As a Tribal Native American student, finding ways to finance higher education can be challenging. The cost of tuition, books, and other expenses can quickly add up and leave students feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are several scholarships available to help Native American students finance their education.
Scholarships for Tribal Native American students are financial awards that are specifically designed to help students who are members of a federally recognized tribe pursue higher education. These scholarships may be offered by a variety of organizations, including
- Tribal Governments
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
In this article, we will explore the top 10 scholarships for Tribal Native American students.
Tribal Native American students refer to individuals who are members of a federally recognized tribe and are pursuing higher education. These students face unique challenges when it comes to financing their education due to factors such as
- Economic Disadvantage
- Lack of Access to Resources
- Cultural Barriers
One of the most significant challenges facing Tribal Native American students is the high cost of tuition and related expenses. Many Tribal Native American students come from low-income families and do not have the financial means to pay for higher education. Additionally, Tribal Native American students may face cultural barriers that make it difficult for them to succeed in a traditional academic setting.

Despite these challenges, Tribal Native American students have a strong desire to pursue higher education and make a positive impact on their communities. Many Tribal Native American students are interested in studying fields such as
- Education
- Healthcare
- Law
- Business
They always have the goal of giving back to their communities and making a difference in the lives of their fellow Native Americans. To support the educational goals of Tribal Native American students, several organizations and institutions offer scholarships and other forms of financial assistance.
These scholarships are designed to help offset the cost of tuition and related expenses and provide Tribal Native American students with the resources they need to succeed in their academic pursuits. In addition to financial assistance, Tribal Native American students may also benefit from cultural programs and support services that are tailored to their unique needs.
These programs may include
- Cultural Centers
- Language Classes
- Mentoring Programs
These programs help students connect with their heritage and build a sense of community on campus. With the help of scholarships and other forms of support, these students can overcome the financial and cultural barriers that stand in their way and achieve their academic goals.
Table of Contents
Top Scholarships for Tribal Native American Students
The purpose of scholarships for Tribal Native American students is to provide financial assistance to students who may not have the means to pay for higher education on their own. Many Tribal Native American students come from low-income families and may not have access to the same resources as other students.
American Indian College Fund Scholarships
The American Indian College Fund (AICF) is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and other support to Tribal Native American students. Founded in 1989, the AICF has awarded over $237 million in scholarships to more than 137,000 students. The AICF offers a variety of scholarships for Tribal Native American students, including undergraduate and graduate scholarships, as well as scholarships for vocational and technical programs.
Some of the scholarships available through the AICF include:
- Full Circle Scholarships: The Full Circle Scholarships provide funding for Tribal Native American students who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at any accredited institution. Scholarships are available for students pursuing degrees in any field of study.
- TCU Scholarships: The Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) Scholarships provide funding for Tribal Native American students who are enrolled in one of the 35 TCUs across the United States. The scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students and are intended to support students who are pursuing degrees in fields that are important to their tribal communities.
- Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarships: The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarships provide funding for Tribal Native American students who are the first in their families to attend college. Scholarships are available for undergraduate students who are pursuing degrees in any field of study.
- ExxonMobil Tribal Scholars Program: The ExxonMobil Tribal Scholars Program provides funding for Tribal Native American students who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
In addition to providing scholarships, the AICF also offers support services to Tribal Native American students, including mentorship programs, internships, and career counselling. These services are designed to help students succeed in their academic and professional pursuits and make a positive impact in their communities.
To apply for AICF scholarships, students must submit an application, which includes essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, as well as documentation of their tribal enrollment. The AICF also considers financial needs when awarding scholarships, and students must submit information about their financial situation as part of the application process.
Overall, the American Indian College Fund scholarships are an excellent opportunity for Tribal Native American students who are pursuing higher education. With their focus on supporting students in a variety of fields of study and providing additional support services, these scholarships can help students achieve their academic and career goals and make a positive impact in their communities.
Cobell Scholarship
The Cobell Scholarship is one of the top scholarships available for Tribal Native American students. This scholarship was established in 2010 as part of the Cobell Settlement, which was a lawsuit settlement between the U.S. government and Native American tribes related to the mismanagement of trust accounts for tribal lands.
The Cobell Scholarship provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe and who are pursuing a degree in any field of study. The scholarship is intended to help students overcome financial barriers and achieve their academic goals.
To be eligible for the Cobell Scholarship, students must have a
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 (undergraduate)
- Minimum GPA 3.0 (graduate)
- Students must be attending an accredited institution on a full-time basis
In addition to providing funding for tuition and related expenses, the scholarship also offers networking opportunities and support services such as mentorship and career counselling. One of the unique aspects of the Cobell Scholarship is that it also provides funding for vocational and technical training programs.
