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COLLEGE GUIDE FOR INDIGENOUS AND NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS

Check out our college guide for Indigenous and Native American students. Learn
about resources and organizations that support these learners.
by
Doug Wintemute
Doug Wintemute
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Writer

Doug Wintemute is a writer who focuses on higher learning and entertainment.
Since 2014, he has contributed to content and editorial work for award-winning
publications. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University,
graduating summa cum l...
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Check Reviewed by
Erica Moore, Ph.D.
Erica Moore, Ph.D.
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Reviewer

Erica Moore, Ph.D., is Boriken Taíno of iukaieke Guainia and a member of the
United Confederation of Taino People. She currently serves as the executive
director of Native Student Success at American Indian Higher Education
Consortium (AIHEC)....
X
Updated March 31, 2022
Learn more about our editorial process

9 min read


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The rigor of the college experience can be challenging for anyone. And many
Native American students face additional inequities and obstacles that can make
the pursuit of higher education even more difficult.



This guide highlights some of the challenges and circumstances that work against
Indigenous students as they pursue postsecondary education. Read on to learn
about the resources and organizations working to reverse these trends and help
Native American college students meet their educational goals and thrive.




KEY TRENDS FOR INDIGENOUS AND NATIVE COLLEGE STUDENTS


LOW ENROLLMENT

Despite growing enrollment numbers, only 19% of young Native American adults
enrolled in a postsecondary institution in 2016, according to the National
Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This is the lowest rate among all
racial/ethnic groups, and it remained unchanged between 2000 and 2016.




MOST POPULAR FIELDS

According to NCES, the most popular majors for Native American students were
business, social sciences and history, and education in 2006. Less than 1% of
Native Americans held a bachelor's degree in a STEM field as of 2013, according
to Sandia National Laboratories.




LOW GRADUATION RATES

According to NCES, only 39% of Native American college students in the 2011
class graduated within six years — the lowest rate among all racial/ethnic
groups.




INCREASED FUNDING

Native American students have access to an increasing number of specialized
scholarships, thanks in part to organizations like the American Indian Graduate
Center and The American Indian College Fund. The U.S. Department of Education
(ED) has also funded a project to train more Native American educators.




CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO SUCCESS


REPRESENTATION

Campus representation can lead to greater availability of specialized services
and peer support groups. As the most underrepresented student population, Native
Americans may feel isolated, unwelcome, and unsupported. A 2018 study in MRS
Bulletin found that Native American teachers are also the most underrepresented
group in 15 STEM disciplines at the top 50 schools, with five disciplines not
employing any Native Americans at all.




FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

Indigenous students are more likely to face financial challenges than other
racial/ethnic groups. According to NCES, Native Americans have the highest
unemployment rate among racial/ethnic groups at 11%. Thirty-four percent of
Native American children under the age of 18 live in poverty — again the highest
rate. During the 2015-2016 academic year, 87% of Native American students
received grants to fund full-time undergraduate study.




STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

As one of the smallest racial/ethnic groups, Native Americans often miss out on
specialized student services, such as mentorship programs. These programs
provide positive results for participants, but they may be difficult to find.
Advisors and support staff may need additional training to better understand the
realities faced by these historically excluded students in order to support
them.




CAMPUS CLIMATE

Underrepresentation and racism on campus can lead to negative experiences for
Native American college students. A 2015 survey in the Journal of American
Indian Education found that these students may have their work questioned by
peers and encounter racist behavior while attending majority-white institutions.




UNDERFUNDED SCHOOLS

While most Indigenous students attend traditional schools, Tribal Colleges and
Universities (TCUs) provide inclusive environments for many learners.
Unfortunately, these schools often receive inadequate funding, including very
little from state and local sources. These schools also provide education
services to non-natives, but do not receive non-beneficiary funding. Though the
federal government provides TCUs with some funding, it has not kept up with
enrollment increases over the years.




IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PREPARING FOR COLLEGE


CHOOSING A COLLEGE

When picking a college, Indigenous students should consider several factors. In
addition to looking at cost, location, and program curricula, prospective
learners should assess the availability of Native American support services,
funding, and representation on campus. They may also want to consider one of the
32 accredited TCUs.




APPLYING TO COLLEGE

The college planning process for Native American students includes gathering all
the necessary materials for the undergraduate application, such as transcripts,
recommendation letters, and personal statements. Prospective students might also
want to speak with college advisors to learn more about specialized
opportunities and services for Indigenous students.




PAYING FOR COLLEGE

Native American students should explore all options available to them when
paying for college. They should look for financial aid for students of color,
including specific scholarships for Native American students. Prospective
learners might also look at TCUs, which may offer tuition waivers and discounts
for tribal members.




