20 Super Scholarships for Native American Descendants

  • Last Updated

Overcoming obstacles to higher education is easier with financial support from scholarships for Native American descendants.

Many organizations have created scholarships to help tribal members end prejudice and exclusion from the collegiate classroom. It’s essential because over 33 percent of Native Americans live on reservations in poverty. The White House’s 2014 Native Youth Report found that only two-thirds of Native Americans graduate high school. Of those graduates, about 5 percent proceed to four-year colleges. In comparison to other minorities, Native Americans are at the greatest risk for under-performance and dropping out.

But that doesn’t mean your future is set in stone. Whether you belong to Cherokee, Pueblo, Apache, Iroquois, Pawnee, or another tribe, professional advancement can be within reach. The following are 20 Native American scholarships available to help you beat the odds in college.

Reviewing the Top Scholarships for Native American Descendants

1. AISES A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 2nd

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) awards the A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship. It’s $1,000 to undergraduates and $2,000 to graduate students. They must be majoring in:

  • science
  • technology
  • engineering
  • math
  • medical disciplines

Eligible Native Americans must:

  • attend an accredited four-year college full-time
  • have a cumulative GPA above 3.0
  • belong to a federally recognized tribe
  • have at least 25 percent Native blood
  • apply for AISES membership.
Contact

AISES A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
2305 Renard Place Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 765-1052
ecraig@aises.org
Scholarship Link

2. Allogan Slagle Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

The Allogan Slagle Memorial Scholarship is named for a staff attorney who passed  at 50 from a heart attack. It’s administered by the Association on American Indian Affairs for $1,500. Qualified applicants must:

  • be tribal citizens of Native American or Alaskan Native heritage
  • be enrolling full-time in higher education
  • seek at least an associate degree
  • maintain a cumulative GPA over 2.5
  • reside in the continental U.S. or Alaska.
Contact

Allogan Slagle Memorial Scholarship
966 Hungerford Drive Suite 12-B
Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 314-7155
general.aaia@indian-affairs.org
Scholarship Link

3. American Indian Services Scholarships

Deadline: February, May, August, and November 15th

Every quarter, the American Indian Services Scholarships are granted for $1,000 to $3,000. They’re for Native American students who are enrolling full-time or part-time in degree-granting collegiate or technical programs. Eligible undergraduates must:

  • have at least one-quarter Native blood
  • be enrolled members of federally recognized tribes
  • hold no more than 150 semester credits
  • carry a minimum GPA of 2.25
  • write a one-page, double-spaced autobiography.
Contact

American Indian Services Scholarships
1902 North Canyon Road
Provo, UT 84604
(801) 375-1777
scholarship@americanindianservices.org
Scholarship Link

4. BIE Higher Education Scholarship Grant

Deadline: June 30th

Annually, the Bureau of Indian Education sponsors the Higher Education Scholarship Grant. It provides need-based financial assistance to Native American and Alaska Native scholars who are pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree. To qualify, tribal members must:

  • attend an accredited U.S. institution
  • have at least one-quarter Indian blood
  • demonstrate significant unmet need
  • maintain full-time enrollment
  • submit a FAFSA form.
Contact

BIE Higher Education Scholarship Grant
215 Dean A. McGee Suite 610
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 605-6001
wendy.greyeyes@bie.edu
Scholarship Link

5. Catching the Dream Scholarships

Deadline: March 15th or September 15th

The Catching the Dream Scholarships for Native Americans range from $500 to $5,000 each. They provide financial support to attend an accredited U.S. college or university full-time for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral study. Eligible candidates must:

  • be 1/4 or higher degree Native American
  • be enrolled in federally or state recognized tribes
  • display excellent academic achievement
  • apply for at least 10 funding sources
  • clearly communicate career goals
  • attach three recommendations.
Contact

Catching the Dream Scholarships
8200 Mountain Road NE Suite 203
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 262-2351
NScholarsh@aol.com
Scholarship Link

6. Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship

Deadline: June 15th

The Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship is presented yearly. It’s for $5,000 to enrolled Native American tribal members. They must be attending accredited U.S. undergraduate colleges with majors in education or social services. For consideration, applicants must:

  • maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • carry at least eight credits per semester
  • have career goals serving Native American tribes
  • submit a statement of financial need

Preference is given to rising juniors.

