Scholarships for Native American Students: A Complete Guide

Despite a variety of governmental initiatives aimed at serving and aiding Native Communities, unfortunately, Native Americans are still facing the consequences of historical discrimination to this day. Just in 2018, the US Commission on Civil Rights reported that Native Communities are still combating numerous challenges in terms of health, employment, and, oh well, education.

In 2024, the situation hasn’t changed much. Young people from 574 federally recognized Indian Tribes in the United States still lack access to education due to a variety of issues. Youth from Native Communities are also facing a wealth of other challenges, including financial struggles, cultural differences, lack of peer mentors, poor college preparation, etc.

Nevertheless, many colleges, universities, and organizations encourage Native American students to enroll by providing them with scholarships and grant opportunities to support their studies.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key programs existing today to aid indigenous youth.

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Native Americans: Definition and Current Education Challenges

A Native American is any member of the aboriginal peoples of the Western Hemisphere (aka present-day the United States and Canada). Currently, there are 574 federally recognized indigenous tribes in the United States.

Being suppressed by multiple historic events and discrimination, Native Communities still lack access to basic resources and opportunities available to the rest of the US population. This applies to higher education opportunities, in particular.

One of the most recent studies of Native American students in higher education has shown the following numbers:

The number of Native American students enrolling in higher ed facilities has dropped by 37%, from 196,000 in 2010 to 123,000 in 2020.
Only 22% of Native Americans between 18-24 years were enrolled in college compared to 40% of the total US population.
As of 2020, only 15.4% of American Indian or Alaskan Native residents 25 years or older had received a BA degree. This is a slight increase from 13.4% in 2010. Still, it’s a big step back compared to the same rate among the US population—32.9%.

These numbers clearly indicate a present issue and the need for additional support for youth from Native Communities. One of the primary ways to aid them is to provide and spread awareness about scholarships for Native Americans.

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State Efforts to Support Native American Education

In 1928, when lead investigator Lewis Meriam published the work called “The Problem of Indian Administration,” the catastrophic consequences of aggressive federal policy against Native tribes became known. Apart from uncovering such problems as not providing preventive medical care to Native Americans, this file also documented attempts of American teachers to eradicate the “Indian” students, as well as the destruction of their culture and language.

All these terrifying events have left a huge imprint on American history and have been reflected in how Native Americans perceive the American educational system. Despite this, Native Americans and their problems still seem to remain invisible to many people due to a lack of information and diversity in schools.

Making Native Americans visible and bridging the academic gap between them and the rest of the US population is now pivotal to assimilating Native youth into US society and creating equal opportunities for them. Numerous Native American scholarships and grants play a big role in this process.

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5 Types of Financial Support for Native American Students

Although the initial financial resources of Native American students might be significantly more restricted than those of the US population, there are a few options they can use to help finance their studies:

Scholarship—A scholarship typically provides partial or full funding of a student’s studies based on demographic variables, academic achievements, and other factors. Scholarships aren’t repayable.
Grant—A grant may be awarded based on your athletic or academic success. Most of them are provided based on a person’s financial need. Grants also don’t need to be repaid and might sometimes be renewed.
Fellowship—A fellowship is a funding option granted to students in return for their short-term work or research at an organization.
Work—Work-study programs enable students to work part-time on campus or within their communities to build experience and fund their education.
Loan—A loan is funding provided to students by financial institutions or government agencies that need to be paid back with interest.

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FAFSA for Native American Students

To receive financial aid from any program of your choice, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first. This application can qualify you for lots of federal and nonfederal grants. Moreover, since most types of aid pull financial need data from FAFSA, completing this application early on can help you streamline the scholarship application process.

To complete the application and access financial aid, Native American students would need their Social Security number, tax information, and their parents’ financial information if still being dependents.

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Top 20 Scholarships for Native American Students

If you’re a Native American striving to acquire a college education but needing financial aid, the good news is that there are quite a few scholarships for Native American students that you can opt for. The available scholarships vary by amount and application requirements, yet they are so diverse that every student should be able to find something to suit their needs.

Now, to help you assess your options, let’s review the top 20 scholarship opportunities worth your attention.

Hopi Tribe

The Hopi Tribe Grants & Scholarships Program is a set of scholarship and grant opportunities created specifically for the enrolled members of the Hopi Tribe. The scholarships are offered quarterly and awarded based on individual merits.

Amount: Not specified

Deadline: April 15, July 15, October 15, and December 15

Requirements:

Be an enrolled member of the tribe.
Have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Be enrolled in a regionally accredited higher education facility.
Demonstrate a completed FAFSA application.
Meet the GPA requirements of the selected scholarship.

