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BSC Students and Instructors
Bismarck State College - 1500 Edwards Avenue - PO Box 5587 - Bismarck, ND 58506 - 701-224-5400 or 800-445-5073
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 Scholarships/Waivers

BSC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

The Trustees of the Bismarck State College Foundation award scholarships to students of outstanding ability, regardless of sex, race, creed or national origin. Half of the cash award is disbursed at the beginning of each semester. Several types of scholarships are available:

Academic Scholarships. More than 200 $1,000 academic scholarships are awarded each year to students who have demonstrated academic excellence. The recipients, known as "Foundation Scholars," must carry a minimum of 15 credit hours both semesters and maintain at least a 3.00 GPA to remain eligible for this scholarship. Both entering freshmen and returning sophomores who have maintained a good academic record are encouraged to apply. Sixteen additional $2,000 two-year academic scholarships will be awarded.

Performing/Visual Arts Scholarships. More than 40 $500 scholarships are awarded each year requiring recipients to carry a minimum of 12 credit hours both semesters and maintain at least a 2.50 GPA to remain eligible. Four $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year requiring 15 credit hours both semesters and a 3.0 GPA to remain eligible. These scholarships are awarded to students who have special talent in the areas of music, drama or visual arts. Recipients of performing/visual arts scholarships also must participate in performing/visual arts activities in their area of talent. The recommendation for this scholarship should be submitted by an instructor in the applicant's area of talent.

Journalism Scholarships. the student newspaper, and up to eight $500 scholarships for assistant editors will be awarded each year to students with special journalism skills. The recommendation for these scholarships should be submitted by the journalism instructor.
Two $500 scholarships will be awarded for the layout editor and the editor-in-chief of Figments of Imagination, a literary/art magazine.
In addition to satisfactory service in these positions, the recipients must carry a minimum of 12 credit hours both semesters and maintain at least a 2.50 GPA to remain eligible for this scholarship.

Engineering Scholarships. Three $1,000 engineering scholarships will be awarded to students majoring in engineering. The recipients must carry a minimum of 15 credit hours both semesters and maintain at least a 3.00 GPA to remain eligible for this scholarship.

Other scholarships are also offered to students enrolled in specific programs. These scholarships state specific criteria involving the program and are awarded separately from the academic, performing/visual arts and journalism scholarships.

Specific program scholarships may include the following programs:

  • Agriculture, Technology and Natural Resources
  • Automotive Technology
  • Carpentry
  • Chemistry
  • Commercial Art
  • Electronics/Telecommunications
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
  • Hospitality Management
  • Power or Process Plant Technology

Transfer Student Scholarships. Three $4,000 scholarships are available to BSC graduates going on to four-year colleges. The Hites Family Foundation/Walter and Norma Fiedler Scholarship is awarded to help transferring students of high academic standing complete a baccalaureate degree. Scholarships are awarded annually and distributed over two years.

For updated information and applications, please visit the BSC Foundation Scholarships webpage.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Many local and state service clubs and professional organizations offer scholarships to students. Awarding of these scholarships may be based on talent and potential in a particular field of study, on recommendation from instructors and employers, on academic excellence, on financial need, or a combination of these. As these scholarships become available, they are posted on the BSC Financial Aid Web site.

Photo: BSC Hospitality Student

NORTH DAKOTA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM TUITION WAIVERS

Cultural Diversity Tuition Waiver (CDTW). In 1993 the State Board of Higher Education adopted a tuition waiver program to recruit, assist and retain minority students. To apply, students must complete a BSC CDTW application form. This waiver is for on-campus courses only. For more details, contact the Financial Aid Office or go the BSC Financial Aid Web site.
Survivor of Firefighter or Peace Officer Tuition/Fee Waiver Waiver for the survivor of a firefighter or peace officer killed in line of duty. "Survivor" means the children under the age of 21 and the spouse of a firefighter or peace officer at the time of the firefighter's or peace officer's death. The waiver applies only to a bachelor's degree or program certificate that is earned within a thirty-six month or eight-semester period or its equivalent within the North Dakota University System. N.D.C.C. 15-10-18.5.
Veteran Dependent Tuition/Fee Waiver. This waiver applies only to a bachelor's degree or program certificate that is earned within a thirty-six month or eight-semester period or its equivalent within the North Dakota University System. "Dependent" means any child, spouse, widow, or widower of a resident veteran, as veteran is defined in N.D.C.C., who was killed in action or died from wounds or other services-connected causes, was totally disabled as a result of service-related causes, died from service-connected disabilities, was a prisoner of war, or was declared missing in action.A ND Resident Student must complete a Veteran Dependent Tuition Waiver form, submit a copy of the Veteran's DD214 and student's Certificate of Eligibility. N.D.C.C. 15-10-18.2 and 15-10-18.3.
ND National Guard Tuition Benefit Contact your ND National Guard Unit for application deadlines and qualifications. BSC will be informed by the ND National Guard Tuition Assistance Program if a student is eligible for the ND National Guard Benefit and the appropriate amount BSC is responsible for waiving after the semester is completed. Contact the BSC's Veteran's Certfying Official in the Financial Aid Office for details.
Senior Citizen Audit Fee Waiver
1. Persons 65 years of age or older may audit courses with tuition being waived.
2. The Senior Citizen tuition waiver shall be for on-campus courses only and shall be limited to a “space available” basis.
3. Senior Citizens utilizing this audit fee waiver will be responsible for course/class fees, debt service or facility charges within the Mandatory Fees, Connect ND, and NDSA fees

FURTHER INFORMATION

Upon request, the BSC Financial Aid Office will forward the necessary applications and a brochure explaining in greater detail financial aid opportunities at Bismarck State College. For additional information view the Student Policy on Standards of Satisfactory Progress for Financial Aid Eligibility.

OPTIONAL FINANCING PLAN

BSC students have the option of participating in a monthly payment plan for each semester enrolled. The plan makes it possible for students to pay their tuition, fees, room and board not covered by financial aid on a monthly basis each semester.

Students enroll in the plan on a semester basis. The cost of the service is a non-refundable payment of $25. A 1% interest charge is charged on all balances 60 days past due. Participation in this plan is optional. For more information go to the BSC Web site at: http://www.bismarckstate.edu/business/payplan.asp.

ONLINE SELF-SERVICE

Students have the ability to apply to BSC, complete the FAFSA, register for classes, add/drop classes, withdraw from college, and obtain answers to most of their questions on the BSC Financial Aid Web site.

Financial information on payment due dates, payment plan agreement, credit card payment, and policies and procedures is available on the BSC Student Finance Web site.

Student account information and financial aid information also can be found on the BSC CampusConnection Web site. Click on Enter CampusConnection Portal, sign on with userid and password, click on Student Self- Services, Learner Services, Finances.