According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Native American students comprised only 0.7% of all college enrollments in 2021, dropping from 196,000 in 2010 to 121,000 in 2021. They also received the lowest average federal aid among all racial and ethnic groups, at $6,985, which includes an average Pell Grant of $4,144 and a student loan amount of $6,908. These facts demonstrate the importance of the scholarships and programs available from tribal organizations and nonprofits dedicated to supporting Native American students. These funds can help bridge the financial gap and support your educational pursuits.
Guide to Scholarships and Grants for Native American Students
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How to Prove Ancestry and Apply for Native American Scholarships
To qualify for scholarships and grants aimed at Native American students, demonstrating your Native American ancestry through official documentation is essential. The most recognized way to do this is by obtaining a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB). Here are the steps to obtain a CDIB and enhance your eligibility for scholarships and grants:
1
Contact Your Tribe
Begin by reaching out to your tribe's enrollment office. They will guide you through the process and documents needed to prove your ancestry and blood quantum.
2
Gather Required Documents
Collect documents that establish your lineage, including:
- Your birth certificate
- Birth certificates of your parents and, if necessary, grandparents, showing their connection to a registered tribal member
- Any documentation that proves your ancestor's enrollment in the tribe
3
Complete the CDIB Application
Obtain the CDIB application form from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or your tribal office. Fill out the form with detailed information about your family history and tribal affiliation.
4
Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the appropriate BIA regional office. The office will review your materials to verify your ancestry.
5
Receive Your CDIB
After your application is processed and approved, you will receive your CDIB, which verifies your degree of Indian blood and tribal affiliation.
HOW TO RESEARCH AND DOCUMENT ANCESTRY
If unsure about your ancestry, conduct thorough research using family records, tribal history and resources like the Dawes Rolls, a historical census of Native Americans. The U.S. National Archives can also be a valuable resource. They meticulously record all findings, including names, dates, places of birth and your relationship to each ancestor.
Federal Government Education Assistance
The federal government offers various programs to help fund your college education, such as the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). In addition to general financial aid, specific initiatives like the Bureau of Indian Education Higher Education Grant support Native American students. To qualify, apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is usually based on financial need, enrollment status and academic achievement.
Below is a list of key federal aid programs available to Native American students:
- Federal Pell Grant: This is a need-based grant that provides substantial financial assistance to students with low incomes pursuing undergraduate education. The amount is based on financial need, cost of attendance and enrollment status. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable resource for minimizing student loan debt.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This program targets undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, offering additional aid to supplement other sources of financial assistance. Priority is given to students who have already received a Federal Pell Grant.
- Indian Education Higher Education Grant: Designed for Native American students pursuing undergraduate degrees, this grant covers tuition, fees and other educational expenses based on tribal enrollment and financial need.
- Indian Health Service Scholarship: This program offers scholarships to Native American students pursuing health-related professions. In exchange for financial support, recipients agree to serve in an Indian health program or a related field upon graduation.
Education Aid Offered by States for Native American Residents
In addition to federal aid, many states with large Native American populations offer extra financial assistance, including tuition waivers, in-state tuition rates and scholarships. Some states provide in-state tuition to Native American students regardless of residency. Since programs vary, explore options in your state to maximize support.
The table below outlines state financial aid opportunities for Native American students. This table is not exhaustive, so it’s worth checking with your state government and the university you're applying to, as some universities offer their own scholarships specifically for Native American students.
State/Organization | Eligibility and How to Apply |
|---|---|
Open to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes in Arizona. Covers full tuition for undergraduate students at the University of Arizona. Apply through the University of Arizona's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. | |
Open to enrolled members of the Delaware Nation. Submit the application through the Delaware Nation Higher Education Program, along with required documentation such as proof of enrollment and academic transcripts. | |
Open to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes who are Illinois residents. Submit the FAFSA prior to each academic year. There’s no separate application form, but additional documents may be required to confirm eligibility. | |
Available through the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs for members of Massachusetts tribes. Apply through public colleges and universities in Massachusetts. | |
Open to Michigan students with at least one-fourth Native American blood quantum who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Tribe. Apply through the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. | |
Open to students who are one-fourth or more American Indian and residing in Minnesota. Must demonstrate financial need. Apply through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. | |
Must be an Illinois resident and Native American planning to teach at an Illinois school where the student population is at least 30% minority. Apply through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. | |
Available to enrolled members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Contact the tribe for application details. | |
Open to Montana students who are one-fourth American Indian or enrolled members of a state or federally recognized tribe in Montana. Must demonstrate financial need. Apply through the Montana University System. | |
Available to Native American students from tribes affiliated with the state of Nevada. Apply through the Nevada System of Higher Education. | |
Covers full tuition for New Mexico residents attending a public university or college, including Native American students from tribes partially located in New Mexico. Apply through the New Mexico Higher Education Department. | |
Open to enrolled members or children of enrolled members of a New York State tribe. Apply through the New York State Education Department. | |
Available to Native American students of federally recognized tribes. Apply through participating North Dakota colleges and universities. | |
Waives non-resident tuition for out-of-state Native students. Apply through Northeastern State University. | |
Open to enrolled members of the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon. Applicants must complete the FAFSA or Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) and provide verification of tribal enrollment. | |
Open to California residents who are enrolled members of federally recognized Native American, American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. | |
Open to Nebraska residents who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe. Apply through the University of Nebraska system's financial aid office. Submit proof of tribal enrollment and other required documents as part of the application process. |
American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund (AICF) is a leading organization that provides financial aid to Native American students pursuing higher education. It offers various scholarship programs that students can explore on their website to find those that match their academic goals and interests. AICF also provides resources to help students stay informed about new opportunities for the Native American community.
