BROOKINGS, S.D.(WNAX)- Governor Kristi Noem signed the bill authorizing the “Freedom Scholarships” at a ceremony in Sioux Falls last week.

South Dakota State University President Barry Dunn says it’s a major achievement.

T. Denny Sanford is donating one hundred million dollars to the endowment fund matched with fifty million dollars from the state and fifty million more from private donations.

Dunn says rising costs have put higher education out of reach for many families.

Dunn says it will help a large group of potential students.

The scholarships will be available to students attending any of the states public or private universities or colleges.