Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to USF Merit Scholarships

The University of Sioux Falls (USF) warmly welcomes bright young minds and offers various avenues for students to finance their education. College is expensive, and scholarships provide aid that students do not have to repay. USF provides merit-based, educational, and performance scholarships. Along with merit scholarships, USF offers a variety of scholarships that students can apply for. At USF, there is no additional application needed for merit scholarships. Merit scholarships for first-year students are awarded based on your USF-calculated GPA in core academic subjects. This article explores the landscape of USF merit scholarships, outlining eligibility criteria and providing valuable insights for prospective students.

Understanding USF Merit Scholarships

USF’s overarching scholarship philosophy is designed to provide a residential experience for all students. For that reason, institutional aid is awarded to assist with direct costs for tuition, fees, on-campus room and board. Merit Scholarships are determined at the time of admission to USF. Unless otherwise noted, no additional application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement.

Merit Scholarships for Freshmen

New students attending USF as full-time freshmen will be considered for one of the Merit Scholarships. USF requires freshman applicants to submit official results for at least one college entrance exam (SAT, ACT or CLT). USF's code for SAT is 5828 and for ACT is 0761.

Here's a breakdown of the merit scholarship awards offered to full-time incoming freshman students during the 2026-27 academic year:

Scholarship 1: \$8,500 annually / \$4,250 per semester
Scholarship 2: \$7,500 annually / \$3,750 per semester
Scholarship 3: \$6,500 annually / \$3,250 per semester
Scholarship 4: \$4,500 annually / \$2,250 per semester

Merit Scholarships for Transfer Students

USF also extends merit scholarship opportunities to transfer students seeking their first bachelor's degree. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement.

Here's a breakdown of the merit scholarship awards offered to full-time transfer students during the 2026-27 academic year:

Scholarship 1: \$7,000 annually / \$3,500 per semester
Scholarship 2: \$6,000 annually / \$3,000 per semester
Scholarship 3: \$5,000 annually / \$2,500 per semester
Scholarship 4: \$4,000 annually / \$2,000 per semester

National Merit Finalists Scholarship

The University of Sioux Falls offers a full-tuition scholarship to National Merit Finalists. Students must submit documentation of their achievement from the National Merit Scholarship Program. The scholarship amount received in a student's freshman year will be renewed for the next 3 years.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities at USF

Beyond merit-based awards, USF provides a diverse array of scholarships catering to various interests and backgrounds.

Full Tuition Scholarship

USF is thrilled to announce that prospective students can now receive full tuition! To qualify, a student must meet all requirements:

Enroll as a first-time, full-time freshman
Be a resident of South Dakota or surrounding counties*
Have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Submit the FAFSA, qualify for Pell Grant, and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 7,000 or less
Live on campus & have a meal plan

*The following counties from Minnesota: Lincoln, Lyon, Pipestone, Murray, Rock and Nobles.

Read also: Guide to UMN Merit Scholarships

Major-Specific Scholarships

Criminal Justice or Psychology Scholarship: Complete an application and major in Criminal Justice or Psychology to be eligible for \$18,000 a year for tuition and fees. An ACT composite score of 26 or 1240 SAT score is required.
Art Scholarship: Scholarships are available to full-time students majoring or minoring in Art. To be considered for an Art Scholarship students must submit an art portfolio with the USF Art Department.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Athletic Scholarships: Full-time undergraduate students who are admitted to USF as degree-seeking and meet NCAA Division II eligibility criteria may be approved by the Head Coach based on talent and participation.
Black Hills Home Builders Association Scholarship: The Black Hills Home Builders Association sponsored three \$1000 and four \$500 continuing education scholarships this year. The student's area of interest may be in any field.
Avera Employee Scholarship: These scholarships are offered to full-time or part-time Avera employees and their dependent children and spouses who are enrolled in a degree-seeking program. Verification of employment must be completed each year. \$3,000 for undergraduate full-time students.
Citi Youth Leadership Award: Each year the Citi Youth Leadership award recognizes young people for their outstanding community service. Individuals must complete a minimum of 100 hours of service to be considered.
Cougar Grant: This scholarship is awarded to full-time, degree seeking undergraduate students based on financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, housing status and academic achievement. This scholarship may be reduced based on housing status and other scholarships and grants the student receives.

