A Guide to Tribal Colleges and Scholarships for Native Americans

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In the United States, only 17% of Native American students pursue higher education after high school, and they constitute only 1% of the undergraduate population. The Postsecondary National Policy Institute indicates that even fewer Native American students continue to graduate school, with financial obstacles often playing a significant role. However, there are potential solutions in the form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and opportunities provided by Tribal colleges, which can assist more Native American students in accessing college education. Financial aid options may be available to those who meet the eligibility criteria. 

Scholarships for Native American Students

Scholarships provide college funding without the burden of repayment. Numerous scholarships tailored for Native Americans focus on their specific ethnicity and can be offered by educational institutions, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Here are some Native American scholarships worth considering: 

  • United South & Eastern Tribes. Every year, the USET Education Committee provides financial awards to successful applicants from one of the 30 USET Member Tribal Nations. The deadline for applications is January 15. To be eligible, students must have a satisfactory GPA and be enrolled or accepted into a college degree program. 
  • Zuni Tribal Scholarship. American Indian students belonging to the Zuni Tribe can apply for the Zuni Tribal Scholarship. The award amount varies, and applicants must be enrolled in college. The deadline for applications is October 30, and the scholarship requires yearly renewal.
  • Full Circle Scholarship Fund. The American Indian College Fund offers this scholarship with varying award amounts, and the application deadline is annually on May 31st. To be eligible, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. 
  • Catching the Dream Program. Native American high school seniors can benefit from three different scholarship opportunities through this program. To qualify, a high GPA is necessary, and priority is given to those pursuing STEM topics. The award amount varies, and the application deadline is September 15.
  • Chickasaw Nation Scholarship Program. Chickasaw Nation members who maintain a 3.0 GPA and take three or more credit hours per semester are eligible for this award. The amount varies depending on enrollment status and GPA. Application deadlines fall on February 15, July 1, and September 15. 
  • Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship. Students who are members of federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which offers up to $5,000 per year and requires a minimum GPA of 2.7. The 2023 application deadline has already passed, so please refer to their website for any future updates. 
  • Indian Health Services Scholarship. Scholarships are available for American Indian and Alaska Native health students, with varying award amounts. Applicants are usually required to submit an essay and demonstrate strong academic performance. The application process generally takes place during the winter each year.
  • Daughters of the American Revolution American Indian Scholarship. The application period for this scholarship typically commences in November. It offers a one-time $4,000 award and is open to Native American students from any tribe with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.25 or higher. 
  • Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarships. The association usually provides scholarships for Native American full-time students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Unfortunately, scholarship applications for the fall 2023 through spring 2024 term are now closed. Please visit their website for any updates regarding future opportunities. The award amount varies. 
  • Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Native Americans are typically eligible for this scholarship as part of the minority student category. The scholarship may prioritize fields of study where their ethnic groups are underrepresented. The award amount and application deadline vary depending on the specific scholarship opportunity. 
  • American Indian Education Fund Scholarship. This scholarship is usually available to individuals with tribal enrollment for themselves or their parents. It provides an award of up to $2,000 per year. The scholarship application period begins on February 1st annually, with a priority deadline of May 31st. However, the application remains open until January 30th of the following year. 
  • Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars, Inc., National American Scholarship. Tribal members who are enrolled in at least 8 semester hours and maintain a 3.0 average are eligible to apply for this renewable $5,000 award. The application deadline is June 15 each year. 
  • Gates Post Graduate Scholarship. The esteemed award typically offers $5,000 to $30,000 per year for students engaged in post-graduate training in STEM fields. Applicants must apply by June 1 and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing STEM disciplines.

Grants for Native American Students

Apart from scholarships for Native Americans, there are also grants available for eligible individuals. Grants function similarly to scholarships and usually do not require repayment. In addition to meeting GPA and Native status criteria, many grants also take financial need into account. Here are some grants to consider: 

  • Bureau of Indian Education Grant Program. The BIE (Bureau of Indian Education) offers a grant program specifically for Native Americans with at least ¼ Indian blood. To be eligible, students must be accepted or enrolled in a college program pursuing either an associate or four-year bachelor’s degree. Demonstrating clear financial need, often through the FAFSA application, is also a requirement for this grant. Additionally, individuals with blindness or vision loss may qualify for this program.
  • Blackfeet Nation Higher Education Grant. Members of the Blackfeet Tribe can typically apply for this grant, which offers an award ranging from $2,800 to $3,000 to be used for their undergraduate education. The application process may involve demonstrating financial need and submitting an essay.
  • Indian Higher Education Grant Program. This federal grant program offers help for Native American students with a proven financial need. 