Contact

Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship
224 SW Landmark Circle
Geronimo, OK 73543
(580) 353-2888
nptquinn@aol.com
Scholarship Link

7. Frances Crawford Marvin Scholarship

Deadline: February 15th

Offering up to $4,000, the Frances Crawford Marvin Scholarship is a one-time award. It’s awarded by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to Native American students. They must be enrolling full-time at accredited two- or four-year colleges. Accepted applicants must:

  • have financial need
  • a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
  • have at least one-fourth Indian blood

Other Native American scholarships include the Anne Trevarthen Memorial Scholarship and DAR American Indian Scholarship.

Contact

Frances Crawford Marvin Scholarship
1776 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 628-1776
development@DAR.org
Scholarship Link

8. Full Circle Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 31st

The Full Circle Scholarship Program is sponsored by the American Indian College Fund. It awards $1,000 for multiple Native American or Alaska Native students. They must be pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at tribal or non-tribal, non-profit colleges. Eligibility criteria mandate:

  • holding U.S. citizenship
  • maintaining full-time enrollment
  • being registered in federal or state recognized tribes
  • achieving a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • submitting a financial needs analysis form.
Contact

Full Circle Scholarship Program
8333 Greenwood Blvd.
Denver, CO 80221
(303) 426-8900
scholarships@collegefund.org
Scholarship Link

9. Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st or July 1st

Enrolled members of the Hopi tribe could receive up to $5,000 by applying for the Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarship. Twice annually, the selection committee chooses recipients who:

  • hold a high school diploma or GED
  • are admitted at regionally accredited U.S. colleges
  • demonstrate financial need
  • maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • take at least 12 credits per semester

Applications must include:

  • an official transcript
  • letter of admission
  • Certification of Indian Blood.
Contact

Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarship
P.O. Box 123
Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039
(800) 762-9630
kuqualla@hopi.nsn.us
Scholarship Link

10. Indian Health Service Pre-Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: March 28th

The Indian Health Service Pre-Graduate Scholarship is offered to Native American and Alaska Native students. They must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree with tracks in:

  • pre-medicine
  • pre-dentistry
  • pre-pharmacy
  • similar professional tracks

Eligible students must:

  • be members or descendants of federally recognized tribes
  • be U.S. citizens
  • have a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • intend to serve tribal Indians as healthcare professionals

Recipients are required to sign a two-year service commitment.

Contact

Indian Health Service Pre-Graduate Scholarship
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 443-6197
robert.pittman@ihs.gov
Scholarship Link

11. Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships

Deadline: March 2nd

The Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships are for $7,000 each. They’re distributed to 60 Native Americans and Alaska Natives who are earning a bachelor’s degree for careers in :

  • healthcare
  • conservation
  • environmental science
  • public policy

Qualified applicants must:

  • attend accredited U.S. colleges
  • showcase academic merit
  • have leadership potential
  • exhibit commitment to resolving issues impacting Indian country

Students should contact their school’s Udall faculty representative to learn more.

Contact

Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships
130 South Scott Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 901-8564
kbaker@udall.gov
Scholarship Link

12. NativeVision Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 5th

The NativeVision Scholarship Program provides two annual awards for $5,000 each. They go to outstanding incoming freshmen of Native American descent who are admitted at accredited two-year and four-year colleges. To qualify, students must:

  • be enrolled members of federally recognized tribes
  • complete a high school diploma or GED
  • be actively involved in extra-curricular or athletic activities
  • have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • demonstrate applied initiative for addressing Native American tribal issues.
Contact

NativeVision Scholarship Program
415 North Washington Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 955-6931
mhammen@jhu.edu
Scholarship Link

13. Navajo Nation Graduate Fellowship

Deadline: June 25th and November 25th

Overcoming obstacles to higher education is easier with financial support from scholarships for Native American descendants.

Many organizations have created scholarships to help tribal members end prejudice and exclusion from the collegiate classroom. It’s essential because over 33 percent of Native Americans live on reservations in poverty. The White House’s 2014 Native Youth Report found that only two-thirds of Native Americans graduate high school. Of those graduates, about 5 percent proceed to four-year colleges. In comparison to other minorities, Native Americans are at the greatest risk for under-performance and dropping out.

But that doesn’t mean your future is set in stone. Whether you belong to Cherokee, Pueblo, Apache, Iroquois, Pawnee, or another tribe, professional advancement can be within reach. The following are 20 Native American scholarships available to help you beat the odds in college.