Below are the types of scholarships offered by the AICF:
1
Undergraduate Tribal University Scholarship
This scholarship is designed for students attending one of the 33 accredited Tribal Universities. It financially supports those pursuing undergraduate degrees in a culturally supportive environment.
2
Undergraduate Non-Tribal University Scholarship
This program is available to Native American students attending an accredited non-tribal college or university. It supports those pursuing higher education in diverse academic settings.
3
AICF Full Circle Scholarship
This scholarship is for Native American graduate-level students pursuing their degrees at either a Tribal or non-tribal college or university. It offers financial assistance to those advancing their education and contributing to their communities through advanced study.
Other Scholarships and Grants for Native Americans
Native American students can also access various scholarships and grants from organizations and institutions. Tools like the Native Forward Scholars Fund’s scholarship finder help students identify opportunities that match their needs. Below are scholarships designed to support Native American students in achieving their educational goals across various fields of study.
Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
$1,000 |
| |
Based on up to one-half of tuition |
| |
$5,000 |
| |
Varies |
| |
$500–5,000 based on merit |
| |
Varies |
| |
Varies |
| |
$500–700 |
| |
$600 on average |
| |
Varies |
| |
Up to $1,500 |
|
Tribal Financial Aid for Native American Students
If you're not eligible for scholarships from your school or government aid, consider exploring financial assistance from your tribe. Many tribes offer members additional aid, especially those not qualifying for other scholarships. Each tribe has different funding amounts and requirements, so application processes and deadlines vary. Check with your tribe for financial opportunities to support your college education.
Below are examples of how some tribes provide financial aid:
1
Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation offers scholarships to enrolled members pursuing bachelor's degrees. Recipients are required to complete volunteer hours corresponding to the amount of funding they receive. For example, a student receiving $2,250 in aid must volunteer for 22 hours. Volunteer work can be conducted with nonprofit organizations or at Cherokee Nation-sponsored events and must focus on humanitarian or community-based activities.
2
Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation provides scholarships and financial assistance to eligible Navajo people, with award amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 annually. These scholarships aim to support students throughout their educational journeys. Upon graduation, recipients are encouraged to return to the Navajo Nation and use their education to benefit the community's development.
3
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe offers financial assistance through grants, such as the Higher Education Program, which provides additional financial aid to eligible tribal members. This support helps students manage higher education costs and encourages their academic success.
Tribal Colleges and Universities
Native American students exploring higher education options might consider Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). These institutions provide unique opportunities to connect with cultural heritage while pursuing academic goals. TCUs are government-designated postsecondary institutions focused on enhancing educational outcomes for American Indian students. They often serve as the only postsecondary option in their areas, offering accessible education and promoting cultural preservation.
TCUs typically offer generous financial aid packages, scholarships and grants for Native American students. They provide a culturally supportive environment, helping Native American students transition more smoothly than in non-tribal institutions. Many TCUs offer associate's degrees and certificate programs that provide quick career qualifications in fields like health, administration, addiction counseling, tribal housing, education and the preservation of Native American languages and arts.
While TCUs offer valuable opportunities, they may not be the right choice for everyone. Many focus on associate's degrees and certificates, so students seeking a bachelor's degree might need to transfer to colleges offering four-year programs. Some TCU programs may not align with broader career opportunities outside Native American communities. Students should carefully weigh the costs and benefits of these degrees concerning their long-term career goals.
The table below lists the states and their corresponding TCUs to help you find an accessible school in your state.
State | Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) |
|---|---|
Alaska | Iḷisaġvik College |
Arizona | Diné College, Tohono O’odham Community College |
California | California Tribal College |
Kansas | Haskell Indian Nations University |
Michigan | Bay Mills Community College, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College |
Minnesota | Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Leech Lake Tribal College, Red Lake Nation College, White Earth Tribal and Community College |
Montana | Aaniiih Nakoda College, Blackfeet Community College, Chief Dull Knife College, Fort Peck Community College, Little Big Horn College, Salish Kootenai College, Stone Child College |
Nebraska | Little Priest Tribal College, Nebraska Indian Community College |
New Mexico | Institute of American Indian Arts, Navajo Technical University, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute |
North Dakota | Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, Sitting Bull College, Turtle Mountain Community College, United Tribes Technical College |
Oklahoma | College of the Muscogee Nation |
South Dakota | Oglala Lakota College, Sinte Gleska University, Sisseton Wahpeton College |
Washington | Northwest Indian College |
Wisconsin | College of Menominee Nation, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College |
Wyoming | Wind River Tribal College |
Scholarship Application: Expert Q&A
To help Native American students navigate the scholarship application process, we spoke with Rafael Tapia, a program director at Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA). He shared valuable insights and tips on how Native American students can improve their chances of winning scholarships.
- When it comes to winning scholarships, is there anything Native American students need to get across in their essays for the applications?
- How can Native American students increase their odds of winning a scholarship?
- How can Native American students make their scholarship applications stand out from the rest?
- Should Native American students apply for multiple scholarships or just focus on one?
- How early should students begin preparing for scholarship applications?
- Do students have to prove volunteer service in their Native American community?
- What other advice and tips do you have for Native American students looking for scholarship money?
Rafael TapiaProgram Director
About Nathan Paulus
Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.
Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.
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