Background Information:

State law (SDCL 33-6-5 through 33-6-8) enabled a reduced tuition program which benefits National Guard members.  Eligibility requirements are listed below:

• Established membership in a South Dakota national guard unit
• Satisfactory completion of initial basic training
• Submission of validating documents prior to or at the point of course registration
• Sustained unit membership throughout the entire semester for which tuition is reduced
• Satisfactory academic progress

After eligibility is validated, tuition will be assessed at 50% of the current resident rate. 

Notes of relevance:

• National Guard members who reside in states other than South Dakota can qualify for this program by joining a SD unit.
• The reduction applies exclusively to tuition – not to fees.
• Courses may include both state-support and self-support types; state-support courses primarily include those that are campus-based and involve face-to-face instruction.  Self-support courses typically include those offered at learning centers and other off-campus locations as well as those that entail distance learning.  The university can provide further clarification. 
• The program allows up to 128 credit hours at the undergraduate level and up to 32 credit hours at the graduate level. 

Application Process:

To apply for this exceptional program, contact the South Dakota Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.  A departmental representative will facilitate the application process and serve as a liaison between you and your home university. 

For follow-up questions pertaining to your status, please contact the university office specified below:

• Black Hills State University - Spearfish:  Student Financial Services/Business Office:  642-6941

• Dakota State University - Madison:  Veterans Office:  256-5648

• Northern State University - Aberdeen:  Allan Vogel, Admissions:  626-7600

• South Dakota School of Mines and Technology - Rapid City:  Toni Schauer, Registrar and Academic Services Office:  394-2400

• South Dakota State University - Brookings:  Barbara Geise, Cashier's Office:  688-6116

• The University of South Dakota - Vermillion:  Registrar's Office:  677-5339