You might be familiar with the most common distinction made between colleges and universities: some are public, others are private. But did you know that federally recognized Native American tribes have their own higher education institutions?
These tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) help Native Americans ensure their culture is passed on to new generations. They also provide valuable educational opportunities to disadvantaged communities, ultimately helping democratize access to education and employment and combating poverty.
A Brief History of TCUs
The 1960s were a remarkable decade, not just for the Civil Rights Movement but also for the Native American self-determination movement. The idea to create tribal colleges and universities came to be as part of the overall push for institution-building among Native American tribes.
TCUs were first defined in the Higher Education Act of 1965. The first tribal college, Navajo Community College (now known as Diné College), opened its doors in Arizona in 1968. (That said, it was fully accredited only in 1979). The bulk of now-open tribal colleges and universities were founded in the 1970s, including the Navajo Technical University and the Haskell Indian Junior College (now Haskell Indian Nations University).
Today’s Tribal Colleges and Universities
Spread mainly across the Southwest and the Midwest, the TCUs serve 30,000 students enrolled in full-time and part-time studies. Their programs span everything from apprenticeships and diplomas to certificates and associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
Thanks to TCUs, underserved communities can gain access to higher education, and Native American tribes can preserve and foster their culture, language, and traditions. According to the American Indian College Fund, for example, 86% of TCU students complete their studies. In contrast, less than 10% of Native American and Alaska Native students manage to obtain their credentials at mainstream colleges and universities.
Note: Don’t confuse tribal colleges and universities with Native American-serving nontribal institutions (NASNTIs). The latter are colleges and universities where over 50% of undergraduate students receive needs-based financial aid, and at least 10% of the student body come from Native American backgrounds. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a NASNTI, for example.
Helpful Resources for Studying at TCUs
We gathered some resources to help you learn more about financial aid programs, tribal college enrollment, and curricula and programs available:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This free online form is used to assess eligibility for needs-based federal financial aid and low-interest federal student loans.
- College Financing Plan: Formerly known as the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet, this standardized tool breaks down your tuition costs in an easy-to-grasp format.
- College Completion Tool Kit: This document is intended for policymakers and provides actionable strategies for promoting college completion.
- Enrollment in TCUs: This is the latest data available on enrollment numbers for tribally controlled colleges and universities from the Institute of Education Sciences.
- Supporting Native American Students Through Culturally Relevant Education: The article describes the results of a qualitative study on the academic support for Native American students.
- TCU Roster and Profiles: The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), which brings together accredited TCUs, has a directory of its member institutions and their contact details and history.
- TCU Degrees and Majors: The AIHEC also lists available degrees and majors offered by its member colleges and universities.
- American Indian Higher Education Consortium: You can check out the AIHEC website to explore the TCU locations, the consortium’s initiatives and sponsored programs, and policy and advocacy efforts.
- Tribal College: Also known as the Journal of American Indian Higher Education, this news outlet is your one-stop shop for all updates on the state of Native American education.
- American Indian College Fund: Founded in 1989, the American Indian College Fund is the largest charity that provides scholarships to Native American and Alaska Native students.
Your Complete List of Tribal Colleges and Universities
The United States is currently home to 35 tribal colleges and universities, most of which are located in the Southwest and the Midwest. Here’s our list of TCUs by state, complete with their contact information and websites.
* = Accreditation granted by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
** = Accreditation granted by the Northwest Accreditation Commission
Final Thoughts
If you come from a disadvantaged background or want to immerse yourself in your tribe’s culture, give enrollment in a TCU a thought. And while you’re at it, remember that you can offset the tuition costs with a dedicated grant or scholarship from the American Indian College Fund if you’re Native American or Alaska Native.
