The Jopwell Collection on The free college application period for South Dakota’s public technical colleges and universities is from October 1 to November 30, 2025. During this time, students can apply to these institutions without paying application fees, which are between $20-70. Sponsored by the South Dakota Board of Regents and the South Dakota Board of Technical Education, this initiative is designed to remove barriers like tuition costs, lack of preparation, mental health, and time management. The objective of these resources is to encourage more students to explore opportunities across the state’s public higher education system. South Dakota has the best university system in the country based on value. A recent report ranked the 50 state public university systems on prices and outcomes, according to the December 2022 report from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity.
Participating institutions include:
Black Hills State University South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Dakota State University South Dakota State University
Lake Area Technical College Southeast Technical College
Mitchell Technical College University of South Dakota
Northern State University Western Dakota Technical College
Several states offer similar programs during their designated free application weeks or months, so check local and state resources for other opportunities. If you demonstrate financial need, you can get application fees waived through programs like the one offered by the National Association for College Admission Counseling. College students can get help through a variety of resources that address academic, financial, career, and personal challenges. Your college or university likely provides most of these services on campus, and federal or non-profit programs can also offer support. For example, the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) assists students who are migratory or seasonal farmworkers and those whose immediate family members are in their first year of college. The National Association for College Admission Counseling will support and advance the work of counseling and enrollment professionals as they help all students realize their full educational potential.