North Dakota State Grant

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.

Ask the financial-aid office for a written term-by-term estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, books, and other costs. Keep the award letter, records, and any service agreement. If your studies, residence, or course load change, contact the administrator before that decision affects your aid.

Official program information and application