Do Native Americans Get Money for College? Debunking Common Myths

There is a persistent misconception that Native Americans exclusively receive money for college, specifically through scholarships, tuition waivers, or preferential admissions practices. This article aims to clarify these perceptions and provide a comprehensive overview of the supports available to Native American students.

Government Support: Indian Higher Education Grant

The Indian Higher Education Grant is a federal program that provides financial assistance for Native American students pursuing higher education. Similar to the Pell Grant, it comes with specific eligibility criteria. While not unique to Native Americans, it highlights the broader financial aid landscape available to students in the United States.

Michigan Tuition Waiver

Mentioned as a unique opportunity in Michigan, the Michigan Tuition Waiver is attributed to an interesting historical and collaborative arrangement. When the college was founded, tribes generously donated land. In return, tribal leaders requested that their children would receive an education at the institution. The state enacted this tuition waiver program in the 1970s, specifically for tribes that were part of the land grant treaty. However, it is crucial to note that not all tribes in the state qualify, and this program is not the norm across the United States.

Scholarships: A Focus on Native American Students

Many institutions, including Dartmouth, have implemented scholarship programs to support Native American students. Initially founded with the mission to educate Indigenous students, Dartmouth has seen mixed results, having graduated only 19 Native students over 200 years. In more recent years, the school has recommitted to its original mission, albeit with limited tuition waivers. Recruitment efforts and personal financial aid (including student loans) play a significant role in increasing Native American student enrollment.

Tribal-Specific Financial Aid and the American Indian College Fund

While scholarships are available, they often come in varying amounts. For instance, some tribes provide large scholarships, while others offer smaller amounts, sometimes just a few thousand dollars per year or semester. This financial support does not typically cover all college expenses. The American Indian College Fund, a private organization, plays a crucial role in helping Native students. However, the resources available through this fund are limited, and the scholarship amounts are not large enough to meet the full financial needs of Native students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are unique opportunities and support systems designed to assist Native American students with their college education, the notion that "Natives get money for college" is a stereotype. Indigenous students like their non-Native peers compete for scholarships, tuition waivers, and other forms of financial support. Understanding these challenges and the background of these support systems helps dispel common misconceptions and fosters greater inclusivity and equity in higher education.