13-55A-16. Scholarship––Eligible students.
A student is eligible for a South Dakota Freedom Scholarship, pursuant to §13-55A-15, if the student:
(1)Is a state resident for at least one year prior to application for the scholarship;
(2)Attends an eligible institution in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree;
(3)Establishes financial need, as determined by the eligible institution and the board described in §13-55A-15;
(4)Commits, in writing, to live and work in this state for a period of three years after graduation, or following military service or graduate education, if applicable;
(5)Maintains a GPA of at least 2.0 while enrolled at an eligible institution; and
(6)Agrees, through a promissory note or other agreement, that failure to comply with this section results in the scholarship being converted to an interest-bearing loan.
A student is eligible to receive a scholarship under this section for five years. If a student fails to complete a baccalaureate degree within five years from the date of initial attendance, the board may convert any amounts awarded to the student into an interest-bearing loan.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the board may temporarily or permanently waive the requirements of this section if factors, as determined by the board, prevent a student from satisfying the requirements in this section.
Source: SL 2021, ch 83, §7, eff. Mar. 18, 2021; SL 2022, ch 48, §2.
Structure South Dakota Codified Laws
Chapter 55A - Need-Based Grants
Section 13-55A-1 - Finding as to public interest.
Section 13-55A-2 - Definitions.
Section 13-55A-3 - Students qualified to receive grants.
Section 13-55A-4 - Amount of grant.
Section 13-55A-5 - Information required to make financial need determination.
Section 13-55A-10 - Refund to state if student discontinues attendance.
Section 13-55A-11 - Executive director to administer program.
Section 13-55A-12 - Need-based matching program.
Section 13-55A-12.1 - Acceptance and expenditure of state and private funds--Warrants and vouchers.
Section 13-55A-13 - Severability of provisions.
Section 13-55A-14 - Postsecondary scholarship grant fund created.
Section 13-55A-15 - South Dakota freedom scholarship board––Establishment.