13 Native American Scholarships for College (2026 - 2027)

Scholarships and Grants for Native American Students

Native American scholarships and grants provide vital educational funding for students who are members or descendants of federally recognized tribes. These awards are offered through tribal organizations, private foundations, universities, and government programs to help Native students pursue higher education while preserving and honoring their cultural heritage.

Many of these programs go beyond simple tuition support. They may include mentoring, academic advising, leadership development, and opportunities to engage in research or community-based projects on tribal lands. Some awards are designed to support students attending Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), while others help Native students thrive at mainstream public or private institutions.

Whether you are planning to attend a community college, four-year university, graduate program, or vocational school, Native American scholarships and grants can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs and help you complete your education with less debt.

Are There Scholarships for Native American Students?

Yes, numerous scholarships and grants are available for Native American and Alaska Native students at every stage of their academic journey. These awards can support:

• Undergraduate degrees at two- or four-year colleges and universities.
• Graduate and professional programs in fields like law, medicine, education, and public policy.
• Vocational and technical training in skilled trades, healthcare, information technology, and more.

Some scholarships are national in scope and open to any eligible Native student, while others are reserved for members of specific tribes, regions, or fields of study. In addition, many tribal education departments and local Native organizations administer their own funding programs, making it important to check both national and tribe-specific resources.

Need-Based vs Merit-Based Native American Scholarships

Native American scholarships and grants generally fall into two main categories: need-based and merit-based. Understanding the difference can help you target the awards that best match your situation.

• Need-based scholarships and grants: These awards are based primarily on financial need. They typically require completion of the FAFSA and sometimes additional income documentation. Many tribal and federal programs fall into this category, aiming to reduce economic barriers to higher education.
• Merit-based scholarships: These awards consider factors such as GPA, test scores, leadership experience, community service, or accomplishments in areas like language preservation, environmental work, or STEM. Academic excellence and involvement in Native communities often strengthen your application.

Some programs blend both approaches, requiring a minimum GPA while also considering financial need. Applying to a mix of need-based and merit-based awards can maximize your total funding.

What Is the Cobell Scholarship?

The Cobell Scholarship, administered by Indigenous Education, Inc., provides need-based and merit-based awards for Native American and Alaska Native students. This scholarship honors the legacy of Elouise Cobell and the landmark Cobell v. Salazar settlement, which focused on Native land and trust issues.

Eligibility includes:

• Enrollment as a member of a federally recognized tribe.
• Full-time enrollment in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or vocational program.
• Demonstrated academic achievement and financial need.

Awards vary based on academic level and financial need, with separate funding opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and vocational students. The program may also offer summer funding for students taking additional coursework or participating in special academic programs between regular terms.

Competitive applicants typically present a strong academic record, meaningful involvement in Native communities, and clear educational and career goals tied to giving back to their tribe or Indigenous communities more broadly.

What Is the American Indian College Fund?

The American Indian College Fund supports Native American students attending Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) as well as other accredited institutions. It is one of the largest and most well-known sources of scholarship support for Native students in the United States.

Key details include:

• Offering both merit-based and need-based scholarships.
• Open to undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled tribal members or descendants.
• Scholarship amounts typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year.

In addition to scholarship funding, the College Fund provides mentorship, academic support, and career development services to help Native students persist to graduation. Many awards are tailored to specific majors (such as STEM, business, education, or health) or to students attending particular TCUs.

Tribal College and University (TCU) Scholarships

Tribal Colleges and Universities offer culturally grounded higher education programs that integrate Indigenous knowledge, language, and traditions. Many TCUs provide institutional scholarships specifically for Native students, often in partnership with tribal governments and national organizations.

TCU scholarships may:

• Cover partial or full tuition and fees.
• Support students studying Native language revitalization, tribal governance, or community development.
• Offer additional funding for students who commit to working in their tribal community after graduation.

Students who choose to attend a TCU should contact the school’s financial aid or Native student services office to learn about campus-based scholarships, emergency grants, and work-study opportunities.

What Is the Tribal Higher Education Grant?

The Tribal Higher Education Grant (THEG) is a federal program that helps Native students afford college by providing funding administered through tribal education departments. This program is especially important for students who plan to study in-state at public institutions or attend local community colleges and universities.

Eligibility includes:

• Enrollment in a federally recognized tribe.
• Demonstrated financial need based on FAFSA results.
• Enrollment in an accredited institution.

Grant amounts vary and are distributed through tribal education offices, so students should contact their tribe’s higher education department for application details, deadlines, and any additional forms required by the tribe. Some tribes also require students to maintain a certain GPA or submit progress reports each term to keep receiving funding.

State and Tribal Government Scholarships for Native Students

In addition to national programs, many state governments and tribal councils operate their own scholarship and grant programs for Native American students. These awards may be tied to specific states where tribes are located or to students who plan to return and work in their home communities.

Common features of state and tribal government scholarships include:

• Preference for students pursuing high-need fields such as education, nursing, social work, or environmental science.
• Requirements to maintain satisfactory academic progress and renew applications annually.
• Optional service commitments, such as working for a tribal government or local agency after graduation.

Students should check with their tribal office, state higher education agency, or Native student services office at their college to identify these opportunities.

Scholarships for Native American Women

Several scholarships specifically support Native American women pursuing college degrees. These awards recognize the leadership roles Native women play in their families, communities, and tribal nations, and encourage them to pursue higher education in any field they choose.

