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Colorado vs South Dakota: Scholarship Climate 2026

Which climate fits best? Colorado offers a more robust scholarship climate with higher average awards, making it suitable for applicants seeking substantial financial support. South Dakota, while having fewer opportunities and lower average awards, may appeal to those looking for less competition.

State vs State

State A

Colorado

State B

South Dakota

Quick comparison

MetricColoradoSouth Dakota
Active scholarships in catalog7419
Avg. award (where known)$4,183$2,133
Max indexed award$64,000$5,000

Financial Aid Overview for 2026

In 2026, Colorado presents a vibrant scholarship landscape with an average award size of approximately $4,321 and a total of 62 grants available. The maximum award reaches up to $64,000, indicating significant funding potential for students. Key institutions such as Morgan Community College Foundation and Medical Group Management Association lead in providing financial support.

Conversely, South Dakota offers a more modest scholarship environment, with an average award size of about $2,179 and a total of 15 grants. The maximum award is capped at $5,000. Notable scholarship providers include the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association, which reflects the state's unique educational funding opportunities.

Top Scholarship Providers in Colorado

Ranked by number of active scholarships

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Top Scholarship Providers in South Dakota

Ranked by number of active scholarships

View all scholarships

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Scholarship climate by state

Colorado

Colorado's scholarship climate is characterized by a higher volume of opportunities and larger average awards, making it attractive for applicants seeking substantial financial aid.

South Dakota

South Dakota's scholarship climate is more limited, with fewer opportunities and smaller average awards, which may appeal to applicants looking for less competition.

Public reference data

Cost of living & wages

State-level affordability context to complement scholarship climate above - not ScholarshipTop grant totals.

Visual comparison

Colorado

Median household income

$94,510

Census ACS

Fair market rent (2BR)

$1,321

HUD monthly estimate

Living wage

23.86/hr

Single adult, MIT model

BLS median wage

$59,800

State occupational estimate

Reported violent crime rate (state aggregate): 41.18 per 100k population. Public safety context is based on aggregate state-level public data - not a safety rating.

Public planning context

Community indicators vary by county and are included only as public planning context. Use this alongside scholarship amount, school cost, and living expenses - not as an eligibility rule.

CDC SVI band

middle indicator band

ADI band

lower indicator band

SVI counties

64

ADI counties

63

  • CDC SVI county data is available for 64 counties; county indicators vary and are best used as public planning context.
  • ADI block-group data is available across 63 counties; local conditions can vary within the same state.

South Dakota

Median household income

$71,969

Census ACS

Fair market rent (2BR)

$979

HUD monthly estimate

Living wage

20.55/hr

Single adult, MIT model

BLS median wage

$47,080

State occupational estimate

Reported violent crime rate (state aggregate): 33.95 per 100k population. Public safety context is based on aggregate state-level public data - not a safety rating.

Public planning context

Community indicators vary by county and are included only as public planning context. Use this alongside scholarship amount, school cost, and living expenses - not as an eligibility rule.

CDC SVI band

middle indicator band

ADI band

middle indicator band

SVI counties

66

ADI counties

66

  • CDC SVI county data is available for 66 counties; county indicators vary and are best used as public planning context.
  • ADI block-group data is available across 66 counties; local conditions can vary within the same state.

Sources: Census ACS, HUD FMR, MIT Living Wage, BLS OEWS, and public reference datasets where available. Rent figures may reflect metro or state averages.

Public safety context uses aggregate public data and is included only as planning context.

Reference only - not ScholarshipTop eligibility rules or guarantees.

Data availability varies by school, city, state, and source year.

FAQ

What is the average scholarship amount in Colorado?
The average scholarship amount in Colorado is approximately $4,321.
How many scholarships are available in South Dakota?
There are a total of 15 scholarships available in South Dakota.
Which state has the highest maximum scholarship award?
Colorado has the highest maximum scholarship award, reaching up to $64,000.
What are the top scholarship providers in Colorado?
Top scholarship providers in Colorado include Morgan Community College Foundation and Medical Group Management Association.

Sources and official pages

Official and high-authority pages used to support this State vs State comparison.

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