This is important because not all Tribal Native American students may want to pursue a traditional four-year degree, and vocational and technical programs can provide valuable skills and training for in-demand careers. The Cobell Scholarship is highly competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. To apply, students must submit an application, which includes essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, as well as documentation of their tribal enrollment.
Overall, the Cobell Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Tribal Native American students who are pursuing higher education. With its focus on supporting students in any field of study and providing funding for vocational and technical programs, this scholarship can help students achieve their academic and career goals and make a positive impact in their communities.
Udall Scholarship
The Udall Scholarship is another prestigious scholarship available for Tribal Native American students. The scholarship is named in honour of Morris K. Udall, a former U.S. Representative and champion of environmental and Native American issues. The Udall Scholarship provides funding for undergraduate students who are pursuing degrees in fields related to the environment or Native American policy.
The scholarship is intended to support Tribal Native American students who are committed to making a positive impact in these areas and who have demonstrated leadership and academic excellence.
To be eligible for the Udall Scholarship, students must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe or be able to demonstrate descent from a parent or grandparent who is enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. Students must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must be nominated by their college or university.
In addition to providing funding for tuition and related expenses, the Udall Scholarship also offers networking opportunities and support services, such as mentorship and career counselling. Recipients of the scholarship are also invited to participate in a four-day conference in Tucson, Arizona, where they can meet with other Udall Scholars, learn about environmental and Native American policy issues, and connect with leaders in these fields.
One of the unique aspects of the Udall Scholarship is that it also provides funding for Tribal Native American students pursuing careers in tribal public policy or Native American health care. These career paths are critical to improving the well-being of Native American communities, and the scholarship is intended to support students who are committed to making a positive impact in these areas.
The application process for the Udall Scholarship is highly competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. To apply, students must submit an application, which includes essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, as well as a statement of their career goals and involvement in environmental or Native American policy issues.
Overall, the Udall Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Tribal Native American students who are passionate about making a positive impact on environmental or Native American policy issues. With its focus on leadership and academic excellence, as well as its support for students pursuing careers in tribal public policy and Native American health care, this scholarship can help students achieve their academic and professional goals and make a positive impact in their communities.
Native American Agriculture Fund Scholarship
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Tribal Native American students who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture or related fields. The scholarship is part of the broader mission of the NAAF to support Native American farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers and promote sustainable agriculture in Native American communities.
The NAAF Scholarship provides funding for undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in fields related to agriculture, such as agribusiness, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, animal science, and food science. The scholarship is intended to support Tribal Native American students who are committed to promoting sustainable agriculture in Native American communities and who have demonstrated leadership and academic excellence.
To be eligible for the NAAF Scholarship, students must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe or be able to demonstrate descent from a parent or grandparent who is enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. Students must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students and must be enrolled in an accredited institution in the United States.
In addition to providing funding for tuition and related expenses, the NAAF Scholarship also offers networking opportunities and support services, such as mentorship and career counselling. Recipients of the scholarship are also invited to attend the annual Native Food Sovereignty Summit, where they can connect with other NAAF Scholars and leaders in the field of sustainable agriculture.
One of the unique aspects of the NAAF Scholarship is its focus on promoting sustainable agriculture in Native American communities. The scholarship is intended to support Tribal Native American students who are committed to improving the health and well-being of their communities through sustainable agriculture practices and who are interested in careers in tribal agriculture, food systems, or related fields.
The application process for the NAAF Scholarship is competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. To apply, students must submit an application, which includes essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, as well as a statement of their career goals and involvement in promoting sustainable agriculture in Native American communities.
Overall, the NAAF Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Tribal Native American students who are passionate about promoting sustainable agriculture and improving the health and well-being of their communities. With its focus on leadership and academic excellence, as well as its support for students interested in careers in tribal agriculture and food systems, this scholarship can help students achieve their academic and professional goals and make a positive impact in their communities.
AISES Scholarships
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) offers a variety of scholarships for Tribal Native American students who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. These scholarships are intended to support Native American students who are interested in STEM careers and who have demonstrated leadership and academic excellence.
AISES scholarships are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels and cover a variety of STEM disciplines, including biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics. The scholarships are open to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians who are pursuing degrees at accredited institutions in the United States.
In addition to providing funding for tuition and related expenses, AISES scholarships offer networking opportunities and support services, such as mentorship and career counselling. Recipients of the scholarships are also eligible to attend the annual AISES National Conference, where they can connect with other AISES Scholars, participate in professional development workshops, and meet with potential employers and graduate schools.
