Scholarships Matter

Scholarships can make a world of difference for students at all stages of their college journey. Whether it’s planning for college as a high school senior or preparing for what comes after a bachelor’s degree, the cost of their college education weighs heavily on the minds of students.

The SMSU Foundation plays an important role in the financial equation for student aid offers. Through scholarships, grants and other award programs, 90% of SMSU students receive some type of financial aid. It’s just one of the ways SMSU is providing students with a future they can afford.

The SMSU Foundation awarded 1,087 scholarships totaling $1,003,349 to students last year alone. With support from our incredible donors, the number of students and the financial impact only continues to grow.

We talked to two students at the opposite ends of their college experience. One is just starting this Fall and one is nearing the completion of a degree. Both students competed for and received fullride scholarships through the Southwest Regional Scholars program.

Incoming student and 2024 Full-Ride Scholarship Recipient: Naomi Schroeder, Senior, Marshall, Minn.

Naomi is currently a senior at Marshall High School and plans to major in Culinology® at SMSU.

What did it feel like when you learned you were a candidate for the full-ride scholarship?

“It was unreal, to be honest. I was just excited to be in the running and have the opportunity. I never expected it would work out the way it did. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me along the way and gave me belief in myself that I could do it.”

What went through your mind when you were surprised with the full-ride scholarship award?

“Just pure joy! And I was also so proud of myself, I’ve worked really hard for a long time and it was so exciting to know that it was all paying off.”

What does a full-ride scholarship mean to you and your college experience?

“It means that I’ll be able to have more options throughout college and beyond. My goal is to open a bakery someday so being able to go and get a degree without a lot of debt is going to help me on that journey to making my dreams come true. It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m so grateful.”

What are you looking forward to the most?

“I’m really looking forward to joining the Culinology® program, I’ve heard so many good things. I’m excited to attend SMSU with friends and be near my family. I can’t wait to start this next part of my life and I’m glad that SMSU is ahead of me.”

Why do you feel SMSU is the right place for you?

“SMSU is right for me because it has everything I want. It’s the only school in Minnesota with a full four-year Culinology® program. I’ve heard wonderful things about the class sizes and community. I’m excited that I’ll be going to a school that’s such a good fit and cares about its students as much as they do at SMSU.”

Upperclass student and 2021 Full-Ride Scholarship Recipient: Samuel Kleven, SMSU Senior, Walnut Grove, Minn.

A graduate of Westbrook Walnut Grove High School, Sam is a 3rd year senior majoring in data science and minoring in mathematics. He competes in Intercollegiate Esports on the Rocket League Team.

Do you remember what it felt like to know you were a candidate for the full-ride scholarship?

My school went to distance learning in the fall of 2020, and I remember receiving an email from my high school advisor saying that I qualified to interview for a chance at a full-ride scholarship. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately yelled at my brothers to hurry over and look at the email I had just received. Just knowing that I had a CHANCE at a full-ride was surreal to me.

Why did you feel SMSU was the right place for you?

I had visited SMSU many times before for both school events and athletics, so I was very familiar with the campus and the small-town feel that it had. I was confident knowing that SMSU was the school for me.

What went through your mind when you were surprised with the full-ride scholarship award in 2021?

I was speechless. I was walking back to class after lunch, and the hallway was lined with people who started cheering for me as I got close, and there was a camera in my face. When I got into the classroom, I saw my parents and representatives from SMSU, and I just couldn’t believe it. When I was handed the certificate saying that I won a full-ride, it hit me and I was just super proud of myself.

What have you enjoyed most at SMSU?

The thing I’ve enjoyed most at SMSU has been meeting new people and hanging out with the new friends that I’ve met through classes and events.

What has the full-ride scholarship meant for you?

I appreciate all the people who support scholarships for students like me. Being blessed with the full-ride scholarship means a lot to me and my college experience. With paying for college off my mind, it helps me to focus more on school. I’m super grateful to SMSU for gifting me with this opportunity.

$1,003,349 Total Student Scholarships

1087 Scholarship Recipients