Application process: Students need to select a suitable opportunity and check details to ensure eligibility. Then, they need to prepare documents and complete an online application.

Native Forward

Native Forward is a scholar’s fund established 50 years ago to provide scholarships and other support to students across over 500 tribes all over the US. The fund helps Native students explore dozens of funding opportunities across all fields.

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Varies

Requirements: Vary

Application process: Students can use the Native Forward site to explore scholarship opportunities and find options matching their academic fields and situations. After picking an option, they need to check eligibility, prepare documents, and apply online.

American Indian College Fund

The American Indian College Fund is the US largest charity organization that supports Native Americans’ access to higher education since 1989. The fund offers graduating American Indian and Alaska Native high school students scholarships to fund their education in certificate or undergraduate programs at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) or an accredited nonprofit college or university in the USA.

Amount: $2,00 0-$3,000 on average (though award amount varies)

Deadline: May 31

Requirements:

Be a member of a federally or state-recognized tribe (or a descendant of one of the enrolled members).
Be a high school senior in their last semester.
Demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Demonstrate full-time enrollment (only accredited, nonprofit institutions).

Application process: Students need to submit an online application through the fund’s portal. They need to prepare their academic records and tribal affiliation documents, along with a digital photo.

Cobell Scholarship

Cobell scholarship is an annual, non-renewable funding opportunity for high-achieving, community-involved Native college students. It’s a merit-based scholarship available to all degree-seeking young people who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe.

Amount: Up to $6,000 for undergrads and up to $12,500 for grads

Deadline: May 4

Requirements:

Be an enrolled tribe member.
Demonstrate a high cumulative GPA (2.0+, depending on your program).
Demonstrate any accomplishments, honors, and awards received.
Be enrolled in a public or private nonprofit institution.

Application process: Students must prepare all required documents and submit them along with their applications via the Online Application Scholarship and Information System (OASIS).

DAR American Indian Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), which is a nonprofit organization with a rich history that promotes education and patriotism. In addition to numerous activities and initiatives, DAR annually awards its American Indian scholarship.

Amount: $4,000

Deadline: January 31

Requirements:

Be a Native American of any age, any tribe (enrolled), and in any state in the US.
Demonstrate financial need.
Show a minimum GPA of 3.25.
Be enrolled in a vocational or college/university program (both undergraduate and graduate).

Application process: Students need to check eligibility, collect all required documents, and submit their applications through the DAR Scholarship Committee’s online submission link.

Association on American Indian Affairs

Operating since 1922, the Association on American Indian Affairs offers one of the oldest known Native American scholarship programs in the country (awarded since 1947). It’s a merit-based scholarship awarded every year. For scholarship winners, the association also provides their annual membership that opens additional internships, fellowships, and learning opportunities.

Amount: Not specified

Deadline: Currently closed, re-opens for 2025

Requirements:

Be an enrolled member of one of the federally recognized or non-federally recognized Native Nations.
Be enrolled full-time.
Demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Application process: Students need to submit their applications online, along with all documents and personal essays showing their connection to their Native Tribes.

The Gates Scholarship

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a unique full-ride opportunity for minority students from low-income households. The scholarship amount covers the full cost of attendance, which is why it’s highly selective and competitive.

Amount: Full cost of attendance

Deadline: September 15

Requirements:

Be a high school senior.
Be from one of the eligible ethnicities (American Indian/Alaska Native, African-American, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American).
Be eligible for Pell.
Hold a US citizenship or permanent residence.
Demonstrate outstanding academic performance (GPA of at least 3.3).
Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited facility for a four-year degree program.

Application process: Students who meet the eligibility requirements need to create a profile on the Gates Scholarship site and submit their applications online, along with required documents and proof of tribal enrollment.

Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship

Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars is dedicated to preserving the records and historic sites associated with Native American ancestors. The organization also supports Native American youth to receive education with annual scholarships.

Amount: $2,500 and $5,000

Deadline: June 15

Requirements:

Be an enrolled member of one of the US Native Tribes.
Be enrolled in an accredited higher education facility or already attend one.
Demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Demonstrate a goal to work with a tribe or nation in the field of Education or Social Service.

Application process: Applicants need to submit their applications online with supporting documents before the annual deadline.

Cherokee Nation Foundation Scholarships

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to support and serve the members of the Cherokee Nation. One of the organization’s initiatives is to help young Cherokee members fund their education through multiple scholarship opportunities.

Amount: Varies

Deadline: January 31

Requirements: Vary

Application process: Students who are enrolled members of the Cherokee Nation can review a complete list of available scholarships on the foundation’s site to check eligibility. Then, applications are submitted online. One student can receive up to two Cherokee Nation Foundation scholarships per year.