One of the unique aspects of the AISES scholarship program is its focus on community service and leadership development. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to their Native American communities and to use their STEM education to make a positive impact in these communities. Additionally, scholarship recipients are expected to maintain a high level of academic achievement and to participate in AISES activities, such as mentoring younger students and volunteering at AISES events.
The application process for AISES scholarships is competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. To apply, students must submit an application, which includes essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, as well as a statement of their career goals and involvement in STEM and Native American communities.
Overall, AISES scholarships are an excellent opportunity for Tribal Native American students who are interested in STEM careers and who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities. With its focus on leadership and community service, as well as its support for students pursuing degrees in STEM fields, this scholarship program can help Tribal Native American students achieve their academic and professional goals and make a positive impact in their communities.
Cherokee Nation Scholarships
The Cherokee Nation offers a range of scholarships for Tribal Native American students who are members of the Cherokee Nation and who are pursuing degrees at accredited institutions. These scholarships are intended to support students who are committed to advancing their education and achieving their academic and career goals.
One of the most well-known Cherokee Nation scholarships is the Cherokee Nation Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is available to enrolled members of the Cherokee Nation who are pursuing degrees at accredited institutions in the United States. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and fees and is renewable for up to four years.
In addition to providing financial support, the Cherokee Nation Foundation Scholarship offers leadership development and mentorship opportunities, as well as access to a network of Cherokee Nation scholars and professionals. The Cherokee Nation also offers the Sequoyah Graduate Scholarship, which provides funding for graduate-level education in fields such as law, business, and medicine.
This scholarship is available to enrolled members of the Cherokee Nation who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and are pursuing advanced degrees at accredited institutions in the United States. Other Cherokee Nation scholarships include the Cherokee Nation Scholars Program, which supports high school students who are pursuing college degrees, and the Cherokee Nation College Resources Program, which provides financial assistance to Cherokee Nation citizens who are already enrolled in college.
To be eligible for Cherokee Nation scholarships, students must be enrolled members of the Cherokee Nation and must meet certain academic and financial requirements. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so interested Tribal Native American students should visit the Cherokee Nation scholarship website for more information.
Overall, Cherokee Nation scholarships are an excellent opportunity for Tribal Native American students who are members of the Cherokee Nation and who are committed to advancing their education and achieving their academic and career goals. With their focus on leadership development, mentorship, and financial support, these scholarships can help students achieve their full potential and make a positive impact in their communities.
Catching the Dream Scholarship
The Catching the Dream Scholarship (CTD) is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for Tribal Native American students who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at accredited institutions in the United States. CTD scholarships are intended to support students who are committed to their education and to making a positive impact in their communities.
CTD scholarships cover a wide range of academic disciplines, including
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Law
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Science
In addition to providing financial support, CTD scholarships offer leadership development and mentoring opportunities, as well as access to a network of Native American scholars and professionals.
One of the unique aspects of the CTD scholarship program is its focus on personal responsibility and self-determination. CTD encourages applicants to take ownership of their education and to demonstrate a commitment to their communities. Applicants are also evaluated based on their academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement.
To be eligible for a CTD scholarship, applicants must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native group and must have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Applicants must also submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay outlining their academic and career goals, as well as their commitment to their Native American community.
CTD scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and only a limited number of scholarships are available each year. However, the scholarship is renewable for up to four years for undergraduate students and two years for graduate students provided that the recipient maintains a minimum GPA and meets other program requirements.
Overall, the Catching the Dream Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Tribal Native American students who are committed to their education and to making a positive impact in their communities. With its focus on personal responsibility, leadership development, and community involvement, the CTD scholarship program can help students achieve their academic and professional goals and become leaders in their communities.
Indian Health Service Scholarship
The Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship is a program that provides financial support for Tribal Native American students who are pursuing careers in health care. The scholarship is intended to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in Native American communities and to support the education of students who are committed to serving their communities.
The IHS Scholarship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses for students pursuing degrees in a wide range of healthcare disciplines, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, and public health. In addition to financial support, the scholarship provides a monthly stipend for living expenses, a book allowance, and payment for required fees and expenses such as travel to clinical rotations.
To be eligible for the IHS Scholarship, applicants must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native group and must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited health professions program in the United States. Applicants must also be committed to serving Native American communities and must agree to work for the Indian Health Service or a tribal health facility for a minimum of two years after completing their degree.
The application process for the IHS Scholarship is highly competitive, with a limited number of scholarships awarded each year. Applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay outlining their academic and career goals, as well as their commitment to serving Native American communities.