COLLEGE RESOURCES FOR INDIGENOUS AND NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS


NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Indigenous students, particularly those who have lived primarily on
reservations, may find it challenging to adjust to campus life. A 2020 study in
Tribal College found that learners with access to student groups and
organizations that celebrate Indigenous culture achieved higher levels of
success and community.




MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS

Mentorship programs for Native American students can provide crucial support.
Many first-generation learners do not have access to informed guidance,
particularly when pursuing a graduate degree or a science discipline. Mentorship
programs can help Indigenous students prepare for their future and access the
right pathways




MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Due in large part to exclusionary policies, Native American communities in the
U.S. have a history of being under-resourced and underserved when it comes to
accessing many important social services. Relatedly, Mental Health America
reports that Indigenous people experience serious psychological issues at 2.5
times the national average. To try and help address these problems, some schools
and organizations have introduced specialized support programs for Indigenous
learners looking for assistance. For example, the StrongHearts Native Helpline,
One Sky Center, and We R Native provide mental health support and resources.




SAFE SPACES

Culturally safe spaces give Native American college students places to connect
to their land, people, history, and traditions. Campus cultural centers provide
room for learners to congregate, relax, research, and speak about issues
impacting Indigenous students with other Indigenous people.




CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Campuses that take the time and effort to host relevant cultural activities — in
a thoughtful and respectful manner — can vastly improve how welcome and
supported Native American college students feel at school. This can also help
educate non-Indigenous students on the country's colonial and racist histories
and bring visibility to Native American culture and issues.




NATIONAL ADVOCACY GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT INDIGENOUS AND NATIVE
STUDENTS

The BIE provides educational services and support to educators and schools for
Native American students. The organization runs various initiatives to improve
the state of education and meet the needs of students and teachers. NIEA
promotes culture-based learning for Indigenous students, aiming to integrate
these practices into more schools and improve education for learners. Native
American college students can access culture-based educational activities and
helpful resources for prospective college students. The largest Native American
charity in the country, the College Fund provides students with access to
scholarships, support resources, educational pathway assistance, and careers
services. A support network for TCUs, AIHEC strives to build connections between
schools and communities, create new educational programs, and influence policy.
Through AIHEC, Indigenous students can access counseling services, academic
support, and community service programming. This organization supports Native
American students by providing them with academic support services,
scholarships, and other types of funding. Learners can access various
publications and student resources as well.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR INDIGENOUS AND NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS

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ARE THERE ANY UNIVERSITIES FOR INDIGENOUS AND NATIVE COLLEGE STUDENTS?

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Yes. In addition to the many public and private schools that Native American
students can access, there are 32 accredited TCUs. According to the ED, these
schools run 358 total programs and enrolled approximately 30,000 students in
2010.

Most TCUs are located in the Midwest and Southwest regions of the country. Some
examples of these schools include Northwest Indian College, Sitting Bull
College, Haskell Indian Nations University, and Din� College.


WHAT IS A TRIBAL COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY?

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Similar to the role of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for
Black students, TCUs focus primarily on enrolling and supporting Native American
college students. According to the ED, 78% of TCU student bodies are Native
American and 86% of enrollees complete their program — a much higher rate than
students at non-TCU schools.

These schools provide specialized support services and tuition discounts and
waivers. They also oversee cultural activities and programs to enhance the sense
of belonging and community students have on campus. TCUs also support their
local communities and reservations.


ARE THERE ANY FINANCIAL AID OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIGENOUS AND NATIVE COLLEGE
STUDENTS?

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Yes. There are numerous financial aid opportunities for Indigenous and Native
American college students. In addition to many general scholarships, Indigenous
students can apply for Native American scholarships and financial aid for
students of color. Scholarships that target Indigenous students often require
applicants to demonstrate their tribal status as part of their application.

Native American students can also access funding opportunities through their
local communities. Many governments, schools, and organizations offer funding
for these underrepresented populations, as well. Learners should speak with
their financial services department for more information.


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATIVE AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES?

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The difference between Native American and Indigenous is a matter of terminology
and personal preference. According to UCLA's department of Equity, Diversity,
and Inclusion, both of these terms identify the people who lived on this land
before European colonizers arrived. However, many Indigenous people prefer to be
referred to by their specific community or nation.

Featured Image: Laurence Butet-Roch / Moment / Getty Images




EXPLORE MORE COLLEGE RESOURCES

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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER STUDENTS

by Kathrine Yets
February 22, 2023


COLLEGE GUIDE FOR DACA AND UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

by Kasia Kovacs
December 9, 2022


FINANCIAL AID OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR

by Doug Wintemute
December 20, 2022


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