Important Considerations

Scholarship amount totals may be divided out and distributed per semester. Read scholarship details for more information.
Students who are offered Athletic Scholarships may be eligible for ONE Merit Scholarship but are ineligible for most other University Scholarships, like Cougar Grant.
Merit scholarships can only be applied to tuition.

Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility

Spring Admits - Students beginning in the spring term need to complete 15 USF credit hours during the remainder of the academic year (spring/summer). Students need to maintain a 3.0 USF GPA. Enrollment at another school will not count for renewal purposes.

Navigating the Application Process

While the competition to be admitted to USF is at an all-time high, the application process is simple. Fall is our most competitive term for USF admission. Applicants face heavy competition for a place in our freshman class. USF requires freshman applicants to submit official results for at least one college entrance exam (SAT, ACT or CLT).

Freshman Application Requirements

All high school students, including those earning an A.A. must submit a freshman (first-year) application to USF by the freshman deadline.

When you apply to USF and list an A.A. Freshman Evaluation: Submit your test scores and STARS, including your intended A.A. as a freshman applicant. If you have college credit, submit your test scores and you may qualify for admissions scholarships. A.A. you are attending for dual enrollment. intended completion of the A.A. Submit the Florida A.A. After you apply, submit the STARS with an A.A. admission. If you change your A.A. admission, you will also need to submit the Florida A.A. Submit your final official college transcript that displays completion and award of an A.A. your A.A. degree, you must notify the Office of Admissions immediately. If you do not receive your A.A.

Academic Preparation

Focus on challenging courses, particularly in your junior and senior years. Generally, higher grades are better in subject areas, as well as two approved academic electives. Consider taking Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) fine and performing arts courses. USF requires freshman applicants to submit official results for at least one college entrance exam (SAT, ACT or CLT). USF does not use the writing section of the SAT or ACT during the admission or scholarship review processes. It's recommended to take these tests in the fall of your senior year, as significant performance improvements are unlikely at that point.

Read also: Applying for Loyola Scholarships

Home Education Students

Many of USF's top students have completed home education programs. Ensure you have a well-documented record of curriculum, grade trend, or dual enrollment GPA.

Admission Appeals

Admission to the university is selective. NOTE: Simply meeting minimum GED requirements does not guarantee admission. If your application is denied, you can submit an appeal letter to the Office of Admissions. This can also be done during the review for accommodation after admission.

External Scholarship Opportunities

With research and advance planning, you can apply for additional scholarships offered by other companies, foundations, or organizations. These scholarships can help reduce your cost of attendance. USF has made it easy for students to find outside scholarships to apply for by providing a listing of those available and how to apply. A scholarship is free money that you don't have to pay back. Scholarships can be merit-based (based on your grades) or need-based (based on your family's financial situation).

Don’t pay a search service to find scholarships for you! Scholarships are available free of charge online. Be wary of anyone who asks for your bank account or personal information to qualify you for scholarships. Legitimate scholarships can be obtained through other reputable sources, at no cost to you.

USF offers additional institutional grants and scholarships to students who have demonstrated financial need. To be considered, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (for U.S. citizens) or CA Dream Act application (for undocumented or eligible non-citizens) by their required deadlines.

Additional Information for Specific Situations

Study Abroad Enrollment Contract (SAE)

Students participating in a degree program that includes graduate-level coursework (e.g., study abroad) should submit the Study Abroad Enrollment Contract (SAE) before their departure to be reviewed for payment eligibility.

Tuition Waivers

USF may offer a tuition waiver and an in-state tuition waiver. This covers the payment of in-state tuition and fees and does not count against the 8-semester limit. Any remaining amount will be refunded to the student.

Citizenship/Visa Status

Students may be required to document/confirm their citizenship/visa status.

tags: #USF #merit #scholarships #requirements