Top Funding Opportunities for Native American Students
Discover top scholarships and funding options tailored for Native American students. From academic aid to sports scholarships, this guide highlights various opportunities to support higher education pursuits. Eligibility criteria typically include tribal membership, GPA requirements, full-time enrollment, and financial need. These programs aim to empower Native American youth to achieve their academic and career goals through financial assistance, fostering community growth and individual success.
Top Funding Opportunities for Native American Students
Leading Scholarships for Native American Students
American Chemical Society Scholars Program ($5,000)
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program supports talented students who are African American, Hispanic, or Native American. Applicants pursuing studies in chemical sciences or technology must be enrolled at a U.S. recognized university, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need.
Albuquerque Community Foundation (ACF) Notah Begay III Scholarship ($2,000)
Created by professional golfer Notah Begay III, the Albuquerque Community Foundation offers two scholarships to Native American student-athletes nationwide. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be enrolled full-time in university, actively participate in sports, and provide tribal enrollment proof or Certificate of Indian Blood.
American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship
The Full Circle Scholarship by the American Indian College Fund is designed for Native American and Alaskan Native students attending accredited colleges or universities outside tribal institutions in the U.S. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, tribal members or descendants, with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Native American Nursing Scholarship
Offered by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, this scholarship supports Native American students pursuing nursing or related healthcare degrees. Recipients receive $1,000 per semester, provided they maintain good academic standing. Candidates should be at least one-quarter Native American, high school graduates, aiming for a four-year BSN degree, and endorsed by school officials.
Bois Forte Chippewa Band Scholarship
Specifically for members of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians, this scholarship provides up to $5,000. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, high school graduates, accepted into an accredited university, and demonstrate financial need with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Higher Education Grant
This grant offers additional funding for eligible American Indian and Alaskan Native students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Applicants need to be members of federally recognized tribes.
Cheyenne and Arapaho Higher Education Grants
Provided annually by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, these grants are for enrolled tribal members who are at least one-quarter Cheyenne or Arapaho. Applicants must submit a degree plan, Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, acceptance letter from a U.S. university, and transcripts.
Chickasaw Nation Governor’s Scholarship ($500)
This scholarship is for outstanding students enrolled at U.S. universities, with no geographic restrictions, and holding Chickasaw citizenship. Applicants need a minimum GPA of 3.9.
Choctaw Nation Scholarship Program ($1,000–$80,000)
Exclusively for members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, this merit-based scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 and full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. university. Contributions come from private sponsors and organizations.
