Fargo & West Fargo Scholars Program FAQ

The Fargo & West Fargo Scholars program frequently asked questions.

What is the Fargo & West Fargo Scholars Program?

The Fargo & West Fargo (FPS/WFPS) Scholars Program offers high-achieving graduates from high schools in the Fargo Public School District and West Fargo Public Schools a $6,000 scholarship ($1,500 per year) to attend Minnesota State Moorhead. Unlike "last-dollar" programs, this scholarship is stackable, meaning it is awarded in addition to merit-based scholarships you earn.

Who is eligible for the Scholars Program?

To qualify, students must:

  • Graduate from a Fargo Public School District or West Fargo Public Schools high school in the Class of 2026 or after with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Complete the FAFSA: Submit your FAFSA and any additional documentation requested by Minnesota State Moorhead’s Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid.
  • Enroll Full-Time: Enroll at Minnesota State Moorhead the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
    • Example: 2026 graduates must enroll full-time (minimum 12 credits) for Minnesota State Moorhead’s Fall 2026 semester.

How long does the program provide funding?

Students receive $1,500 per year for up to four years (eight fall and spring semesters) of undergraduate education, or until they earn their bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. To remain eligible, scholars must maintain full-time enrollment and meet standard academic progress requirements.

How does this interact with the North Dakota Scholarship?

The FPS/WFPS Scholars program is designed to pair the $6,000 financial value of the North Dakota Scholarship with the premier academic experience of one of Minnesota’s top regional universities. Because this scholarship is institutional, there is no separate application.

Participating in the FPS/WFPS Scholars program does not disqualify a student from using the North Dakota state benefits for postgraduate education, such as law school. Students can use the FPS/WFPS scholarship to earn their undergraduate degree and preserve their North Dakota Scholarship eligibility.

Where does the funding come from? Do I need to pay it back?

The program is exclusively funded by Minnesota State Moorhead. This is a scholarship, not a loan, and does not need to be repaid.

What if a student serves in the military before attending Minnesota State Moorhead?

Students may still participate in the Scholars program if military service obligations prevent them from enrolling in the Fall immediately after high school graduation, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.

Will participating in Dual Credit or PSEO affect eligibility?

No. Taking Dual Credit or PSEO courses during high school does not affect your eligibility. We encourage students to challenge themselves academically before arriving at Minnesota State Moorhead.

Are all majors eligible for the Scholars Program?

Yes. Students in all academic majors are eligible to participate in the Fargo & West Fargo Scholars Program.

What if a student graduated from FPS or WFPS in 2025 (or earlier)?

While they would not qualify for this specific program, they still benefit from our automatic in-state tuition rates for North Dakota residents. Students are also encouraged to apply for our 300+ other institutional scholarships. Visit mnstate.edu/net-price to get a preliminary estimate of your costs.

Can homeschooled students qualify for the Scholars Program?

Only students who graduate from a Fargo Public School or West Fargo Public School high school are eligible for this specific partnership program.

Does the scholarship cover winter and summer terms?

No. The scholarship is awarded for the traditional Fall and Spring semesters. The exception to this would be nursing students whose programs require year-round attendance; summer tuition would be covered for those students.

What if I graduated from Dakota High School or the Virtual Academy?

Graduates of Dakota High School and the Virtual Academy are eligible for the Scholars Program, provided they meet all additional eligibility requirements.

What other academic perks do Scholars receive?

Beyond the scholarship funding, Scholars receive several incentives:

  • Waived Application Fee: You can apply to Minnesota State Moorhead for free using a special code provided to eligible FPS and WFPS students.
  • Guaranteed In-State Tuition: All program participants are guaranteed our lowest tuition rate.
  • Priority Faculty Connections: Scholars receive exclusive invitations to events and early engagement opportunities within their specific major.