Scholarships for Native American Students
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- Learn about various financial aid programs available to Native American students.
- Locate scholarship programs and details for Native American undergraduate learners.
- Find scholarships for Native American women, graduate students, and program-specific applicants.
- Gain information on grants and other financial aid support resources.
Native Americans experience lower enrollment and educational attainment numbers in colleges and universities across the country, in some cases due to a lack of access to financial aid. At Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), students rely primarily on federal funding, as state funding and private endowments provide little aid.
According to Poverty USA, Indigenous Americans experience the highest poverty rates among all ethnic groups, highlighting the great need for financial support. While there is still a shortage of programs, this page highlights several Native American scholarships available to support these underserved students.
Financial Assistance for Native American Students
Loans
Loans come from various sources, including government agencies and financial institutions. Depending on the loan, students may need strong credit and good grades to qualify, and they usually need to pay loans back with interest.
Fellowships
Fellowships typically provide funding to graduate students in return for a brief period of work or research at an organization. These work assignments allow learners to develop their professional and research skills and interests while earning a financial stipend.
Grants
While some grants are based on academic or athletic achievement, they typically provide funding to students based on financial need. Recipients do not need to pay grants back, and they may be able to renew this type of aid for multiple years.
Work Study
Work-study programs provide funding to students in return for part-time work on campus or in the community. Students may build work experience while earning money to put toward their education.
Scholarships
Scholarships typically provide funding based on a student’s academic merit, community involvement, demographic variables, and/or field of study. Schools, organizations, and government agencies can provide funding for these awards. Scholarships may be one-time awards or renewable, and they do not require repayment.
How to Complete the FAFSA as a Native American Student
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can qualify students for many federal and nonfederal grants. Many other financial aid programs pull student information and financial need assessment data from this application. As such, filling out this form can streamline the application process for many other types of aid.
Applicants usually need their Social Security number, tax information, and parent’s financial information (if they are still dependents). Check out our guides for more information on the FAFSA form, grants and scholarships, college loans, and financial aid for minority students.
Scholarships for Native American Students
In the following sections, we highlight several Native American scholarships, including those serving undergraduates, graduates, and women.
Featured Scholarships for Native American Undergraduate Students
The following scholarships are available to undergraduate students. Prospective applicants should check out award pages for more detailed eligibility and application requirements.
Scholarships for Native American Women
The following list highlights scholarships for women of color, including Native American women. Readers can find more detailed application information on each award page.
Scholarships for Native American Graduate Students
The following list of scholarships features awards available to graduate students, including those attending MBA programs. For more information, visit each award page.
Degree-Related Scholarships for Native American Students
The following scholarships are awarded to applicants enrolled in specific academic disciplines, such as STEM or healthcare. You can find more detailed information on the webpages for each award.
Grants for Native American Students
Like all other students seeking grants, Native American students should start by completing the FAFSA, which can qualify students for Federal Pell Grants, along with many nonfederal grants. Popular grants include the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Academic Competitiveness and National SMART grants.
Additionally, some grants are only available to members of tribal nations. Possible options include the grant program hosted by the Bureau of Indian Education and the Indian Higher Education Grant Program.
Additional Financial Aid Resources for Native American Students
American Indian Higher Education Consortium
Uniting TCUs, AIHEC advocates for better inclusionary practices, access to education, funding, and equal opportunity for American Indian students in higher education.
Indian Health Service
Responsible for the federal health services provided to American Indians, IHS also offers educational and career opportunities for prospective healthcare students and professionals.
Bureau of Indian Education
BIE develops and disseminates appropriate educational services to Bureau-funded schools and students across the country. The organization also offers support services and resources for current and prospective college students.
American Indian Graduate Center
The American Indian Graduate Center provides financial support services to students from over 500 tribes. The center oversees various student resources, publications, and scholarship programs.
Partnership With Native Americans
PWNA supports Native Americans in various ways, including investing in communities, improving access to resources, and reviewing and promoting scholarship opportunities for Native American students.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Laila Abdalla obtained her Ph.D. in English from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. For over 21 years at Central Washington University, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in her subjects, along with classes on successful writing. Laila has devoted her teaching and leadership to matters of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
She is committed to her students’ complete experience above all, raising awareness of BIPoC issues in language, community, and culture. She leads with equity in management and nonprofit volunteering, and continues to develop her own understandings of these complex issues in her lived experiences and professionally.