Special Scholarships for College Students in USA for Indigenous Native Students
Are you a college student of USA and looking for the scholarships? Then in this article I will be sharing with you the complete information regarding the scholarships for the USA indigenous college students 2025-26. Scholarships are a vital part of higher education for indigenous college students in the United States.
Understanding "Native Student" for Scholarships
Most of these scholarships are for students who are registered members of a recognized Native tribe or village in the United States, or who can prove that they are related to the direct family (descendants) of such a member. Some scholarships may also include Native Hawaiians or other Native Americans. You will almost always need to provide proof of tribal membership (such as a tribal ID card) or family ties.
Also Check: Fully Funded Scholarships for USA and UK 2025-2026
Special Institutions and Their Popular Scholarships for Native Students
Most major scholarships for USA Native students come from institutions that specifically support their education.
1. American Indian College Fund (AICF)
What is it? This is one of the largest and most well-known
organizations that support Native American education. It awards thousands of
scholarships each year.
Most popular scholarship: Full Circle Scholarship.
Description: This is their most important scholarship program. It offers
a variety of amounts of aid. It is often based on need, but it can also be a
good option if you are a strong student.
Who can apply? Typically, you must be a U.S. citizen, attending a good
college or university, be a member of a recognized tribe or their family, and
have a good GPA (usually 2.0 or higher).
How to apply? Applications are usually submitted online on their
website.
2. Cobell Scholarship
What is it? This is a very large and important scholarship. It is for
students who are very good at their studies, work for their community, and also
need financial assistance.
Description: It gives money every year, it is for undergraduate
(bachelor's), graduate (masters), and technical studies. They also have
scholarships for summer research (Summer Research) and vocational learning
(Vocational).
Who can apply? Must be a registered member of a federally recognized
tribe in the United States. Good academic performance (score requirements vary
for each program) and community service are required.
How to apply? Applications are made through their online system (OASIS).
They accept applications several times a year.
3. Native Forward Scholars Fund (formerly American Indian Graduate Center - AIGC)
What is it? This is a nationwide organization that offers a variety of
scholarship programs for bachelors, masters, and professional degrees. They
support students from over 500 tribes.
Description: They administer a variety of scholarships, some of which
are for specific fields of study (such as law, health, STEM - science,
technology, engineering, and math) or specific tribal ties.
Who can apply? This varies greatly by scholarship, but tribal membership
or family ties are usually required. Score requirements and financial need are
also considered.
How to apply? Students create their profile and apply for specific
scholarships through their online system.
4. American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
What is it? AISES specifically supports Native students in STEM
(science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.
Description: It offers several scholarships (such as the AISES Intel
Scholarship) to help students gain skills and education.
Who can apply? Must be a current AISES member (membership is free for
students), be enrolled full-time in a STEM degree program at an accredited
college/university, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Must have tribal
affiliation (member of a federally or state-recognized tribe or family member,
or Alaska Native/Hawaii).
How to apply? Through their online system (OASIS).
5. Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship Program
What is it? This is a grant from the U.S. government to help Native
American and Alaska Native communities develop good health professionals.
Description: This award provides full tuition and fees, books, uniforms,
supplies, travel, insurance, exam fees, and a monthly stipend to health-related
students.
Who can apply? Native American or Alaska Native students who are
pursuing careers in a variety of health-related fields (such as doctors,
nurses, dentists). Recipients of this scholarship must work in a tribal
community where doctors are needed for at least two years after graduation.
How to apply? Specific application deadlines and full requirements are
available on the IHS website.
6. Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA)
What is it? Operating since 1922, it is one of the oldest Native
American scholarship organizations.
Description: Offers a variety of scholarships for full-time students.
Who can apply? Typically requires tribal enrollment, a minimum 2.5 GPA,
and full-time study.
How to apply? Details are on their website. The application often
includes an essay(s) about your tribal heritage.
7. Catching the Dream (CTD)
What is it? This is a non-profit organization that specializes in
Native American scholarships, helping students pursue higher education.
Description: Offers three types of scholarships: tribal college, general
college, and fellowship. Amounts can range from $500 to $5,000. It is often
awarded based on academic achievement.
Who can apply? You must be one-quarter (1/4) or more Native American and
be a registered member of a federally or state-recognized tribe. Be a full-time
student.
How to apply? Application details are on their website.
Also Check: Universities in US Without SAT/ACT Requirements
8. Tribal Scholarships
Many individual Native American tribes offer scholarships only to their registered members. These scholarships can be of significant value and vary greatly by tribe in terms of amount, terms, and application procedures.
Examples:
- Cherokee Nation Higher Education Scholarships: For registered citizens of the Cherokee Nation.
- Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarships Program: For registered members of the Hopi Tribe.
- Chata Foundation (Choctaw Nation): Scholarships for members of the Choctaw Nation.
How to Find Tribal Scholarships
- Contact your specific tribal education office directly.
- Visit your tribe’s official website.
Other Important Scholarship Types and Helpful Resources
1. University-Specific Scholarships
Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for Native American students, either to increase diversity on their campuses or to help students from specific regional tribes. Check the financial aid or admissions pages of your chosen universities.
2. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Higher Education Grants
This is a government program that provides money to students who are pursuing higher education and are registered members of federally recognized tribes. Students often apply through their tribe or local BIA office.
3. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) American Indian Scholarship
This awards scholarships to Native American students of any age, tribe, and major. Proof of Native American status and financial need are required.
4. The Gates Scholarship
Although not exclusively for Native students, this is a “full tuition waiver” scholarship for high-achieving, low-income minority high school seniors, and Native American students are also eligible.
5. Specialty Scholarships
Some organizations offer scholarships to Native students majoring in specialty fields (such as nursing, journalism, accounting, and specific STEM fields).
Also Check: How to Prepare for SAT and ACT Exams to Get More Scores
General Tips for Applying for Scholarships
· Start Early
Scholarship deadlines vary. Start your search and application process well in advance.
· Be Sure to Fill Out the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential. Many scholarships, especially for indigenous students, also look at your financial need.
· Read the Requirements Carefully
Read all the requirements carefully. Pay special attention to tribal affiliation requirements, GPA, field of study, enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and financial need.
· Proof of Tribal Connection
Have your tribal enrollment papers ready and up-to-date. If you need to prove family ties, submit birth certificates and other necessary documents.
· Essays and Personal Statements
Many scholarships require essays. Consider this an opportunity to share your story, your connection to your tribal heritage, your educational goals, and what you hope to do for your community.
· Letters of Recommendation
Ask teachers, counselors, or community leaders who know you well and can write good letters about your strengths and hard work.
· Keep Good Grades
While some scholarships are based on financial need, many have a grade point average (GPA) requirement.
· Don’t Just Look at the Big Organizations
Don’t forget to contact the financial aid offices of your particular tribe, local community organizations, and your preferred universities.
· Apply to As Many Places as Possible
The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances of receiving financial aid.