Overall, the Indian Health Service Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Tribal Native American students who are interested in pursuing careers in health care. With its focus on serving Native American communities and addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in these communities, the IHS Scholarship can help students achieve their academic and professional goals while making a positive impact in their communities.
Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarships
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for Tribal Native American students pursuing undergraduate degrees in a variety of academic disciplines. While the DAR scholarship program is not specifically targeted at Tribal Native American students, it does include scholarships that are open to all students, regardless of their ethnicity or background.
The DAR scholarship program includes several different scholarship opportunities, including the American Indian Scholarship, which is specifically intended for Native American students. This scholarship provides financial support for students pursuing degrees in any field at an accredited institution in the United States.
The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and financial need, with preference given to students who are members of a federally recognized tribe or who have demonstrated a commitment to Native American communities. In addition to the American Indian Scholarship, the DAR scholarship program includes several other scholarships that are open to all Tribal Native American students.
These scholarships cover a range of academic disciplines, including history, political science, education, and nursing. Some scholarships also have specific eligibility requirements, such as being a descendant of a Revolutionary War patriot or being a member of the Children of the American Revolution.
The application process for DAR scholarships typically requires students to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay outlining their academic and career goals, as well as their community involvement and extracurricular activities. Some scholarships also require additional materials, such as proof of lineage or financial need.
Overall, the Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship program provides an excellent opportunity for Tribal Native American students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in a variety of academic disciplines.
While not all scholarships are specifically targeted at Native American students, the American Indian Scholarship provides support for students who are members of a federally recognized tribe or who have a demonstrated commitment to Native American communities. With its focus on academic merit and financial need, the DAR scholarship program can help students achieve their academic and professional goals while also recognizing their contributions to their communities.
Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarship
The Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA) offers several scholarships for Native American students, including Tribal Native American students. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students and cover a range of majors, from STEM and business to social sciences and humanities. The scholarships vary in amount, with some offering full tuition coverage and others providing a smaller amount of financial assistance.
Scholarships for Tribal Native American students may cover a range of expenses, including tuition, books, and room and board. Some scholarships may also provide funding for internships, study abroad programs, and other educational opportunities.
In addition to financial assistance, scholarships for Tribal Native American students may also offer other forms of support, such as mentoring programs, cultural events, and networking opportunities. These programs help students connect with their heritage, build a sense of community, and develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic pursuits and future careers.
To be eligible for scholarships for Tribal Native American students, students must typically provide documentation of their tribal affiliation and meet other eligibility requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the organization offering the scholarship and the specific scholarship program.
Overall, scholarships for Tribal Native American students play an important role in supporting the educational goals of Tribal Native American students and helping them overcome financial and cultural barriers to higher education.
Conclusion
As a Tribal Native American student, pursuing higher education can be a challenge, but with the help of scholarships, it is possible. The top 10 scholarships listed in this article offer a range of financial assistance for Native American students pursuing degrees in various fields. When applying for scholarships, be sure to read the eligibility requirements carefully and provide all necessary documentation. With dedication and hard work, Native American students can achieve their academic goals and succeed in their chosen career paths.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about scholarships for Tribal Native American students:
Who is eligible for scholarships for Tribal Native American students?
To be eligible for scholarships for Tribal Native American students, individuals must be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe and be pursuing higher education at an accredited institution. Some scholarships may also have specific eligibility requirements, such as a minimum GPA or field of study.
How do I apply for scholarships for Tribal Native American students?
To apply for scholarships for Tribal Native American students, individuals must typically submit an application, which may include essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Some scholarships may also require documentation of tribal affiliation.
What types of expenses do scholarships for Tribal Native American students cover?
Scholarships for Tribal Native American students may cover a range of expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Some scholarships may also provide funding for internships, study abroad programs, and other educational opportunities.
How much funding do scholarships for Tribal Native American students provide?
The amount of funding provided by scholarships for Tribal Native American students varies depending on the scholarship program. Some scholarships may cover full tuition and related expenses, while others may provide a smaller amount of financial assistance.
How can scholarships for Tribal Native American students help me succeed in my academic pursuits?
Scholarships for Tribal Native American students can provide the financial assistance and support services that students need to succeed in their academic pursuits. In addition to covering expenses such as tuition and books, scholarships may also provide access to mentoring programs, cultural events, and networking opportunities.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship for Tribal Native American students?
Yes, individuals may apply for multiple scholarships for Tribal Native American students, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for each scholarship program.
What are some organizations that offer scholarships for Tribal Native American students?
There are many organizations that offer scholarships for Tribal Native American students, including tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. Some examples include the American Indian College Fund, the Indian Health Service Scholarship Program, and the Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarship.
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