South Dakota Tuition Commitment

Your Path to an Affordable College Education

For many South Dakota families, the dream of a private college education is often overshadowed by the fear of the costs. The South Dakota Tuition Commitment at Briar Cliff University changes that narrative by offering a clear, affordable plan. We are removing the financial guesswork, allowing students to focus on their future.

If you’re a South Dakota student with full Pell Grant eligibility, Briar Cliff University is committed to making your education affordable and predictable. Through the South Dakota Tuition Commitment, your tuition and mandatory student fees are covered - leaving just $5,500 per year.

What This Means for You

  • Tuition & mandatory student fees covered
  • Your remaining balance is $5,500 each year
  • For most students, that balance can be covered by the Federal Direct Student Loan
  • No surprise tuition costs year to year

We believe you should know exactly what college will cost before you arrive. The South Dakota Tuition Commitment gives you clarity, confidence, and a plan to move forward without tuition standing in the way.

For most students, the remaining $5,500 balance can be fully satisfied by the Federal Direct Student Loan, meaning a student’s out-of-pocket tuition costs can effectively be zero at the point of entry.

Take the first step:

Complete your Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) and include Briar Cliff University’s FAFSA code: 001846.

Don’t wait—your future is calling, and Briar Cliff University is here to help you answer it. Together, let’s build a brighter, bolder future!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the South Dakota Tuition Commitment?

The South Dakota Tuition Commitment is a Briar Cliff University scholarship that ensures eligible South Dakota students have a fixed annual cost of $5,500 for tuition and mandatory student fees after Pell Grant funding is applied.
Who is eligible?

You may qualify if you:

  • Are a South Dakota resident
  • Are full Pell Grant eligible
  • Enroll full-time in an undergraduate program
  • Complete the FAFSA each year
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
What costs does the South Dakota Tuition Commitment cover?

The scholarship covers:

  • Tuition
  • Mandatory student fees

It does not cover:

  • Housing or meal plans
  • Books or course materials
  • Personal, optional, or program-specific fees
How much will I pay each year?

Your remaining balance for tuition and mandatory student fees will be $5,500 per academic year.

For most students, this amount can be fully covered by choosing the Federal Direct Student Loan, though other aid options may also be used if available.
Is this a "free tuition" program?

The South Dakota Tuition Commitment is designed to make tuition affordable and predictable. While tuition and mandatory fees are covered beyond Pell Grant funding, students are responsible for the $5,500 annual balance and other non-covered costs.
Do I have to live on campus?

No. Students who meet Briar Cliff’s requirements to live off-campus may choose to do so. Housing and meals are not included in the South Dakota Tuition Commitment.
Do I have to complete the FAFSA every year?

Yes. A FAFSA is required each year to determine Pell Grant eligibility and maintain the scholarship.
What happens if my Pell Grant amount changes?

If your Pell Grant eligibility changes, your South Dakota Tuition Commitment award will be adjusted by the difference. This ensures your tuition and mandatory fee balance remains aligned with the program structure.
Is the South Dakota Tuition Commitment renewable?

Yes. The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis. To continue receiving it, you must:

  • Remain full Pell eligible
  • Enroll full-time
  • Complete the FAFSA each year
  • Meet academic progress requirements
What happens if I lose Pell Grant eligibility?

If you are no longer full Pell eligible, you may no longer qualify for the South Dakota Tuition Commitment. Your financial aid package will be reviewed and adjusted accordingly.
How do I apply?

There is no separate application. Simply:

  1. Apply to Briar Cliff University
  2. Complete the FAFSA
  3. Meet eligibility requirements

Eligible students will automatically be considered.
Can I receive other scholarships with the South Dakota Tuition Commitment?

The South Dakota Tuition Commitment includes all Briar Cliff University institutional scholarships, meaning no additional university-funded scholarships will be awarded alongside it. If you were awarded another institutional scholarship prior to receiving the South Dakota Tuition Commitment, the higher award will be honored - you will receive whichever option provides you with the greater benefit.

Outside scholarships and grants (such as community, employer, foundation, or private scholarships) may still be applied to your account.

All aid is applied within federal and institutional financial aid guidelines. The total financial aid awarded can’t exceed the cost of attendance, and institutional aid may be adjusted to stay within those limits.