, and deadlines can change by cycle. Confirm eligibility with the program administrator and your college financial-aid office before relying on an award.

Bottom line

Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.

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