Top Financial Aid Opportunities for Native American Students
Discover the best scholarships available for Native American students, including merit-based and need-based options. This guide highlights programs supporting higher education, nursing, and athletic pursuits, with details on eligibility and application requirements to help students achieve their academic goals.
Premier Scholarships for Native American Students
American Chemical Society Scholars Award ($5,000)
The American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program encourages talented Native American, African American, or Hispanic students. Applicants pursuing studies in chemical sciences or technology can qualify. To be eligible, students must attend a recognized U.S. university, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need.
Albuquerque Community Foundation’s Notah Begay III Scholarship ($2,000)
Created by professional golfer Notah Begay III, this scholarship supports Native American athletes nationwide. Applicants need a minimum GPA of 3.0, full-time university enrollment, active sports participation, and tribal enrollment or Indian blood certification.
Full-time students enrolled in accredited universities, with at least a 3.0 GPA and proof of tribal membership, may be eligible for the American Indian College Fund's Full Circle Scholarship. This need-based aid supports Native American and Alaskan Native students attending non-tribal institutions in the U.S.
Students of Native American descent aspiring to enter nursing or healthcare can apply for the American Indian Nurse Scholarship, which awards $1,000 per semester. Applicants must be at least one-quarter American Indian, high school graduates, and projected to complete their BSN within four years.
The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa offers scholarships up to $5,000 for enrolled members pursuing higher education in the U.S. Applicants must be citizens, with a GPA above 2.0, and demonstrate financial need.
The Bureau of Indian Education provides grants to eligible American Indian and Alaskan Native students seeking bachelor's degrees. Applicants must be recognized members of a federally acknowledged tribe.
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes offer annual Higher Education Grants. To qualify, students must be at least one-quarter Cheyenne or Arapaho, certified by the Concho Agency, and provide necessary documentation such as a degree plan and acceptance letter.
The Chickasaw Nation awards scholarships of $500 to outstanding students pursuing degrees at U.S. institutions. Applicants must be Chickasaw citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.9.
Members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma can apply for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $80,000 via the Scholarship Advisement Program, provided they are enrolled full-time and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
