Eastern Star Scholarships

This scholarship provides $500 to individuals pursuing vocational school, college, or graduate studies who have completed high school or an equivalent education. Preference is extended to members of the Order of the Eastern Star, applicants with Masonic ties, dependents of US war veterans, South Dakota residents, and those attending South Dakota institutions. Applicants must submit an application form, two recommendation letters, a snapshot, and a brief statement.

Other deadlines near this one

• AFSA/CMSAF/AMF Scholarship Program
  Due March 31, 2027 · $1,000 to $5,000
• Build Dakota Scholarship
  Due March 31, 2027 · Full ride: 100% of tuition, fees, books, technology, and program tools
• Cancer for College Scholarship
  Due March 31, 2027 · $5,000 (most awards); some specialty awards higher

How hard is the Eastern Star Scholarships to win?

A large applicant pool chases this award. Apply if the student is a genuinely strong fit, but build the plan around better-odds awards first. No published applicant or winner counts exist for this award, so Solyo shows no odds figure.

What drives the odds here

Odds on a scholarship are mostly a question of how many students can enter. Each rule below changes the size of that field.

• Fewer rivalsOpen only to South Dakota residents
• Fewer rivalsAn essay is required, which filters out casual applicants
• Fewer rivalsRecommendation letters are required, a step many applicants skip

How Solyo estimates this: We model the applicant field from how narrow the eligibility rules are, then divide the awards available by that field. Requirements such as essays and recommendation letters improve a serious applicant’s odds, because most browsers never complete them. These are estimates derived from each award's published structure, not reported acceptance rates, which almost no scholarship provider discloses. Treat them as a way to rank where the hours go, not as a guarantee.

Who can apply for the Eastern Star Scholarships?

These are the eligibility rules Solyo verified against the official award page, translated into plain English. Your student must meet each one.

• ✓Must be a resident of South Dakota
• ✓Open to high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners

What the application takes

• Essay required.
• 2 letters of recommendation. Ask teachers or counselors early; good letters take time.

Deadline and application cycle

The current deadline is March 31, 2027. This award runs on an annual cycle, with deadlines around March 31 each year.

Applications close

March 31, 2027

Common questions about the Eastern Star Scholarships

More identity & background

• Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship
  $1,000 to $2,000 typical, up to $3,000 · due February 10, 2027
• Esperanza Education Fund Scholarship
  Up to $10,000 · due July 1, 2027
• Estonian Students Fund in USA Scholarship
  Varies · due February 15, 2027
• Full Circle Scholarship
  $2,000 - $3,000 (average) · due May 31, 2027
• GA Scholarship for Children of First Responders
  $1,500 · due March 28, 2027
• GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund
  Varies · due December 31, 2026

Lists this award appears on

• South Dakota Scholarships and State Grants
• Scholarships With March Deadlines