Dakota Corps Scholarship: FAQs

ACT Test Scores

I don't currently have the required minimum 27 ACT score but I am registered for the December ACT test.   Can I still apply? 

YES!   Students who are hoping for that last minute 27 on the December ACT can still apply for the Dakota Corps Scholarship prior to the December 15 deadline.  When you receive your score results, email DakotaCorps@sdbor.edu with updated documentation of your score improvement and your score will be updated on your application information that is shared with the Dakota Corps Scholarship Board (if selections have not yet been made).

Graduate School

How will enrolling in a graduate program affect my Dakota Corps Scholarship award and/or obligation? 

Graduate School following Undergraduate Degree

If a student decides to enroll in a Graduate program either immediately after their undergraduate degree or while completing their employment obligation, they may be able to defer their obligation to the scholarship.   Students must remain enrolled at least part time and provide documentation verifying this enrollment to maintain their deferment.   

Graduate Course Work - while eligible for Dakota Corps Funding

If a student, in their final year or two of their undergraduate program, decide to enroll in additional Graduate or Masters degree coursework - this is allowable.  The funding amount will not be calculated with reference to the graduate tuition costs, but a student can apply the standard scholarship amount to the cost of this coursework and other expenses. 

Information Technology Careers

What are the careers that fall into the Information Technology career category for the Dakota Corps Scholarship?   

• Computer and Information Research Scientists

• Computer Systems Analysts

• Information Security Analysts

• Computer Programmers

• Software Developers, Applications

• Software Developers, Systems Software

• Web Developers

• Database Administrators

• Network and Computer Systems Administrators

• Computer Network Architects

• Computer User Support Specialists

• Computer Network Support Specialists

• Computer Occupations, All Other

This list is not all-inclusive and other careers may fall into this category - if you have questions about a specific job, reach out to scholarships@sdbor.edu.

Scholarship Awards

 Is this scholarship stackable?

This is a stackable scholarship with the exception of the Build Dakota Scholarship.  If a student receives a Build Dakota, they are not eligible for Dakota Corps Scholarship. 

 Can I accept a partial scholarship - For example, start in year 1 and 2, then decline years 3 and 4?

The student may select a portion of or all of the scholarship. If a partial is accepted, student needs to notify and complete the necessary paperwork with the Board of Regents.  

Scholarship Funding Amount - Dakota Corps

 How is the undergraduate/Dakota Corps Scholarship Funding calculated?

The Dakota Corps Scholarship amount is based on tuition and generally applicable fees* for 16 credits each semester at the 6 public universities.   The total scholarship amount is applied to the student's account and can be combined with other scholarships or financial aid. If the student has enough other funding, the money can be applied to other fees and expenses.  Any extra may be refunded to the student (and used to cover other education expenses) or the student may request reduced funding to reduce potential loan amount should the student default on the requirements of the scholarship. 

The scholarship amount is not based on each individual student's course load, instead the same total funding amount determined by the above information is paid out to each recipient.  

 Is graduate course work included?

If a student, in their final year or two of their undergraduate program, decide to enroll in additional Graduate or Masters degree coursework - this is allowable.  The funding amount will not be calculated with reference to the graduate tuition costs, but a student can apply the standard scholarship amount to the cost of this coursework and other expenses. 

*Generally applicable fees are those fees that are assessed to all the general population including university support fees, activity fees and facility fees but does not include equipment fees, discipline fees, support fees, housing or meals. 

Repayment Obligation

 What is my repayment obligation?

Within six months of earning a baccalaureate degree, a recipient must begin employment in South Dakota in a critical need occupation and continue employment in South Dakota in a critical need occupation for a period equal to the number of years of scholarship received plus one.  If a recipient completes a portion, but not all, of the employment requirements, the repayment obligation is based on a ratio of the amount of time worked divided by the amount of time required to be worked.   For the purposes of these calculations for teachers in a teaching role, a person who teaches an entire academic year is considered to have fulfilled a 12-month work period. 

 Do I have to pay loan fees?

First National Bank partners with the Dakota Corps Board.  There are bank fees that will be paid by recipient. 

 Will by loan interest be a fixed rate or variable rate?

The interest is based on a fixed rate loan.  That rate is derived from the acceptance and promissory note signed each year of the scholarship.  The acceptance and promissory note must be completed to be eligible for the scholarship. 

 What is the typical length of this load?

The loan is typically paid over ten years. However, the bank and the recipient may arrive at a different mutually agreed upon length.