Selection process

1. Completed applications received by the application priority deadline must be given full and equal consideration when screening for eligibility for the scholarship. 2. Candidates for the scholarship must be assigned to one of two award categories as merit- based or need-based. a. Merit-based applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50, or its equivalent. b. Need-based applicants must hold a 2.00 minimum GPA, or its equivalent, and must demonstrate financial need on the needs analysis form. The FAFSA is required. 3. Grade point averages, or the equivalent, must be ranked from highest to lowest for merit- based applicants. 4. Demonstrated financial need, defined as an applicant's cost of attendance, minus the student aid index from the FAFSA, minus financial aid resources, must be ranked from highest need to lowest need for need-based applicants. 5. In cases of financial exigency, the board may exercise professional judgment to establish additional ranking criteria when making awards. 6. Within each award category, the board may give preference to applicants who are members of North Dakota-based Indian tribes. 7. An eligible applicant whose application was received by the priority deadline but was not offered an award due to limited funding must be considered for an award if funds become available throughout the academic year. 8. Applications received after the priority deadline must be considered if all eligible applicants meeting the deadline are awarded and funds remain. Late applications must be considered in the order received based on the priority funding selection process detailed in this section.