Fargo & West Fargo Scholars Program
A $6,000 + Merit Scholarship for the Region’s Best and Brightest Students
The Fargo & West Fargo Scholars program provides a $6,000 scholarship for eligible Fargo, Horace and West Fargo high school graduates who enroll at Minnesota State Moorhead.
Attend the February 10 Information Session
The Scholars program is a collaborative initiative created through a partnership between Minnesota State Moorhead, the Fargo Public School District, and the West Fargo Public School District. It offers a direct pathway for high-achieving students to excel at a university known for preparing the region’s most future-ready leaders and innovators.
Minnesota State Moorhead is making this investment to recognize local academic performance and to ensure the brightest minds in our community earn a premier education in Moorhead.
How Does the Scholars Program Work?
The program is designed to match the financial impact of the North Dakota Scholarship plus all merit scholarships earned by eligible scholars. Scholars receive an additional $6,000 scholarship ($1,500 per year for up to four years) on top of earned merit-based scholarships. Funding applies to traditional Fall and Spring terms for up to four years or until completion of an undergraduate degree.
Who Qualifies as a Scholar?
To qualify as a scholar, a student must:
- Graduate (Class of 2026 and beyond) from a Fargo Public School District or West Fargo Public School District high school.
- Achieve a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Enroll full-time at Minnesota State Moorhead the fall following their high school graduation.
- Example: 2026 high school graduates must enroll full-time (12 or more credits) for Minnesota State Moorhead’s Fall 2026 semester.
What Additional Benefits Are Available for Scholars?
Beyond the $6,000 scholarship, students in this program receive premier academic incentives:
- Waived Application Fee: Apply to Minnesota State Moorhead at no cost.
- In-State Tuition: All scholars automatically qualify for in-state tuition rates.
- Honors College Access: Scholars with a 3.7+ GPA receive reserved seating at Scholarship Competition Day to compete for scholarship packages, including the $48,000 Presidential Scholarship.
- Faculty Connections: Priority invitations to academic events and early engagement opportunities within your future major.
How is the Scholarship Renewed?
To continue receiving the $1,500 annual scholarship, students must maintain academic eligibility and consistent enrollment. The renewal process is automatic, contingent that scholars:
- Maintain full-time status (12+ credits per semester).
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion.
- Submit the FAFSA on an annual basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about the Fargo & West Fargo Scholars program? Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions about eligibility, award details, and more.
Fargo and West Fargo Public Schools Scholars Information Session
Fargo Public Schools and West Fargo Public Schools students and guardians are invited to a FPS and WFPS Scholars Information Session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6 pm, in the Christianson Alumni Center, 707 11th St. S., Moorhead. Hear from FPS and WFPS Alumni currently attending MSUM, the Office of Admissions and the Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid. Tour campus and get answers to your questions.