• American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) Scholarships: Offers merit- and need-based funding for Native women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees, especially in fields tied to leadership, education, law, health, and STEM.
• Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation Scholarship: Provides support to low-income women of color, including Native American women, who are pursuing higher education while balancing family or work responsibilities.

These scholarships promote educational access and leadership opportunities for Native women in diverse fields, from healthcare and environmental policy to business and the arts.

What Is the Native Vision Scholarship?

The Native Vision Scholarship is awarded to Native American high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, community service, and leadership potential, often with a focus on health, wellness, or athletics.

Eligibility includes:

• Membership in a federally recognized tribe.
• Participation in extracurricular or community activities, such as sports, cultural programs, or youth leadership groups.
• Submission of an essay and letters of recommendation.

Recipients typically receive $1,000 to $5,000 annually to support college tuition and related expenses. Strong candidates often demonstrate a commitment to giving back through mentoring younger students, promoting wellness in their communities, or serving as positive role models.

What Is the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship?

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship supports Native American students pursuing careers in tribal public policy, Native healthcare, or environmental conservation. It is one of the most prestigious national awards available to Indigenous undergraduates.

Requirements include:

• Membership in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native village.
• Commitment to Native community service or leadership, particularly in public policy, healthcare, or environmental work.
• Strong academic standing and faculty nomination from the student’s college or university.

Recipients receive up to $7,000 along with professional development and networking opportunities through the Udall Foundation. Scholars attend a special orientation and leadership conference, where they connect with other Native students and professionals who share similar goals and interests.

Corporate Scholarships for Native American Students

Many corporations and nonprofit organizations sponsor scholarships for Native American students, especially in fields where Native professionals are underrepresented. These programs often combine financial assistance with career preparation.

• Intel Native American Scholarship: Supports students pursuing STEM degrees and leadership in technology fields, sometimes paired with internship opportunities.
• Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship: Provides funding for Native students who are the first in their family to attend college, often emphasizing leadership and community engagement.
• American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Scholarships: Awards scholarships for Native students studying science, technology, engineering, and math, with additional opportunities for conferences and professional networking.

Corporate scholarships can be especially valuable for students interested in gaining industry experience through summer internships, mentorship programs, and early-career employment pipelines.

University-Specific Scholarships for Native American Students

Many colleges and universities offer institutional scholarships for Native students, either directly through their financial aid offices or through Native student support centers. These scholarships may be funded by university endowments, alumni donors, or partnerships with tribal nations.

• Arizona State University Native American Scholars Program: Provides scholarships, mentorship, and cultural support for enrolled Native students across multiple campuses and degree programs.
• University of Minnesota Morris American Indian Tuition Waiver: Offers free tuition for Native students with verified tribal enrollment or ancestry, significantly reducing the cost of earning a degree.
• University of New Mexico Native American Programs: Provides academic support, scholarships, and community engagement initiatives for Native students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Because eligibility requirements vary, students should reach out to their university’s Native American programs office, multicultural center, or financial aid office to learn about campus-specific opportunities and deadlines.

Native American Scholarships for Graduate & Professional Students

Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing graduate or professional degrees can access specialized funding designed to build Indigenous leadership in fields like law, medicine, education, public health, business, and environmental policy.

• American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC) Graduate Scholarships: Supports master’s, doctoral, and professional students in a wide range of disciplines, often including support for research, conferences, and licensure preparation.
• Law and Policy Scholarships: Some programs focus on Native students studying federal Indian law, tribal governance, or public policy, encouraging careers that directly benefit tribal nations.
• Health Professions Scholarships: Graduate-level awards for Native students in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and behavioral health help address healthcare shortages in tribal communities.

These scholarships are especially valuable for students whose advanced education will position them to serve as advocates, policymakers, clinicians, or educators within Native communities.

Common Eligibility Requirements and Documentation

Most Native American scholarships and grants require specific documentation to verify eligibility. Being prepared with these materials can help you complete applications more efficiently.

• Proof of Tribal Enrollment or Descent: This may include a tribal enrollment card, Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), or a letter from a tribal office verifying your membership or ancestry.
• Academic Records: Official or unofficial transcripts, standardized test scores (when required), and proof of enrollment or acceptance at an accredited institution.
• Financial Documentation: FAFSA results, financial aid award letters, or income information for need-based awards.
• Personal Statements and Essays: Responses describing your heritage, community involvement, educational goals, and plans to give back.
• Letters of Recommendation: Endorsements from teachers, counselors, tribal leaders, employers, or mentors.

Having these documents ready before scholarship deadlines can make the process smoother and less stressful.

How to Apply for Native American Scholarships

To successfully apply for Native American scholarships and grants, students should follow a clear, organized approach and apply to as many relevant opportunities as possible.

• Verify Tribal Enrollment: Most scholarships require proof of tribal membership or Native ancestry. Contact your tribal office early if you need documentation.
• Complete the FAFSA: Financial need documentation is often required for need-based awards and can also help you qualify for federal and state grants.
• Create a Scholarship Calendar: Track opening dates, deadlines, and required materials for national, tribal, state, and university-based programs.
• Submit Strong Essays: Highlight your heritage, community involvement, leadership experience, and long-term goals. Explain how your education will benefit your tribe or Native community.
• Request Recommendations Early: Obtain letters from educators, tribal leaders, or mentors who can speak to your academic strengths, character, and commitment.
• Apply to Multiple Programs: Combining several smaller awards with larger scholarships can significantly reduce your total cost of attendance.

By planning ahead, staying organized, and sharing your authentic story, you can greatly increase your chances of receiving financial assistance for your education and building a future that honors both your personal goals and your Native heritage.