Native American Fellowships

A fellowship typically awards a student money for college in return for service or work in a specific field. Students may need to get a job in a specific area or spend time volunteering in return for their funds. Some Native American fellowships to consider include:

  • American Indian Graduate Center Fellowship Program. This program typically grants students pursuing graduate degrees in specific fields with awards ranging from $500 to $5,000. The application deadline for this grant is June 1.
  • Frances C. Allen Fellowship for Women of American Indian Heritage. he fellowship is provided by The Newberry, an independent Chicago research library. Make sure to submit your application by December 15, and your field of study should align with the library’s collections. 
  • Native American Residency Fellowship at the Vermont Studio Center. The fellowship typically offers a one-month residency, which includes room and board, a studio, and $500 for travel expenses, to Native American visual artists who want to study at the Vermont Studio Center. Applications are due in the fall.
  • AISES Scholarships. AISES often collaborates with various businesses and non-profits to offer STEM scholarships to Native American students. The scholarship amounts and application deadlines vary depending on the chosen program.

Financial Aid for Native American Students

Many different types of financial assistance may be available to Native American students. Getting sufficient help paying for school requires that students understand all of these options. It also requires following the correct steps to apply for aid. Here’s what a student should do to get help paying for school.

Determine Your Status as a Native American

Not everyone who has Native American heritage qualifies for these scholarships. You typically must be an enrolled member of a recognized Native American Indian tribe or an Alaskan Native group to qualify. Another option may be to apply using what is called “blood quantum.” This means the student is at least ¼ Native American. Typically this is because one grandparent is full-blooded Native American. Students who need to prove their ancestry could use the US Dept. of the Interior’s Trace Indian Ancestry page to search their heritage. They may then apply to their tribe to enroll as a tribal member.

Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) establishes a student’s financial need and eligibility for federal programs, like the Pell grant. Many Native American aid programs require proven financial aid. Completing the FAFSA is the first step in proving need.

Understand the Types of Financial Aid

In addition to scholarships, Native Americans typically have these main types of student aid offered to them. These are:

  • Scholarships. Scholarships for Native Americans are awarded based on merit or ethnic status and usually do not have to be paid back.
  • Grants. Grants also typically do not get paid back. They are often based on financial need.
  • Fellowships. Fellowships pay students for work in a field specific to the group’s goals and needs.
  • Loans. Loans provide money for school that must be repaid, with interest, after graduation.
  • Work-Study. Work-study programs provide money for school in exchange for work at the college.

Check Out Other Sources for Financial Aid

While Native American students may have several financial aid options specific to them, there are other options too. Native American students should look for scholarship and grant options that does not use race or tribal status as a criterion. Scholarships and grants that look at a student’s grades, community service, and other activities could help cover the cost of school.

Challenges Native American College Students Face

Access to college and challenges with the cost of school both impact the native populations.

What are the biggest hurdles that are unique to Native American students when trying to gain admission into school?

Some of the challenges Native Americans face prevent them from getting into college. The cost of college, or the perception about that cost, is typically one hurdle. Sometimes the college admissions process is too complex for students to tackle on their own, and not having parents that went through the process may make this harder. In addition, reservation-based schools tend to have high staff turnover. Without strong relationships with guidance counselors and teachers, students may be less likely to find the perfect college or feel the importance of a college education.

What are some of the biggest challenges once these students are in school?

Many Native American students are likely to overcome these challenges and make it to school, only to find a new set of concerns. Many students find themselves on campuses with few Native students, creating a disconnect between their native culture and their new college community. Often, non-native students and teachers may not understand the cultural traditions of Native American students. If students need to miss class for cultural events, they may suffer socially or academically. Many Native students head to school as older adults. This tends to make finding appropriate, affordable housing difficult. Finally, many Native students may not be prepared well for the challenges of college life. They may feel overwhelmed with the new culture and academic courses.

