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Minnesota vs South Dakota: Scholarship Climate 2026

Which climate fits best? Minnesota offers a higher average award size and more opportunities, making it suitable for applicants seeking substantial financial aid. South Dakota, while having fewer opportunities, may appeal to those looking for smaller, more targeted scholarships.

State vs State

State A

Minnesota

State B

South Dakota

Quick comparison

MetricMinnesotaSouth Dakota
Active scholarships in catalog4719
Avg. award (where known)$2,915$2,133
Max indexed award$9,000$5,000

Financial Aid Overview for 2026

In 2026, Minnesota presents a robust scholarship climate with a total of 53 grants available, averaging approximately $2,744 per award. The maximum award can reach up to $9,000, making it an attractive option for students. Notable institutions offering scholarships include the Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees-Minnesota Council 5.

Conversely, South Dakota has 19 grants with an average award size of about $2,133, and a maximum of $5,000. While the total number of scholarships is lower, opportunities from organizations like the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association provide targeted support for specific student groups.

Top Scholarship Providers in Minnesota

Ranked by number of active scholarships

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Top Scholarship Providers in South Dakota

Ranked by number of active scholarships

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Scholarship climate by state

Minnesota

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

South Dakota

South Dakota's scholarship landscape is smaller, with fewer opportunities and lower average awards, which may suit applicants looking for niche scholarships.

Public reference data

Cost of living & wages

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

Visual comparison

Minnesota

Median household income

$89,564

Census ACS

Fair market rent (2BR)

$1,046

HUD monthly estimate

Living wage

21.55/hr

Single adult, MIT model

BLS median wage

$56,920

State occupational estimate

Reported violent crime rate (state aggregate): 22.22 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

lower indicator band

ADI band

middle indicator band

SVI counties

87

ADI counties

87

  • CDC SVI county data is available for 87 counties; county indicators vary and are best used as public planning context.
  • ADI block-group data is available across 87 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 Minnesota?
The average scholarship amount in Minnesota is approximately $2,744.
How many scholarships are available in South Dakota?
There are 19 scholarships available in South Dakota.
What is the maximum scholarship amount in Minnesota?
The maximum scholarship amount in Minnesota can reach up to $9,000.
Which organization offers the most scholarships in South Dakota?
The South Dakota High School Rodeo Association offers the most scholarships in South Dakota, with 5 grants.

Sources and official pages

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

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