ABERDEEN, S.D. – Starting in 2019, Northern State University will consider high school GPA as well as ACT score when awarding the WolfPACT Scholarship.
The WolfPACT is already the highest guaranteed scholarship in the region, and this change will provide a fairer, more accurate way of measuring student success.
“Research shows, nationally, that the best single predictor of college success is high school GPA,” said NSU Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Dr. Jeremy Reed. “But the most powerful predictor is both used together.”
The changes lower the minimum ACT score to 20 and add a minimum GPA requirement of 3.25. That’s based on a study by Dr. Brenda Mammenga, NSU director of Institutional Research and Assessment, which found that a 3.2 GPA in high school was the best predictor of a 3.0 GPA at Northern.
The new WolfPACT model is as follows:
ACT score of 28-36 (SAT of 1320 or above)
Award total over four years; 3.0 GPA required for renewal
HS GPA 3.75-4.00: $12,000
HS GPA 3.50-3.74: $11,000
HS GPA 3.25-3.49: $10,000
ACT score of 24-27 (SAT of 1180-1310)
Award total over four years; 3.0 GPA required for renewal
HS GPA 3.75-4.00: $9,000
HS GPA 3.50-3.74: $8,000
HS GPA 3.25-3.49: $7,000
ACT score of 20-23 (SAT of 1070-1170)
Award total over four years; 3.0 GPA required for renewal
HS GPA 3.75-4.00: $6,000
HS GPA 3.50-3.74: $5,000
HS GPA 3.25-3.49: $4,000
Reed said the WolfPACT changes are aimed at recognizing students for their entire high school performance.
“It makes sense to look at four years of academic history versus one test,” he said.
For example, under the current model, a student with an ACT score of 22 and GPA of 2.4 would qualify. However, a student who has a 4.0 but an ACT score of 20 would not.
“Next year, that will flip,” Reed said.
It levels the playing field in various ways, as research shows that the ACT is written in a way that makes it more difficult for first-generation students and minority students to succeed, he said.
Disbursement will also change so that it’s a flat, per year amount, with a 3.0 requirement for renewal—it’s simpler to understand, and easier for the NSU Financial Aid Office to manage, Reed said.
Right now, about 50 percent of NSU students receive the WolfPACT. Reed said calculations with the new system show that 53 percent will qualify for it in 2019.
“We’ve built a predictive model to determine how much money will be needed for the WolfPACT for the next several years,” said NSU President Dr. Tim Downs. “We’re building it so we have resources to meet the demand; meeting our projected growth in enrollments at NSU.”
Raising funds for scholarships remains a top priority for Northern.
“Even though we’re in the midst of a capital campaign, we know that scholarships are as important as ever to students. Our alumni, friends and community partners understand this as well,” said NSU Foundation President and CEO Todd Jordre. “We’re thankful for the support our students receive and are proud to expand the greatest scholarship offering in the region.”
For questions about the WolfPACT, contact the NSU Admissions Department at 605-626-2544 or admissions@northern.edu.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.