SD Mines Nearly Doubles Merit Scholarships Starting 2027

Students aiming for a STEM education in South Dakota just got a major financial boost. The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology announced it's nearly doubling its merit scholarship awards for incoming freshmen starting in fall 2027.

The increases affect every scholarship tier the university offers. The entry-level Hardrock Scholar award jumps from $1,000 to $2,000 annually for students with an ACT score of 24 or SAT score of 1160. That means an extra $4,000 over four years for students who qualify.

Top performers see even bigger gains. The Presidential Scholar award skyrockets from $7,000 to $12,000 per year for students scoring 35-36 on the ACT or 1530 or higher on the SAT. Over four years, that's a $48,000 scholarship instead of $28,000.

Every scholarship tier in between received similar increases. The awards renew automatically for all four years as long as students maintain their academic standing.

Both in-state and out-of-state students can compete for these scholarships. The university isn't limiting the awards to South Dakota residents, opening doors for talented students across the region.

To make applying easier, SD Mines is waiving application fees through the end of November for students from South Dakota and surrounding states. Molly Moore, the university's VP of enrollment and marketing strategy, says the goal is removing barriers for qualified students.

The Ripple Effect

This investment does more than help individual students afford college. When universities make STEM education more accessible, they're building the workforce that will tackle tomorrow's biggest challenges. Mining engineers, geologists, and computer scientists often stay in the regions where they study, strengthening local economies.

The timing matters too. As college costs continue rising nationwide, institutions that step up to ease the burden stand out. SD Mines is putting its money where many families need it most.

For high school juniors and seniors eyeing engineering or science degrees, this announcement changes the math on where they can afford to go.