American Indian College Fund

The American Indian College Fund invests in the education of Native and tribal students. This is the largest charity for this group in the nation. They typically have scholarships for Native American students, but they may also have programming that connects students to the support they need to succeed in college and beyond. Of all the resources available, this is usually one of the most helpful for new Native American college students.

Support Organizations for Native American Students

Support organizations both on campus and off provide could help to get students over these hurdles. Students could reach out to these groups to receive support and find opportunities for advancement. Some of these groups include:

  • AICF. The American Indian College Fund is one of the most important and comprehensive support groups for native students.
  • AIHEC. The American Indian Higher Education Consortium provides a network of support to sunbonnets while also working hard to change federal policies so they better support Native students.
  • AIS. American Indian Services is a non profit group that creates programs and funding for Native Americans. The goal is to help them earn a quality education while maintaining their own heritage and culture.
  • AISES. American Indian Science and Engineering Society provides support for Native Americans who are pursuing education and careers in STEM areas.
  • PWNA. Partnership with Native Americans provides help and hope for those living on isolated or remote reservations. It gives aid to help improve the economic situation of these people.

What are Tribal Colleges?

Tribal colleges and universities are higher learning schools run by tribal leaders. This is a newer idea and an attempt to deal with some of the challenges Native students face.

How Could Tribal Colleges Help?

Tribal colleges typically assist students because they understand the traditions and cultures of their tribe or native group. This means students generally do not face conflicts between their education and their culture or beliefs.

Why are Tribal Colleges Important?

Tribal college sometimes provides the only college opportunity for local native populations. They are typically located close to the people who need them, sometimes even on the reservation, and have lower cost tuition. This all combines to likely make college more accessible for Native students.

List of Tribal Colleges

There are currently over 30 tribal schools throughout the United States. Many cater to the unique cultures of a specific tribal group, but all welcome Native and non-Native people. As long as students are wiling to embrace tribal culture, they may attend one of these schools:

 

 

 

Ilisagvik College

100 Stevenson St. | Barrow, AK 99723
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This tribal school typically serves the people of the North Slope Borough, which includes many who are part of the Inupiaq culture. It usually offers degrees in health, accounting, adult education, business, construction, emergency services, heavy equipment, info tech, liberal arts, office management, industrial safety, and Inupiaq cultural studies. Degree examples include:

  • Dental Therapy (AAS)
  • Inupiaq Studies (AAS)
  • Business and Management (AAS)
  • Allied Health (AS)

School Details:

  • Dual Credit program
  • NWCCU Accredited

Scholarships:

  • American Indian College Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Inupiaq

 

Dine College

One Circle Dr. Route 12 | Tsaile, AZ 86556
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This was the nation’s first tribal-controlled, accredited institution. It typically offers a range of general ed programs in arts, humanities, English, education, STEM, business, social science and Dine studies. Degree programs may include:

  • Public Health (BS)
  • Dine Studies (BA)
  • Business Admin (BA)
  • Elementary Ed (BA)

School Details:

  • Dual Credit program
  • HLC Accredited
  • American Indian Higher Education Consortium

Scholarships:

  • American Indian College Fund Student of the Year Award

Tribal Groups

  • Navajo Nation

 

Tohono O’odham Community College

Hwy 86 | Sells, AZ 85634
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This college sits on the 2.8 million acre Tohono O’odham reservation along the Mexico border. It typically offers degrees in the arts, business, science, health, education and social services, as well as several technical trades. Courses of study may include:

  • Business Admin (AB)
  • Life Science (AA)
  • Social Work (AA)
  • Tohono O’odham Studies (AA)
  • School Details:
  • Transfer programs to four-year schools
  • Direct Employment Programs
  • HLC Accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • Gewkdag Scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • Tohono O’odham

 

Haskell Indian Nations University

155 Indian Ave. | Lawrence, KS 66046
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HINU is the country’s top tribal university with a 120 year history. It tends to have a wide range of degree programs including American Indian studies, business admin, elementary education, environmental science, and others. Degree programs may include:

  • Indigenous and American Indian Studies (BA)
  • Elementary Ed (BS)
  • Business Admin (BS)
  • Environmental Science (BS)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • NCATE Accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • American Indian College Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Multiple tribes

 

