Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship Program | Northern State University

In 1901, Northern opened its doors with a promise: If you had the desire to teach, you had a place here.

Northern began as a teaching school, and that legacy continues to thrive. At Northern, we believe every student matters, every story has value and every future teacher deserves the opportunity to make a difference.

Today, the Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship Program honors that promise. Every future early childhood and elementary educator receives financial support, while our highest-achieving students earn enhanced awards. Every single admitted Elementary Education (ELED) and Early Childhood Education (ECE) major is guaranteed at least $1,901 per year — no exceptions.

Whether you're a freshman, transfer student or current NSU student declaring an education major, you'll receive scholarship support from day one. Our tiered structure meets students where they are and rewards achievement at every level.

Four Scholarship Opportunities — Earn the Highest Award Based on Your Qualifications

Every elementary or early childhood education major receives one scholarship based on academic credentials. We automatically award you the highest tier you're eligible for — no need to choose or apply separately.

Millicent Atkins 1901 Untold

Eligibility: GPA 3.75 or higher and ACT 24 or higher
Award: $2,750 per semester ($5,500 per year)
Total award: $22,000

Millicent Atkins 1901 Legacy

Eligibility: GPA 3.25 or higher and ACT 18 or higher
Award: $2,250 per semester ($4,500 per year)
Total award: $18,000

Millicent Atkins 1901 Promise

Eligibility: GPA 2.75 or higher with no ACT requirement
Award: $1,750 per semester ($3,500 per year)
Total award: $14,000

Millicent Atkins 1901

Eligibility: All admitted ELED and ECE majors
Award: $902.50 per semester ($1,901 per year)
Total award: $7,604

Table of Scholarship levels - See descriptions below

Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship Program#

For Early Childhood and Elementary Education Majors

3.75 GPA or higher#

Award total over four years; 3.0 GPA required for renewal

24 ACT or above/1160 SAT or above: $22,000
18 -23 ACT/970 – 1150 SAT: $18,000
No Score: $14,000

3.25 -3.74 GPA#

Award total over four years; 3.0 GPA required for renewal

24 ACT or above/1160 SAT or above: $18,000
18 -23 ACT/970 – 1150 SAT: $18,000
No Score: $14,000

2.75 -3.24 GPA#

Award total over four years; 3.0 GPA required for renewal

24 ACT or above/1160 SAT or above: $14,000
18 -23 ACT/970 – 1150 SAT: $14,000
No Score: $14,000

No GPA#

Award total over four years; 3.0 GPA required for renewal

24 ACT or above/1160 SAT or above: $7,604
18 -23 ACT/970 – 1150 SAT: $7,604
No Score: $7,604

Questions about our Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship Program? We're here to help! Contact us at dawn.zimmerman@northern.edu or 605-626-2415 and let's start your teaching journey.

View NSU Scholarship Policies for more information.

Every admitted Elementary Education (ELED) and Early Childhood Education (ECE) major is guaranteed at least $1,901 per year. Rooted in Northern's proud tradition of preparing teachers, this tiered scholarship keeps the spirit of Millicent Atkins alive, celebrating excellence, potential, and the untold stories our graduates will write in classrooms across the state and beyond.