The University is intent on helping high-achieving students reach their full potential. An expanded academic scholarship program makes awards to more than thirty percent of all new incoming freshmen (domestic) – up to $16,000 each over four years.
All students MUST be admitted prior to February 1 to receive scholarships. These scholarships are automatic! You do not have to do anything beyond applying for admission by the February 1 deadline, meet the below criteria and confirm your enrollment with BSU by May 1 to receive these scholarships.
All of these scholarships require a minimum of 12 credits of registration at a 3.25 GPA if they are renewable.
| Scholarship | Criteria | Amount | Renewable criteria | Deadline for Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Presidential Scholarship |
28+ ACT and top 10% of graduating class OR 3.8+ GPA |
$10,000total over 4 years |
Students must maintain a 3.25 and enroll full time each semester. | February 1 |
Campus Honor |
26+ ACT and ranked #1 or #2 in graduating class |
$6,000total over 3 years |
Students must maintain a 3.25 and enroll full time each semester. |
February 1 |
Academic Achievement |
25+ ACT and top 30% of graduating class OR 3.5+ GPA |
$3,000total over 3 years |
Students must maintain a 3.25 and enroll full time each semester. | February 1 |
University |
23+ ACT and Top 50% of graduating class OR 3.25+ GPA |
$2,000total over 2 years |
Students must maintain a 3.25 and enroll full time each semester. | February 1 |
Student Success |
21+ ACT and Top 50% of graduating class OR 3.0+ GPA |
$1,000 |
Non renewable | February 1 |
Transfer |
Students transferring from a MnSCU school with a completed AA or MN Transfer curriculmn |
$1,000 |
Non renewable |
June 1 |
Alumni Relative |
$750-$1,000 |
Students must re-apply |
February 1 |
All students MUST be admitted prior to February 1 to receive scholarships. These scholarships are automatic! This means you do not have to do anything beyond applying for admission by the February 1 deadline, meet the above criteria, and confirm your enrollment by May 1st with BSU to receive these scholarships.
- Students are only eligible to receive a maximum of 2 automatic awards. You will receive the 2 scholarship awards that have the highest dollar value.
- Students may apply for additional scholarships through our Scholarship Biography Questionnaire. If successful, these awards will be in addition to the automatic awards.
- Please note, scholarship award packaging may not exceed the total cost of attendance at BSU.
Scholarships Opportunities
Additional Scholarships
Many scholarships have wide-ranging criteria, which do not necessarily fall under any departmental listing and are not automatic.
Click here to download the Scholarship Biography Questionnaire. The deadline to apply for these additional scholarships is February 1st.
Kopp Family Foundation Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students who do not meet the criteria for automatic scholarships but have demonstrated leadership and academic success during high school. A student must apply to Bemidji State by February 1st and submit an essay indicating why they feel they should receive this scholarship to Mary Jo Chirpich in the Office of Admissions, Deputy Hall #13, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, MN 56601, by February 1st to be considered.
Selected students must be enrolled full-time to receive this scholarship.
Meal Plan Scholarship
Applicants must be new or transferring to Bemidji State University with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to live in our residence halls. This scholarship is for fall and spring semesters during the students first year. Students must apply for admission by June 1 to be eligible. In addition, an essay describing why they feel they should receive this scholarship should be sent to Mary Jo Chirpich in the Office of Admissions by June 1st to be considered.
Transfer Scholarship
These $1000 scholarships are available to all Minnesota community college transfer students who completed an associate of arts degree or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. An application for admission serves as the application for this scholarship and students must be admitted to Bemidji State University by June 1st to be eligible. Students must be enrolled full-time to receive this scholarship.
Alumni Relative Scholarship
For new entering students who are relatives of active BSU alumni, $750-$1,000 scholarships are available. Application forms may be received from any active alumnus or from the Alumni Office. The deadline for consideration is February 1st.
The Alumni Office can be reached at 1501 Birchmont Dr, Bemidji, MN 56601 or by calling 1-218-755-3989.
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Most scholarships are based on outstanding achievement and not on financial need. To receive priority consideration for other financial assistance, you should complete a financial aid packet by early spring to determine eligibility for grants, work study, and loans.
Please be aware that scholarship availability, numbers of scholarships awarded, and amounts of each scholarship vary from year to year. Many private organizations also offer scholarships, and you may wish to contact your counselor or the local library for information on scholarships which are not specific to BSU.
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