Minnesota State Moorhead Dragons
MOORHEAD (KFGO) – A new partnership between Minnesota State Moorhead and the Fargo and West Fargo public school districts will provide a $6,000 scholarship to some graduates.
Minnesota State Moorhead President Tim Downs said the Fargo Public Schools and West Fargo Public Schools Scholars programs allow local students the opportunity to achieve their academic aspirations locally.
Minnesota State Moorhead President Dr. Tim Downs.
“The Fargo and West Fargo Scholars Programs build on our shared commitment to keeping talented young people in our community, expanding opportunities for top scholars, and ensuring that students who call Fargo-Moorhead home can imagine a future here,” Minnesota State Moorhead President Tim Downs said.
To qualify, students in the class of 2026 and beyond must graduate with a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, complete the FAFSA, and enroll full-time at Minnesota State Moorhead the fall following graduation.
The $6,000 will be awarded over four years, during Fall and Spring terms, amounting to $1,500 each year.
The awards match the financial impact of the North Dakota Scholarship that many of these students could receive, but with streamlined criteria and automatic access.
“Fargo Public Schools is committed to ensuring every student has meaningful opportunities for success beyond graduation,” said Fargo Superintendent Cory Steiner. “Purposeful partnerships like this one with Minnesota State University Moorhead help make that possible by providing a clear pathway to a high-quality college degree. I am grateful for this opportunity for Fargo students to pursue their academic and career goals.”
Steiner says the program is good for students and the local economy.
“I think it’s important for people to understand partnerships like this, they represent an investment in our students, workforce and our community. By expanding scholarships, program experiences, we demonstrate a commitment to the most important resource we have in the metro area and that resource is our students,” Steiner said.
Minnesota State Moorhead will also waive application fees and students will receive in-state tuition rates.
West Fargo Superintendent Beth Slette said, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to preparing learners for tomorrow’s world. By expanding access to meaningful scholarships and local opportunities, West Fargo Public Schools and Minnesota State University Moorhead are supporting academic excellence while strengthening our community.”
Those with a 3.7 GPA or higher would have access to reserved seats at Moorhead’s Honors Scholarship Competition Day, where students compete for over $1 million in awards.
An information session for Fargo and West Fargo students and their families will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the Christianson Alumni Center located at 707 11th St. S. in Moorhead.
For more information and to register for the information session, visit www.mnstate.edu/fargo-wf-scholars.
Minnesota State Moorhead launched the Moorhead Scholars program in partnership with Moorhead Area Public Schools in 2024, offering full-tuition coverage for high-performing local students. President Downs says since the launch of that program, three times the number of students from Moorhead High School decided to stay local to get their higher education.
Minnesota State Moorhead President Dr. Tim Downs announces Fargo and West Fargo Scholars Program on Jan. 23, 2026
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