Reviewing the Top Scholarships for Native American Descendants

1. AISES A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 2nd

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) awards the A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship. It’s $1,000 to undergraduates and $2,000 to graduate students. They must be majoring in:

  • science
  • technology
  • engineering
  • math
  • medical disciplines

Eligible Native Americans must:

  • attend an accredited four-year college full-time
  • have a cumulative GPA above 3.0
  • belong to a federally recognized tribe
  • have at least 25 percent Native blood
  • apply for AISES membership.
Contact

AISES A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
2305 Renard Place Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 765-1052
ecraig@aises.org
Scholarship Link

2. Allogan Slagle Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

The Allogan Slagle Memorial Scholarship is named for a staff attorney who passed  at 50 from a heart attack. It’s administered by the Association on American Indian Affairs for $1,500. Qualified applicants must:

  • be tribal citizens of Native American or Alaskan Native heritage
  • be enrolling full-time in higher education
  • seek at least an associate degree
  • maintain a cumulative GPA over 2.5
  • reside in the continental U.S. or Alaska.
Contact

Allogan Slagle Memorial Scholarship
966 Hungerford Drive Suite 12-B
Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 314-7155
general.aaia@indian-affairs.org
Scholarship Link

3. American Indian Services Scholarships

Deadline: February, May, August, and November 15th

Every quarter, the American Indian Services Scholarships are granted for $1,000 to $3,000. They’re for Native American students who are enrolling full-time or part-time in degree-granting collegiate or technical programs. Eligible undergraduates must:

  • have at least one-quarter Native blood
  • be enrolled members of federally recognized tribes
  • hold no more than 150 semester credits
  • carry a minimum GPA of 2.25
  • write a one-page, double-spaced autobiography.
Contact

American Indian Services Scholarships
1902 North Canyon Road
Provo, UT 84604
(801) 375-1777
scholarship@americanindianservices.org
Scholarship Link

4. BIE Higher Education Scholarship Grant

Deadline: June 30th

Annually, the Bureau of Indian Education sponsors the Higher Education Scholarship Grant. It provides need-based financial assistance to Native American and Alaska Native scholars who are pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree. To qualify, tribal members must:

  • attend an accredited U.S. institution
  • have at least one-quarter Indian blood
  • demonstrate significant unmet need
  • maintain full-time enrollment
  • submit a FAFSA form.
Contact

BIE Higher Education Scholarship Grant
215 Dean A. McGee Suite 610
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 605-6001
wendy.greyeyes@bie.edu
Scholarship Link

5. Catching the Dream Scholarships

Deadline: March 15th or September 15th

The Catching the Dream Scholarships for Native Americans range from $500 to $5,000 each. They provide financial support to attend an accredited U.S. college or university full-time for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral study. Eligible candidates must:

  • be 1/4 or higher degree Native American
  • be enrolled in federally or state recognized tribes
  • display excellent academic achievement
  • apply for at least 10 funding sources
  • clearly communicate career goals
  • attach three recommendations.
Contact

Catching the Dream Scholarships
8200 Mountain Road NE Suite 203
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 262-2351
NScholarsh@aol.com
Scholarship Link

6. Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship

Deadline: June 15th

The Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship is presented yearly. It’s for $5,000 to enrolled Native American tribal members. They must be attending accredited U.S. undergraduate colleges with majors in education or social services. For consideration, applicants must:

  • maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • carry at least eight credits per semester
  • have career goals serving Native American tribes
  • submit a statement of financial need

Preference is given to rising juniors.

Contact

Daughters of Indian Wars Scholarship
224 SW Landmark Circle
Geronimo, OK 73543
(580) 353-2888
nptquinn@aol.com
Scholarship Link

7. Frances Crawford Marvin Scholarship

Deadline: February 15th

Offering up to $4,000, the Frances Crawford Marvin Scholarship is a one-time award. It’s awarded by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to Native American students. They must be enrolling full-time at accredited two- or four-year colleges. Accepted applicants must:

  • have financial need
  • a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
  • have at least one-fourth Indian blood

Other Native American scholarships include the Anne Trevarthen Memorial Scholarship and DAR American Indian Scholarship.

