Financial Aid at NSU
At Northern State University, achieving your goals is affordable and accessible. Northern offers a variety of financial aid types to meet your needs, including scholarships, grants, loans and student employment. NSU's dedicated Financial Aid Office is here to walk you through all of your options and every step of the process. Connect with a financial aid counselor to find the best assistance for your wallet and your future.
File FAFSA & Fund Your Future
Looking to receive federal financial assistance from Northern State University? Well, let's get started. First, you will need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA is your ticket to federal student aid. Northern uses this application to determine your eligibility for school and state-specific aid. File your FAFSA as soon as possible to access the most amount of aid that can be awarded to you based on your financial need.
October 1
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be filed beginning Oct. 1 each year.
March 1
Applications submitted before March 1 are given priority consideration for federal supplemental grants and federal work study.
Northern State University's FAFSA Code: 003446
“Scholarships really just made it so I didn’t have to look at college almost as a burden. It really just turned college from ‘it’s necessary to do what I want to do,’ to now like an opportunity that I can branch out.”
Itzel “Izzy” Sanchez
WolfPACT Scholarships
NSU's WolfPACT Scholarship is the region's most generous, four-year, merit-based scholarship. Available to first-time freshmen, scholarship money is awarded based on high school GPA and/or ACT or SAT scores.
What Are the Types of Financial Aid?
- Scholarships
Northern State University offers scholarships that recognize your academic and personal achievements. NSU's premier WolfPACT Unleashed Scholarship is the region's most generous, four-year, merit-based scholarships. Available to first-time freshmen, scholarship money is awarded based on your high school GPA and/or ACT or SAT scores.
Other scholarships are awarded to academic excellence, to encourage your development in a particular field of study or to recognize exceptional artistic or athletic talent.
- Arts and Sciences Scholarships
- Business Scholarships
- Dual Credit Scholarships
- Education Scholarships
- Fine Arts Scholarships
- Freedom Scholarships (South Dakota Residents)
- Honors Scholarships
- Incoming Freshman Scholarships
- Multicultural Scholarships
- Outside/Private Scholarships
- Grants
Northern State University offers federal, state and institutional grants. Some funds are specific to future teachers. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA.
- Loans
Northern offers a variety of loan options for full- and part-time students, including Federal Direct loans, Federal PLUS loans and alternative loan options.
- Student Employment
Northern offers student employment opportunities as part of federal work-study for students who are enrolled at NSU at least part-time and demonstrate financial need. NSU also offers on-campus employment opportunities for students who wish to earn some income while attending college (you do not need to apply for financial aid for this).
View Student Employment Options
"Northern is also a great place for families looking for more affordable options, while receiving the best schooling."
Ellie Schmidt
Additional Financial Aid Resources
Tuition and Costs
Northern provides a first-class education at an affordable price. Our Financial Aid team will guide you one-on-one through costs and financial assistance options in order to find the best aid option for you.
Financial Aid Links
Learn more about federal student loans, tax benefits available for higher education expenses, financial aid estimates and more.
Important Forms
Find forms and additional information here, such as the Aid Offer Guide, the Request for Additional Direct Loan Funds, the TEACH Grant Application and more.
Military & Veteran Affairs
NSU offers unique education benefits and resources for veterans, active military members, and their dependents.
Academic Progress
Learn more about NSU's Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and how it may affect your financial aid.
Code of Conduct
NSU is a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) and adheres to the NASFAA Statement of Ethical Principles. Learn more about NSU's Code of Conduct as it relates to financial aid.
