Copper Scholar Scholarship - South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Who can apply

• Incoming freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at South Dakota Mines, with an unweighted cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0.
• The Copper tier lists an ACT range of 28–30 or an SAT minimum of 1300. The university evaluates the highest composite ACT or SAT score from a single test date; ACT Superscores are not considered. The ACT Science subsection is not required.
• For fall 2027 entry, be accepted by December 1, 2026 for priority scholarship consideration. Spring-entry acceptance has a separate November 1 priority date.
• An improved test score can increase the merit tier when received by August 1 for fall starts, or December 1 for spring starts.
• Maintain full-time enrollment, normally at least 12 South Dakota Mines credits per semester, and satisfactory progress toward the undergraduate degree.
• Multi-year renewal normally requires at least 24 South Dakota Mines credits per academic year and a 3.0 cumulative GPA, unless the award letter states another GPA requirement.
• Awards cover the first four undergraduate years and normally split between fall and spring. Renewal, reinstatement and appeal conditions follow the university’s scholarship rules.

About the scholarship

The Copper Scholar Scholarship is part of the South Dakota Mines merit program for the 2027–2028 academic year. The university lists a $4,000 award at this tier for incoming freshmen with a 3.0 unweighted cumulative high school GPA and qualifying test scores. Fall-entry candidates receive priority consideration when accepted by December 1, 2026. The award may renew for three additional years when continuing requirements are met.