Contact

Frances Crawford Marvin Scholarship
1776 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 628-1776
development@DAR.org
Scholarship Link

8. Full Circle Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 31st

The Full Circle Scholarship Program is sponsored by the American Indian College Fund. It awards $1,000 for multiple Native American or Alaska Native students. They must be pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at tribal or non-tribal, non-profit colleges. Eligibility criteria mandate:

  • holding U.S. citizenship
  • maintaining full-time enrollment
  • being registered in federal or state recognized tribes
  • achieving a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • submitting a financial needs analysis form.
Contact

Full Circle Scholarship Program
8333 Greenwood Blvd.
Denver, CO 80221
(303) 426-8900
scholarships@collegefund.org
Scholarship Link

9. Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarship

Deadline: December 1st or July 1st

Enrolled members of the Hopi tribe could receive up to $5,000 by applying for the Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarship. Twice annually, the selection committee chooses recipients who:

  • hold a high school diploma or GED
  • are admitted at regionally accredited U.S. colleges
  • demonstrate financial need
  • maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • take at least 12 credits per semester

Applications must include:

  • an official transcript
  • letter of admission
  • Certification of Indian Blood.
Contact

Hopi Tribe Grants and Scholarship
P.O. Box 123
Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039
(800) 762-9630
kuqualla@hopi.nsn.us
Scholarship Link

10. Indian Health Service Pre-Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: March 28th

The Indian Health Service Pre-Graduate Scholarship is offered to Native American and Alaska Native students. They must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree with tracks in:

  • pre-medicine
  • pre-dentistry
  • pre-pharmacy
  • similar professional tracks

Eligible students must:

  • be members or descendants of federally recognized tribes
  • be U.S. citizens
  • have a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • intend to serve tribal Indians as healthcare professionals

Recipients are required to sign a two-year service commitment.

Contact

Indian Health Service Pre-Graduate Scholarship
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 443-6197
robert.pittman@ihs.gov
Scholarship Link

11. Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships

Deadline: March 2nd

The Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships are for $7,000 each. They’re distributed to 60 Native Americans and Alaska Natives who are earning a bachelor’s degree for careers in :

  • healthcare
  • conservation
  • environmental science
  • public policy

Qualified applicants must:

  • attend accredited U.S. colleges
  • showcase academic merit
  • have leadership potential
  • exhibit commitment to resolving issues impacting Indian country

Students should contact their school’s Udall faculty representative to learn more.

Contact

Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarships
130 South Scott Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 901-8564
kbaker@udall.gov
Scholarship Link

12. NativeVision Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 5th

The NativeVision Scholarship Program provides two annual awards for $5,000 each. They go to outstanding incoming freshmen of Native American descent who are admitted at accredited two-year and four-year colleges. To qualify, students must:

  • be enrolled members of federally recognized tribes
  • complete a high school diploma or GED
  • be actively involved in extra-curricular or athletic activities
  • have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • demonstrate applied initiative for addressing Native American tribal issues.
Contact

NativeVision Scholarship Program
415 North Washington Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
(410) 955-6931
mhammen@jhu.edu
Scholarship Link

13. Navajo Nation Graduate Fellowship

Deadline: June 25th and November 25th

The Navajo Nation Graduate Fellowship is valued at $5,000 to $10,000 per year. It’s among the largest Native American scholarships granted to Navajo tribal members.  They must be earning a master’s, education specialist, or doctoral degree at least half-time. Qualified recipients must:

  • attend accredited U.S. graduate schools
  • earn no less than 3.0 GPA
  • demonstrate unmet financial need

There’s also the $7,000 Chief Manuelito Scholarship for full-time undergraduate students.

Contact

Navajo Nation Graduate Fellowship
P.O. Box 2358
Chinle, AZ 86503
(800) 919-9269
onnsfachinle@navajo-nsn.gov
Scholarship Link

14. Notah Begay III Scholarship

Deadline: March 16th

The Notah Begay III Scholarship is named for PGA’s only full-blood Native American golfer. It’s awarded through the Albuquerque Community Foundation. It gifts $1,400 to one or two scholar-athletes planning to enroll full-time at an accredited non-profit U.S. college. Eligible New Mexico high school seniors must:

  • have participated in varsity athletics
  • be at least 25 percent Native American blood
  • maintain a cumulative GPA over 3.0
  • submit a coach recommendation.
Contact

Notah Begay III Scholarship
624 Tijeras Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87125
(505) 883-6240
denise@albuquerquefoundation.org
Scholarship Link

15. Owanah Anderson Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

The Owanah Anderson Scholarship is offered by the Association on American Indian Affairs. The award is  $1,500 for two years. Eligible Native Americans must:

  • be female
  • have junior standing
  • be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in any major
  • attend an accredited U.S. institution full-time
  • exhibit academic merit

Applicants must write a maximum three-page essay outlining their tribal leadership goals or dedication to respecting Indigenous ancestors.