Bay Mills Community College

12214 W Lakeshore Dr. | Brimley, MI 49715
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BMCC provides degrees for those in the Anishinaabek culture. Degree options typically include business admin, early childhood ed, construction, Ojibwe language instruction, criminal justice and computers. Degrees may include:

  • Computer Info Systems (AAS)
  • Paramedic (AAS)
  • Criminal Justice (AA)
  • Great Lakes Native Studies (AA)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • American Indian Higher Education Consortium
  • Online ed options
  • Scholarships:
  • Board of Regents Tuition Award
  • Herman E. Cameron Memorial Scholarship

 

Tribal Groups

  • Chippewa

 

Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College

111 Bear Town Rd. | Baraga, MI 49908
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KBOCC is on the L’asnse reservation. It typically offers associated degrees in a range of fields, including Anishinaabe studies, business, environmental studies, and early childhood ed. Degrees may include:

  • Anishinaabe Studies (AA)
  • Business Admin (AS)
  • Early Childhood Ed (AS)
  • Liberal Studies (AA)
  • School Details:
  • Scholarships:
  • American Indian College Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Ojibwa
  • Chippewa

 

 

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College

2274 Enterprise Dr. | Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
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This public college tends to reflect the culture and value of the Anishinaabe. It is a family-focused campus and typically has small class sizes. The programs include Native studies, business, science, and liberal arts. Degree programs may include:

  • Native American Studies (AA)
  • Business (AA)
  • General Science (AS)
  • Liberal Arts (AA)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • SCTC Board of Regents’ Scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • Chippewa

 

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

2101 14th St. | Cloquet, MN 55720
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This school offers two and four year degree programs for students from the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and other tribal groups. Degrees are typically available in elementary ed, business, corrections, geospatial tech, nursing, and nutrition. Degrees typically include:

  • American Indian Studies (AA)
  • Elementary Ed (AS)
  • Corrections (AS)
  • Nursing (AS)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium
  • Scholarships:
  • Foundation Scholarships

Tribal Groups

  • Chippewa

 

 

Leech Lake Tribal College

6945 Little Wolf Rd. | Cass Lake, MN 56633
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Leech Lake Tribal College typically serves the Ojibwe community with degrees in the arts, humanities, tech, and natural sciences. The school offers many family friendly solutions, with a focus on the Anishinaabe values. Degree programs may include:

  • Liberal Education (AA)
  • Earth Systems Science (AS)
  • Business Management (AAS)
  • Early Childhood Development (AA)
  • School Details:
  • Named best Com. College in Nation by Wallet Hub in 2017
  • HLC Accredited
  • The American Indian Science and Engineering Society member
  • Scholarships:
  • LeRoy Staples Sr. and LeRoy B. Fairbanks Scholarship
  • Susan Helen Tibbetts Sjolund Scholarship
  • Clem Nason Memorial Scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • Ojibwe

 

Red Lake Nation College

23750 MN-1 | Red Lake, MN 56671
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This school provides Ojibwe language and cultural education. It typically focuses on two year degree programs that could transfer easily into four year schools. Many student services make it easier for students to attend. The school has two degree programs, which include:

  • Liberal Education (AA)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (AAS)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Online ed options
  • Scholarships:
  • Presidential and Achievement scholarships

Tribal Groups

  • Red Lake Nation

 

White Earth Tribal and Community College

210 Main St. S | Mahnomen, MN 56557
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This school serves the White Earth Reservation and the communities surrounding it. It typically offers one associate degree program that provides a general education with a focus on core requirements. Many students transfer to a four year school after graduation.

  • Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences (AA)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • White Earth Scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • MCT White Earth Band

 

Aaniiih Nakoda College

Hwy 2 and Hwy 66 | Harlem, MT 59526
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This school typically serves tribal and non-tribal members with a focus on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation area. It has degrees in environmental science, education, business, Native studies, health, and psychology. Degree programs may include:

  • Aaniih Nakoda Ecology (BS)
  • American Indian Studies (AA)
  • Business (AA)
  • Human Services (AA)
  • School Details:
  • NWCCU accreditation
  • USDA Extension Demonstration Farm
  • Scholarships:
  • American Indian College Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Gros Ventre
  • Aaniiih
  • Nakota

 

Blackfeet Community College

504 SE Boundary St. | Browning, MT 59417
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BCC typically serves the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and surrounding communities with degrees in IT, business, education, health, humanities, STEM, and nursing. Childcare services make it possible for adults with families to attend. Degree programs usually include:

