North Dakota State Grant: up to $1,375 per semester and FAFSA eligibility

The North Dakota State Grant is a need-based state grant for North Dakota residents pursuing a first undergraduate degree. It may be used at eligible accredited public, tribal, or private institutions in the state offering programs of at least two years, with enrollment of at least quarter-time. It generally does not have to be repaid, but awards depend on financial eligibility and available state funding.

The NDUS page lists a maximum of $1,375 per semester or $917 per quarter, adjusted for enrollment level. A part-time student may receive a prorated award. Eligibility is limited to the equivalent of eight full-time semesters or twelve quarters, or ends upon earning a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. These are program caps, not a promise of the amount in an individual aid package.

Residency alone does not resolve every case. The state describes routes for North Dakota high-school graduates, certain neighboring-state graduates, legally supervised home education, and a GED issued by the state superintendent. A person with a medically certifiable disability may ask about an out-of-state exception when needed services are unavailable locally. High-school or GED records may need to be sent directly to NDUS.

To apply or renew, file FAFSA each year and create an Applicant account in ND SAMS. The portal handles applications, outstanding verifications, award review, and requests to transfer state aid to another college. NDUS notes that multifactor authentication may be easier from a computer; the student must register under the correct account type rather than having a parent apply on their behalf.

Beginning in 2025–26, a Supplemental State Grant is also available to certain recipients of the regular grant. The state lists FAFSA family income of $80,000 or less, at least three credits, satisfactory academic progress, and completed verification when required. The additional award cannot exceed undergraduate tuition and takes Pell and the State Grant into account. It is not a second automatic grant for every resident; the institution adds it when eligibility is confirmed.

Combined state aid cannot exceed the college’s cost of attendance after federal, tribal, institutional, and outside grants are counted; if it does, the school must reduce or cancel aid. Ask how need is calculated, when each payment posts, and whether a transfer requires a new request. NDUS provides its contact information and official portal; avoid submitting personal data through forms not linked from the agency.

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.

North Dakota State Grant — North Dakota University System.

ND State Aid Management System Portal — North Dakota University System.

State Grants and Scholarships — North Dakota University System.

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.

Editorial selection

Options to compare

These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.

01

College scholarship and financial-aid program