Contact

Owanah Anderson Scholarship
966 Hungerford Drive Suite 12-B
Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 314-7155
general.aaia@indian-affairs.org
Scholarship Link

16. Paul Francis Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 4th

The American Indian Education Foundationoffers the Paul Francis Memorial Scholarship for $2,500 annually. It’s for  Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian students who are accepted into an accredited U.S. graduate school. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • be pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree
  • have earned a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • take at least six credits per semester
  • be members of federally recognized tribes.
Contact

Paul Francis Memorial Scholarship
2401 Eglin Street
Rapid City, SD 57703
(800) 881-8694
info@aiefprograms.org
Scholarship Link

17. Pawnee Nation Higher Education Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st or November 1st

Biannually, the Pawnee Nation Higher Education Scholarship awards at least $1,000. It’s for Native American students who have unmet financial need to attend an accredited U.S. higher learning institution full-time or part-time. Interested applicants must:

  • belong to the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
  • have at least one-fourth Indian blood
  • satisfy all Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs requirements
  • be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree
  • submit a letter of intent.
Contact

Pawnee Nation Higher Education Scholarship
657 Harrison Street
Pawnee, OK 74058
(918) 762-3227
scholarship@pawneenation.org
Scholarship Link

18. SAA Scholarships for Native Americans

Deadline: December 15th

The Society for American Archaeology Scholarships for Native Americans are distributed for $5,000 to $10,000 to all Indigenous peoples. This  includes Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.They must be pursuing an archaeology major at any accredited institution worldwide. Eligible undergraduate or graduate scholars must have unmet financial need to achieve their training goals for the preservation of Native American artifacts. Funding can cover:

  • tuition
  • housing
  • books
  • research.
Contact

SAA Scholarships for Native Americans
1111 14th Street NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 789-8200
headquarters@saa.org
Scholarship Link

19. Truman D. Picard Scholarship Fund

Deadline: January 11th

The Truman D. Picard Scholarship Fund is sponsored by the Intertribal Timber Council. It awards $2,000 to $2,500 yearly to graduating high school seniors or college students. They must be of Native American or Alaska Native descent. They must be pursuing higher education in natural resources. Acceptable majors include:

  • forestry
  • environmental science
  • conservation
  • biology
  • agriculture

Entrants must submit:

  • a resume
  • three signed references
  • proof of enrollment
  • official transcripts
  • financial need analysis.
Contact

Truman D. Picard Scholarship Fund
1112 NE 21st Avenue Suite 4
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 282-4296
itc1@teleport.com
Scholarship Link

20. Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

The American Indian Graduate Center gifts the Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship for $2,500. It’s for two rising undergraduates of Native American heritage. They must be majoring in business-related disciplines for careers in:

  • banking
  • gaming operations
  • resort management
  • accounting
  • technology

Qualified juniors and seniors must:

  • attend accredited U.S. institutions
  • have a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • exhibit financial need
  • submit a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.
Contact

Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship
3701 San Mateo NE Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 881-4584
web@aigcs.org
Scholarship Link

Gaining enough funding to afford college tuition is a pressing problem for many students, especially those from Native American tribes. Scholarships are a superior alternative to loans. They’re free and don’t come with strict repayment requirements. Financial aid options targeting students with Native American ancestry are growing, so see if you qualify. Having at least one-fourth Native blood is generally what it takes to qualify. Request a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to better understand your heritage. Then, start applying for these 20 great scholarships for Native Americans.

GCD Staff

Related:

20 Best Deals on Colleges for Native American Studies

This concludes our coverage of the best scholarships for Native American descendants.

Valued at $5,000 to $10,000 per year, the Navajo Nation Graduate Fellowship is among the largest Native American scholarships granted to Navajo tribal members who are earning a master’s, education specialist, or doctoral degree at least half-time. Qualified recipients must attend accredited U.S. graduate schools, earn no less than 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate unmet financial need. There’s also the $7,000 Chief Manuelito Scholarship for full-time undergraduate students.