  • Accounting (AS)
  • Elementary Ed (AS)
  • Liberal Arts (AA)
  • Piikani Studies (AA)
  • School Details:
  • NWCCU accreditation
  • Online and hybrid courses
  • Scholarships:
  • First Time First Year Freshman Scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • Blackfeet

 

Chief Dull Knife College

One College Dr. | Lame Deer, MT 59043
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This tribal college typically provides degrees to members of the Northern Cheyenne reservation. The college is on the forefront of tribal language preserving efforts. Students may study the arts, political science, social science, STEM, business, paralegal, and Native studies. Programs are designed to transition students to four year degrees. Degree programs usually include:

  • Addiction Studies (AA)
  • AA Animal Science (AA)
  • Cheyenne Studies (AA)
  • Math (AS)
  • School Details:
  • American Indian Higher Education Consortium
  • American Association of Community and Junior Colleges
  • NWCCU accreditation
  • Scholarships:
  • American Indian College Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Cheyenne

 

Fort Peck Community College

PO Box 398 | Poplar, MT 59255
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This college has two campuses and several degree programs. Students may study degree programs or earn certs while preserving the culture of the Assiniboine and Sioux people from the Fort Peck Reservation. Some of the school’s degrees typically include:

  • Business Admin (AA)
  • Native American Studies (AA)
  • Bio Medical Science (AS)
  • Info Tech (AAS)
  • School Details:
  • NWCCU accreditation
  • World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium
  • Scholarships:
  • American Indian College Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Assiniboine
  • Sioux

 

Little Big Horn College

8645 S Weaver Dr. | Crow Agency, MT 59022
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This school typically weaves the Crow culture into its training programs. It has a modern campus on the Crow Indian Reservation. Students may study a wide range of topics, including pre-nursing, info tech, Crow studies, ecology, and more. Degree programs likely include:

  • Business Admin (AA)
  • Crow Studies (AA)
  • Info Systems (AS)
  • Science (AS)
  • School Details:
  • NWCCU accreditation
  • Scholarships:
  • American Indian College Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Crow

 

Salish Kootenai College

PO Box 70 58138 US Hwy 93 | Pablo, MT 59855
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SKC reaches the people of the Flathead Nation. It generally provides a range of degree programs spanning everything from psych to construction. Student clubs and on campus housing make education attainable for students. Degrees typically include:

  • Business Admin (BA)
  • Forestry (BS)
  • Tribal Historic Preservation (BA)
  • Psychology (BA)
  • School Details:
  • Dual Enrollment program
  • NWCCU accreditation
  • Scholarships:
  • CSKT Scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • Flathead Nation
  • Séliš
  • Ksanka
  • QÍispé

 

Stone Child College

8294 Upper Box Elder Rd. | Box Elder, MT 58521
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SCC is a tribal chartered college that typically focuses on preserving the Chippewa Cree culture and language. Students may study health, arts, Native culture, tech, education, human services, and business. A campus daycare and on campus room rental help may students succeed. Degrees typically include:

  • Elementary Education (BS)
  • Allied Health (AS)
  • Native American Studies (AA)
  • Human Services Rural Behavioral Health (AA)
  • School Details:
  • NWCCU accreditation
  • American Indian Higher Education Consortium
  • Scholarships:
  • April Dawn Stamper Memorial Scholarship
  • Fine Arts Scholarship
  • William O. Goggins Journalism Award

Tribal Groups

  • Chippewa Cree

 

Cankdeska Cikana Community College

213 1st Ave. | Ft Totten, ND 58335
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CCCC trains the people of the Spirit Lake Dakota Reservation. It typically has degrees in Dakota studies, social work, the arts, tech, health, and ed, with trade certs as well. Many cultural events keep students connected to their tribe. Degree programs usually include:

  • Dakota Studies (AA)
  • Social Work (AA)
  • Pre Nursing (AS)
  • Office Tech (AAS)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • American Indian Higher Education Consortium
  • North Dakota Association of Tribal Colleges
  • Scholarships:
  • Spirit Lake Tribal scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • Dakota

 

Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College

220 8th Ave. N | New Town, ND 59763
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NHSC is chartered by the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Ft. Berthold Reservation. It typically offers training in Native studies, ed, business, social work, STEM, and equine studies. On campus childcare and student housing are available. Degrees usually include:

  • Env. Science (BS)
  • Native Studies (BS)
  • Addiction Studies (AA)
  • Equine Studies (AA)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • ITCHE Shikake Scholarship
  • Dakota Indian Scholarship
  • TAT Tribal Chairman’s Ed Grant

Tribal Groups

  • Mandan
  • Hidatsa
  • Arikara

 

Sitting Bull College

9299 Hwy 24 | Fort Yates, ND 58538
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This college is based on the Standing Rock Reservation, but also has sites in South Dakota. It typically offers academic, career, and tech ed, with bachelor’s and associate degree programs along with certs. It also has one master’s degree, making it one of the rare tribal schools to offer grad work. Degree options usually include:

  • Env. Science (MS)
  • Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed)
  • Native American Studies (BA)
  • Social Work (BA)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • Barden Scholarship
  • Build Your Brighter Future Scholarship
  • Crazy Horse Memorial Scholarship
  • Dakota/Lakota Scholarship
  • Doyle Butler Memorial Scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • Lakota
  • Dakota
  • Sioux

 

Turtle Mountain Community College

10145 BIA Rd. 7 | Belcourt, ND 58316
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TMCC trains the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and sits on the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa reservation. This commuter college typically offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certs. Degree programs may include:

  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Dual Credit program
  • Scholarships:
  • Tribal Scholarship Program

Tribal Groups

  • Chippewa

 

United Tribes Technical College

3315 University Dr. | Bismarck, ND 58504
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UTTC is a tech school focused on tribal education and cultural preservation. It typically offers associate degree options and certs. Degree programs might include:

  • Elementary Ed (AS)
  • Auto Tech (AS)
  • Human and Social Services (AA)
  • Graphic Design (AS)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Online degree options
  • Scholarships:
  • American Indian College Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Mandan
  • Hidatsa
  • Arikara

 

Little Priest Tribal College

601 E College Dr. | Winnebago, NE 68071
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LPTC typically offers associate degrees in language and culture as well as education, liberal arts, and business. The campus is on the Winnebago Reservation and strives to prepare students to transfer to a four year school. Degrees likely include:

  • Native American Studies (AA)
  • Teacher Ed (AA)
  • Indigenous Science Environmental (AS)
  • Indigenous Science Health (AS)
  • School Details:
  • American Indian Higher Education Consortium
  • HLC Accredited
  • Nebraska Transfer Initiative
  • Scholarships:
  • Winnebago Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program

Tribal Groups

  • Winnebago

 

Nebraska Indian Community College

College Hill | Macy, NE 68039
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This tribal school has three campuses and has both associate degrees and certs. Students may use their degrees to pursue entry level positions or to transfer to a four year program. Degree options include:

  • Carpentry (AAS)
  • Native American Studies (AA)
  • Para Educator (AA)
  • Business (AA)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • American Indian Higher Education Consortium
  • Scholarships:
  • High School Grad Success Scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • Omaha
  • Santee Sioux

 

Institute of American Indian Arts

83 Avan Nu Po Rd. | Santa Fe, NM 87508
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This is the only tribal college that is a four year fine arts institution. It typically serves all Native people, including Alaska Natives, and focuses on the Native arts. It has certs, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees, and all are in the arts. Degree programs may include:

  • Cinema and Tech (BFA)
  • Creative Writing (MFA)
  • Museum Studies (BFA)
  • Studio Arts (BFA)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts
  • Dual Credit programs
  • Scholarships:
  • American Indian College Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Serves all Native people

 

Lowerpoint Rd. | Crownpoint, MN 87313
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NTU typicaly follows the Dine Philosophy of Education. It has a campus in Arizona as well as Crownpoint. It has master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, associates degrees, and certs, including several in the Dine language. Students may study education, health, veterinary science, energy, IT, business, and Native culture. Programs include:

  • Dine Culture, Language, and Leadership (MA)
  • BAS Hotel and Restaurant Admin (BAS)
  • Animal Science (BS)
  • Env. Science and Natural Resources (BS)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • ABET accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • PNM Scholarship
  • Tom Davis Scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • Navajo

 