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American Indian Services Scholarship

The American Indian Services is an organization with a mission to help Native Americans and honor their heritage. One of its initiatives is to support talented Native American students on their academic paths.

‍Amount: $2,000

‍Deadline: November 1

‍Requirements:

Be enrolled in one of the Native American tribes recognized federally.
Be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the US (both full-time and part-time).
Demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.25.
Have a completed FAFSA application.

Application process: After confirming eligibility, students must fill out their online applications and submit them before the set deadline. Winners are also required to submit a thank you letter after being awarded their scholarships.

Beta Gamma Foundation Scholarship

The Beta Gamma Foundation was founded by alums of Omega Psi Phi brothers from Cheyney University. The foundation was created to support students of color seeking to earn their undergraduate degrees.

‍Amount: Not specified

‍Deadline: Not specified

‍Requirements:

Be of a Native American, Afro-American, Asian, Latino, or another eligible ethnicity.
Be a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior in a high school.
Demonstrate a sufficient GPA.
Be enrolled in an accredited college or university.

Application process: Eligible students need to follow the link on the foundation’s site and complete a Google Forms application, providing their personal information, academic details, transcript, and essay.

Sallie Mae Scholarship

Sallie Mae is an organization created to help students of all backgrounds finance their studies through private student loans and savings accounts. Yet, every year, the company also awards several scholarships available to all students, including Native Americans.

‍Amount: $2,000

‍Deadline: December 31

‍Requirements:

Be a legal resident in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and any US Territory.
Be 17 or older.
Meet one of the found eligibility requirements – 1) be a student currently enrolled in a US college or university, 2) be a student currently in high school but already enrolled in a college or university, or 3)/4) be a parent of a student who is already in college or high school but enrolled in college.

Application process: To apply, students need to submit a brief form through the Sallie Mae website.

Alma Exley Scholarship

This scholarship program was envisioned and implemented in 1995 by Alma Exley, an educator and member of the Connecticut Department of Education. With her scholarship opportunities, Alma aimed to bring more people of color into the teaching profession by supporting them in their education.

‍Amount: $5,000

‍Deadline: October 31

‍Requirements:

Be an African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American, or a mixed-race individual.
Be in their junior or senior year in an MA degree program.
Be admitted into a teacher-preparation program in Connecticut.

Application process: Applications need to be submitted online through the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain website.

Brighthouse Scholar Connections Scholarship Program

Brighthouse Financial is one of the US’s largest annuities and life insurance providers. The company’s Scholar Connections program was designed to help students from underrepresented communities complete their education in partner institutions, including vocational schools, trade schools, colleges, and universities.

‍Amount: Up to $40,000 over 4 years

‍Deadline: November 1

‍Requirements:

Be a member of an ethnic or racial group historically underrepresented in colleges (has lower enrollment, retention, and degree completion rates).
Be a first-generation student in your family.
Be a graduate or attendant of a high school with a low graduation rate and a small number of graduates continuing college education.
Be enrolled in one of the educational institutions partnering with Scholar Connections.
Demonstrate financial need.

Application process: Students need to check the program’s eligibility requirements and submit an online application to participate.

NCAIED 40 Under 40 Awards

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) is a nonprofit organization that has been helping American Indian Tribes to excel in business and economic environments for over 50 years. To facilitate Tribes’ prosperity, the organization annually picks 40 emerging American Indians across the country with exceptional leadership skills and awards them with scholarships.

‍Amount: $3,000

‍Deadline: November 1

‍Requirements:

Be between 18 and 39 by January 1st of the year the scholarship is awarded.
Be a Native American citizen (including Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians).
Demonstrate strong leadership qualities, initiative, and contribution to your community and/or business.

Application process: This scholarship program is nomination-based, meaning that students need to be nominated for it by someone else or nominate themselves. To do this, you must complete an online nomination form that includes reference letters, a professional resume, an official Tribal enrollment document, and other required documents.

American Indian Nurse Scholarship Awards

The American Indian Medical Scholarship Award Program (AIMS) was designed by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) in 1928. Its core aim is to support Native American youth in acquiring degrees in nursing and pursuing careers in the healthcare field.

‍Amount: $1,500 per semester

‍Deadline: December 1

‍Requirements:

Be officially enrolled in a Native Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian tribe.
Demonstrate financial need.
Be a high school senior with plans to earn a degree in nursing or currently enrolled in a healthcare program.
Showcase a career focus on serving the healthcare needs of Native communities.

