DSU awards 58 major scholarships

June 11, 2025

Fifty-eight students were awarded Champion and/or Rising Scholarships at Dakota State University this spring at the Champion Scholar Registration Day. High-achieving students earn the scholarships based on ACT and SAT scores and high school GPA. The scholarship winners are from South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and New York.

"These Champion Scholarships play a crucial role in attracting top talent to Dakota State University, fueling success with the brightest minds," said Braxton Lacher, alumni relations officer with DSU's Institutional Advancement.

DSU Champion Scholarships are awarded at four levels; Presidential, Elite, Merit, and Achievement. If a student continues to meet academic standards, these awards can be renewed annually for up to four years. Champion Scholarships are funded through annual and endowed funds, and range from $3,000 to $20,000 over four academic years.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, DSU awarded over $3.6 million in academic, athletic, and other scholarships. Almost $1.8 million of that was given to Champion Scholars. Another $1 million-plus was awarded in athletic scholarships, and $57,000 in other institutional scholarships.

"These scholarships not only reward hard work but also provide students with the opportunity to pursue their education without the burden of debt, helping to make higher education more accessible and affordable," Lacher said. "By alleviating financial stress, it allows students to focus on their academic and personal growth, setting them up for long-term success."

Almost $750,000 in Rising Scholarships were also awarded. This program was established as a four-year guarantee of $20,000 ($5,000 per year) to students enrolling in The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences. They are awarded automatically based on certain academic criteria upon admission (ACT, SAT, GPA).

"Through the support of our generous donors, this initiative helps attract and retain exceptional students, significantly contributing to the university's efforts to enroll high-achieving individuals. By fostering a talented student body, it strengthens Dakota State University's reputation as a leader in academic excellence and innovation," added Lacher, a '24 DSU alumnus.

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