BHSU Scholarships of Distinction
Starting in Fall 2022, BHSU’s Scholarships of Distinction program will award merit scholarships of up to $4,000 per year to new qualifying students, while funds are available. Scholarships of Distinction are based on unweighted high school GPA, ACT/SAT scores*, or a combination of the two. Although there is no deadline or separate application required for this award, students should apply for admission to BHSU prior to February 1 for full consideration. Students who apply for admission after February 1 will be considered on a funds available basis.
These scholarships are available to new first-time students who have not previously attended another college or university. Academic credentials provided at the time of admission will be used to determine award amounts. If academic credentials improve, students may contact the BHSU Admissions Office to request that their scholarship file be re-evaluated. Increased awards may occur if funds are available, but are never guaranteed once an initial scholarship amount has been awarded.
Scholarships of Distinction amounts represent a scholarship pledge to qualifying students and may be funded by individual scholarships that are made possible through the generosity of BHSU Foundation donors and/or other institutional aid. Individual funding sources that fulfill the Scholarships of Distinction program may vary by name. For example, you may see Green & Gold Scholarship, Jane Doe Memorial Scholarship, etc. listed to fulfill the overall Scholarship of Distinction amount. Scholarships of Distinction are available for up to a maximum of four years, if students maintain a cumulative college GPA of 3.0, complete 30 credit hours of BHSU coursework each academic year, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
*TEST SCORES INFORMATION
ACT or SAT scores used for minimum scholarship consideration must be completed during high school or during the summer immediately following high school graduation. For students starting in the fall semester, scores must be received by BHSU by August 1, prior to fall classes starting, to qualify for consideration for scholarship awards. For students starting in the spring semester, scores must be received by BHSU by December 1, prior to spring classes starting. Eligible test scores for scholarship consideration are ACT Composite, ACT Superscore (official, as reported from ACT), and SAT Composite.

SCHOLARSHIP_OF_DISTINCTION.PDF
The Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship (12 awards at $12,500 each)
The Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship provides a $12,500 scholarship to be disbursed throughout a student’s collegiate career. Like all Horatio Alger Scholarships, the Horatio Alger Denny Sanford scholarship assists high school students who have faced great obstacles in their young lives to overcome their adversities, attend a post-secondary institution, and achieve success.
To be eligible for the Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship a student must meet the following criteria:
- Be committed to complete a bachelor’s degree at Black Hills State University
- Be a current high school senior with plans to enroll in college Fall 2022
- Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or less family income required)
- Be involved in community service activities
- Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5
- Be a United States citizen
- Application available December 1 - March 15.
Students may apply here!
The Humbert Hall Room Scholarship is awarded on the basis of a student’s academic accomplishments and/or personal circumstances. Humbert Hall Room Scholarships provide students with one-half the cost of their residence hall room in Humbert Hall for up to two years.
Limited number available per academic year. Students should submit the General Scholarship Application to be considered. Students who are selected for these awards will notified by the BHSU Office of Admissions.
Joseph F. and Martha P. Nelson Scholarship Application
The Joseph F. and Martha P. Nelson Scholarship award is available to a high school senior/graduate who has not previously attended a post- secondary institution. The scholarship is worth $40,000 over four years. It is renewable without reapplying, provided the student maintains required academic performance. See More