The Great Expectations scholarship goal of $10,000,000 over five years will allow USD to offer the scholarships necessary to compete successfully at the NCAA Division I level. Scholarship offerings will rise from 103 per year to 167 per year allocated within the 17-sport athletic program in Division I. The athletic department generates the funds necessary for athletic scholarships from private sources and look to people who have great expectations for Coyote athletics and want to continue the tradition of excellence at The University of South Dakota.

Each scholarship is valued at $15,000 per year, including tuition, fees, room and board and books, over four years and adjusted for inflation. When a scholarship is established, more than one student-athlete may benefit from it. Donors pledge $60,000 or more over four years and have the opportunity to name their scholarship and designate preference for a sport if they choose to do so.