Jump Start Scholarship

Jump Start recognizes students who complete public high school in three years or less and continue to postsecondary study in South Dakota. The Board of Regents guide describes a $1,500 first-year scholarship, not a general tuition waiver. The payment is split between fall and spring semesters and must be used at an accredited institution with a campus in the state. It differs from Dakota Corps: it does not impose the same critical-occupation and work-service agreement.

The first question is whether graduation occurred within the timeframe defined by the program and whether the chosen college meets the accreditation and location rules. State sources say students must enroll within the allowed period after graduation; because forms and procedures can change, ask admissions or financial aid to confirm the qualifying graduation year and first eligible term. Do not treat “early graduation” as automatic admission.

The award is processed through the college, so families should confirm what information the high school sends and when the credit appears in the student account. The sources reviewed do not publish one current deadline for every school in the 2026–27 cohort; confirm timing and renewal with the Board of Regents before building a budget. While $1,500 can reduce tuition costs, it may not cover fees, books, housing, and living expenses for the year.

Who it serves and what it can cover: Jump Start recognizes students who complete public high school in three years or less and continue to postsecondary study in South Dakota. The Board of Regents guide describes a $1,500 first-year scholarship, not a general tuition waiver. The payment is split between fall and spring semesters and must be used at an accredited institution with a campus in the state. It differs from Dakota Corps: it does not impose the same critical-occupation and work-service agreement. The first question is whether graduation occurred within the timeframe defined by the program and whether the chosen college meets the accreditation and location rules. State sources say students must enroll within the allowed period after graduation; because forms and procedures can change, ask admissions or financial aid to confirm the qualifying graduation year and first eligible term. Do not treat “early graduation” as automatic admission.

How to apply or get help: The award is processed through the college, so families should confirm what information the high school sends and when the credit appears in the student account. The sources reviewed do not publish one current deadline for every school in the 2026–27 cohort; confirm timing and renewal with the Board of Regents before building a budget. While $1,500 can reduce tuition costs, it may not cover fees, books, housing, and living expenses for the year. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information