Application process: Eligible students must complete online applications, providing proof of their tribal affiliation, financial need, and academic performance. Additionally, all applicants must submit a career goals essay.

Wild Fish For All Scholarship

This scholarship program is offered by the Native Fish Society. Every year the society picks one Native student and provides them with a one-year scholarship to fund their tuition, fees, housing, and books in college.

‍Amount: $1,000

‍Deadline: November 15

‍Requirements:

Be enrolled in a secondary educational facility in northern California, Oregon, Washington, or Idaho.
Be a participant in a fisheries conservation program or demonstrable academic work in the fisheries science field.
Demonstrate a passion for reviving abundant wild fish.

Application process: To participate, students must submit a 500-word essay about the importance of native fish to you and your region. Additionally, students need to provide one letter of recommendation.

SmithGroup Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Scholarship Program

SmithGroup is a well-known international architectural, engineering, and planning firm. Since 2018, the company has been offering scholarships to support architecture, interior design, planning, landscape architecture, and engineering students from ethnic groups historically underrepresented in these fields.

‍Amount: $6,000

‍Deadline: December 1

‍Requirements:

Belong to one of the underrepresented groups, including Alaskan Native or American Indian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Black/African American, or Hispanic.
Be an undergraduate or graduate student specializing in architecture, interior design, planning, landscape architecture, or engineering.
Be legally authorized to work in the US.
Demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Application process: To apply, students need to go to the scholarship’s official web page and pick their academic field. Then, they need to complete the application and provide their essays, transcripts, and additional documents.

Minorities In Government Finance Scholarship

The Government Finance Officers Association launched its scholarship program back in 1993 to recognize and reward outstanding minority students. The program is aimed at students seeking to pursue careers in state and local government finance.

‍Amount: $10,000

‍Deadline: December 30

‍Requirements:

Be members of an underrepresented ethnic group.
Be a full-time or part-time graduate or upper-level undergraduate student specializing in administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, political science, economics, or business administration.

Application process: Applicants must complete and submit an online application form and their documents. Additionally, students are required to provide a letter of recommendation.

Scholarship for Diversity in Media

This scholarship is provided by Trib Total Media, a large media company that delivers news, information, and advertising. The program was designed to encourage cultural, ethnic, or racial diversity among students in Journalism, Communication, or English Writing fields.

‍Amount: $30,000

‍Deadline: January 7

‍Requirements:

Be a high school senior.
Plan to attend or be enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university in one of the media-related majors, such as Journalism, English Writing, or Communication.
Be a representative of a minority group, including Native American, Hispanic, Asian, and other eligible groups.
Reside permanently in Pittsburgh and nearby areas.
Demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.25.
Complete a summer internship(s) at Trib Total Media.

Application process: To apply, students must submit a letter of application. Additionally, students need to include their transcripts, letters of recommendation, and 3-5 work samples. Later, all participants have to undergo a personal interview and complete a writing, spelling, and general knowledge exam.Grants for Native American Students: Alternative Options to Fund Your StudiesJust like scholarships, grants awarded to students don’t need to be repaid, which makes them much better than loans. However, what differentiates grants from scholarships is that the latter are mostly merit-based, whereas grants are awarded based on a student’s financial need.If you are a Native American student seeking funding, grants are another option for you. Here’s a general overview of four grants that you can consider:

Bureau of Indian Education—This grant is offered to Native American students by the US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Education.
Federal Pell Grant—The Pell Grant is one of the programs inherent in the Federal Student Aid. It’s available to all students, including Native Americans.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant—This grant is also one of the Federal Student Aid programs offered by the US Department of Education.
Academic Competitiveness and National SMART Grants—This grant is provided by the US Department of Education.

All these grants are provided to students who demonstrate the most tangible financial need. The amount of help is determined individually based on every student’s situation. To learn whether you qualify for these opportunities, complete your FAFSA application first.

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Grants for Native American Students: Alternative Options to Fund Your Studies

Just like scholarships, grants awarded to students don’t need to be repaid, which makes them much better than loans. However, what differentiates grants from scholarships is that the latter are mostly merit-based, whereas grants are awarded based on a student’s financial need.

If you are a Native American student seeking funding, grants are another option for you. Here’s a general overview of four grants that you can consider:

Bureau of Indian Education—This grant is offered to Native American students by the US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Education.
Federal Pell Grant—The Pell Grant is one of the programs inherent in the Federal Student Aid. It’s available to all students, including Native Americans.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant—This grant is also one of the Federal Student Aid programs offered by the US Department of Education.
Academic Competitiveness and National SMART Grants—This grant is provided by the US Department of Education.

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