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

9169 Coors NW | Albuquerque, NM 87184
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This school typically focuses on STEM opportunities for Native learners. It has certs and associate degree programs in tech and computers. It also has degrees in business. Programs may include:

  • Culinary Arts (AAS)
  • Vision Care Tech (AAS)
  • Geo Spatial Info Tech (AAS)
  • Pre Engineering (AS)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • American Indian Higher Education Consortium
  • Online degree options
  • Scholarships:
  • The Johnson Scholarship
  • SIPI New Student Scholar

Tribal Groups

  • All tribal groups served

 

College of the Muscogee Nation

1200 Hwy Loop 56 | Okmulgee, OK 74447
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This college typically offers general ed and tribal programming. Associate degrees and certs are both available, many in the Mvskoke language. Degree options may include:

  • Native American Studies (AS)
  • Tribal Services (AS)
  • Criminal Justice (AAS)
  • Gaming (AAS)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • Muscogee (Creek) Nation Scholarship Foundation

Tribal Groups

  • Muscogee (Creek)

 

Sinte Gleska University

101 Antelope Lake Circle | Mission, SD 57555
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This college typically offers master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certs in the arts, education, computers, human services, and Native history and culture. Degree usually programs include:

  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • American Indian College Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Sicangu Lakota
  • Sioux

 

Sisseton Wahpeton College

BIA Rd. 700 Agency Village | Sisseton, SD 57262
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SWC serves members of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation. It typically has associate degrees and certs in a range of fields, including business, finance, ed, and Dakota studies. Degree programs include:

  • Addiction and Diversity Counseling (AS)
  • Sustainable Env. Studies (AS)
  • Carpentry Tech (AAS)
  • Dakota Studies (AA)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Articulation Agreements
  • Online degrees offered
  • Scholarships:
  • N/A

Tribal Groups

  • Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux

 

Oglala Lakota College

3 Mile Creek Rd. | Kyle, SD 57752
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OLC serves the Pine Ridge Reservation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe. It typically has master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certs, with a focus on Lakota language and culture. Students may study health, IT, business, ed, construction, STEM, and Native studies. Degree programs likely include:

  • Lakota Studies (BA)
  • Lakota Leadership and Management (MA)
  • K 12 Lakota Studies Education (BS)
  • Social Work (BSW)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • American Indian Higher Education Consortium
  • Online degree options
  • Scholarships:
  • Board of Trustees Supplemental Scholarship
  • Johnson Entrepreneurship Scholarship

Tribal Groups

  • Lakota
  • Oglala Sioux

 

Northwest Indian College

2522 Kwina Rd. | Bellingham, WA 98226
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NIC is part of the Lummi reservation and typically focuses on protecting tribal values. Students can earn bachelor’s degrees, associates degrees, and certs in Native studies, tribal government, business, human services, and IT. Programs usually include:

  • Native Studies Leadership (BA)
  • Community Advocacy and Community Ed in Human Services (BA)
  • Native Env. Science (BA)
  • Tribal Gov. and Business Management (BA)
  • School Details:
  • NWCCU accreditation
  • Scholarships:
  • American Indian Entrepreneurship Scholarship (NWIC)
  • Foundation Scholarships (NWIC)
  • S-STEM Scholarship (NWIC)

Tribal Groups

  • Lummi

 

College of Menominee Nation

N 172 Hwy 47/55 | Keshena, WI 54135
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CMN is on the Menominee Reservation with a campus in Green Bay. This school typically has bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certs. Students may study education, nursing, Native studies, business, and STEM. Programs include:

  • Public Admin (BA)
  • Business Admin(BS)
  • Natural Resources (AAS)
  • Substance Abuse (AAS)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • CMN Privately Funded Scholarships

Tribal Groups

  • Menominee Nation

 

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College

13466 W Trepania Rd. | Hayward, WI 54843
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Programs typically include:

  • Native American Studies (AAS)
  • Accounting (AAS)
  • Business (AS)
  • Nursing (AS)
  • School Details:
  • HLC Accredited
  • Scholarships:
  • La Courte Orielles Ojibwe College Student Scholarship Fund
  • Johnson Scholarship Foundation Scholarship
  • Gay I. & Harry C. Leslie III Fund
  • Isham Chase Scholarship Fund

Tribal Groups

  • Chippewa

  • Financial Aid Info

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