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Scholarship/Financial Aid Image

Local & School Recommended Scholarships

View Current Scholarship List:  HERE   

  • Check back regularly; new scholarships are added as they become available.

  • Some applications are available online using the link above.

  • Some applications require a paper application; stop by the Career Center for assistance.

Stay Organized

Scholarship, College Application & Financial Aid Tracker:  HERE 
Use this tracker to keep up with deadlines, requirements, and completed applications.

ND Scholarship Resources

 ND Choice Ready Scholarship 

RU Ready ND Scholarships

ND Scholarship Directory

Scholarship Search Tools

Use these trusted websites to find scholarships:

** Don't trust scholarships that have an application fee.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The FAFSA is the most important step to receive financial aid.

  • Determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study
  • Required by most colleges and universities
  • Should be completed every year

FAFSA Website: https://studentaid.gov

North Dakota Financial Aid Resources

Students in North Dakota have access to state-specific aid programs:

Minnesota & Regional Options (Nearby Moorhead Colleges)

Types of Financial Aid

Understanding the different types of aid can help you plan:

  • Grants – Free money (based on financial need)
  • Scholarships – Free money (based on merit, activities, or need)
  • Work-Study – Part-time jobs for students
  • Loans – Money that must be repaid after graduation

Types of Colleges & Cost Differences

  • Public Colleges (4-Year) – Usually lower cost for in-state students
  • Private Colleges (4-Year) – Higher cost, but often offer more scholarships
  • Community Colleges (2-Year) – Lower cost, great starting option
  • Technical Schools – Career-focused training programs

Tips for Students

  • Apply for scholarships all year long
  • Complete the FAFSA as early as possible
  • Keep a list of deadlines
  • Ask for letters of recommendation early
  • Avoid scholarship scams (never pay to apply)

Financial Aid

The 2026-27 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open.

What is Federal Student Aid?

  • A part of the U.S. Department of Education
  • The largest provider of student financial aid in the nation
  • Provides more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to more than 13 million students paying for college or vocational school. 

The Financial Aid Process

  • Students and parents should start by applying for a FAFSA ID number on the FAFSA website. The ID allows students to apply for financial aid and complete the online financial aid application.
  • Students can first apply for financial aid starting in December of their senior year if they are planning on attending a post-secondary school the following fall.
  • Students apply by completing the FAFSA online. Be sure to follow all instructions online to ensure the college of your choice receives your application.

Important Financial Information:

  • Parents must provide their information even if they are not planning on financially assisting the student with their post-secondary education.
  • The FAFSA application could take 4 to 6 weeks to process.
  • Students specify on the FAFSA the post-secondary institutions they wish to receive family financial data.
  • Financial Aid offices at the college determine what aid the student qualifies for and will notify the student by sending an award letter.
  • FAFSA is the form used to apply for federal and state financial aid.
  • College financial aid offices are a great resource and can be contacted with specific questions.

Tips for Students Preparing to Fill out the FAFSA Form:

  • Create a StudentAid.gov account (if they don't already have one).
  • Have your documents ready (e.g., 2023 tax returns; records of child support received; current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts; and net worth of investments, businesses, and farms).
  • Use the Who's My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on their FAFSA form.
  • Have their contributor information ready (e.g., first and last name, Social Security number [if they have one], date of birth, email address, and mailing address [if they don't have a Social Security number]).

Financial Aid Presentation