Nursing Education Scholarship Program

Scholarship money distributed by the Board is generated from a $10 fee collected from each nurse upon renewal of a South Dakota RN and LPN license. The number and amount of each scholarship awarded is determined annually by the Board and does not exceed $1,000 per student per academic year. 
Students may only use scholarship money for direct education expenses such as tuition, books, and fees; the money cannot not be used for room and board.

Eligibility and Instructions

  • Be a United States citizen and a South Dakota resident for a minimum of one year immediately preceding the date of application.
  • Be accepted into a board-approved nursing education program for licensed practical nurses or registered nurses, whether leading to initial nurse licensure or degree enhancement.  
  • Have or maintain a satisfactory GPA for progression in the nursing education program as verified by the nursing program.  
  • Have financial need as verified by the institution's financial aid office.
  • The Board awards RN scholarships at their August meeting. Interested students must submit the Scholarship Application by June 1st to be considered for a scholarship award which will be paid at the start of that year's fall semester. All applicants will be notified of award status. 
  • The Board awards PN scholarships at their November meeting. Intersted students must submit the Scholarship Application by October 1st to be considered for a scholarship award which will be paid at the start of the spring semester. All applicants will be notified of award status. 
Page Updated: 4/21/2026 5:04:40 PM