Contact

Navajo Nation Graduate Fellowship
P.O. Box 2358
Chinle, AZ 86503
(800) 919-9269
onnsfachinle@navajo-nsn.gov
Scholarship Link

14. Notah Begay III Scholarship

Deadline: March 16th

Named for PGA’s only full-blood Native American golfer, the Notah Begay III Scholarship is awarded through the Albuquerque Community Foundation to gift $1,400 to one or two scholar-athletes planning to enroll full-time at an accredited non-profit U.S. college. Eligible New Mexico high school seniors must have participated in varsity athletics, be at least 25 percent Native American blood, maintain a cumulative GPA over 3.0, and submit a coach recommendation.

Contact

Notah Begay III Scholarship
624 Tijeras Avenue NW
Albuquerque, NM 87125
(505) 883-6240
denise@albuquerquefoundation.org
Scholarship Link

15. Owanah Anderson Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

Another funding option from the Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA) is the Owanah Anderson Scholarship, which pays out $1,500 for two years. Eligible Native Americans must be female, have junior standing, be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in any major, attend an accredited U.S. institution full-time, and exhibit academic merit. Applicants won’t be considered without writing a maximum three-page essay outlining their tribal leadership goals or dedication to respecting Indigenous ancestors.

Contact

Owanah Anderson Scholarship
966 Hungerford Drive Suite 12-B
Rockville, MD 20850
(240) 314-7155
general.aaia@indian-affairs.org
Scholarship Link

16. Paul Francis Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 4th

The American Indian Education Foundation (AIEF) bestows the Paul Francis Memorial Scholarship for $2,500 annually to Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian students who are accepted into an accredited U.S. graduate school. To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, have earned a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher, take at least six credits per semester, and be members of federally recognized tribes.

Contact

Paul Francis Memorial Scholarship
2401 Eglin Street
Rapid City, SD 57703
(800) 881-8694
info@aiefprograms.org
Scholarship Link

17. Pawnee Nation Higher Education Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st or November 1st

Biannually, the Pawnee Nation Higher Education Scholarship awards at least $1,000 to Native American students who have unmet financial need to attend an accredited U.S. higher learning institution full-time or part-time. Interested applicants must belong to the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, have at least one-fourth Indian blood, satisfy all Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs requirements, be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, and submit a letter of intent.

Contact

Pawnee Nation Higher Education Scholarship
657 Harrison Street
Pawnee, OK 74058
(918) 762-3227
scholarship@pawneenation.org
Scholarship Link

18. SAA Scholarships for Native Americans

Deadline: December 15th

Established in 1998, the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) Scholarships for Native Americans are distributed for $5,000 to $10,000 to all Indigenous peoples, including Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians, who are pursuing an archaeology major at any accredited institution worldwide. Eligible undergraduate or graduate scholars must have unmet financial need to achieve their training goals for the preservation of Native American artifacts. Funding can cover tuition, housing, books, or research.

Contact

SAA Scholarships for Native Americans
1111 14th Street NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 789-8200
headquarters@saa.org
Scholarship Link

19. Truman D. Picard Scholarship Fund

Deadline: January 11th

Sponsored by the Intertribal Timber Council (ITC), the Truman D. Picard Scholarship Fund bestows $2,000 to $2,500 yearly to graduating high school seniors or college students of Native American or Alaska Native descent who are pursuing higher education in natural resources. Acceptable majors include forestry, environmental science, conservation, biology, and agriculture. Entrants must submit a resume, three signed references, proof of enrollment, official transcripts, and financial need analysis.

Contact

Truman D. Picard Scholarship Fund
1112 NE 21st Avenue Suite 4
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 282-4296
itc1@teleport.com
Scholarship Link

20. Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Located in Albuquerque, the American Indian Graduate Center gifts the Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship for $2,500 to two rising undergraduates of Native American heritage who are majoring in business-related disciplines for banking, gaming operations, resort management, accounting, or technology careers. Qualified juniors and seniors must attend accredited U.S. institutions, possess a minimum GPA of 3.0, exhibit financial need, and submit a Tribal Eligibility Certificate (TEC).

Contact

Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship
3701 San Mateo NE Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 881-4584
web@aigcs.org
Scholarship Link

Gaining enough funding to afford college tuition is a pressing problem for many students, especially those from Native American tribes. Scholarships are a superior alternative to loans because they’re free and don’t come with strict repayment requirements. Financial aid options targeting students with Native American ancestry are growing, so see if you qualify. Having at least one-fourth Native blood is generally what it takes to win. Request a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to better understand your heritage. Then, start applying for these 20 great scholarships for Native Americans.

GCD Staff

Related:

20 Best Deals on Colleges for Native American Studies

This concludes our coverage of the best scholarships for Native American descendants.

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