Most universities and scholarship and grant programs require applicants to be at least one-fourth Native American and a registered member of a legally recognized tribe. A Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) card or document is the standard proof of membership in a federally recognized tribe. Other forms of proof include a notarized document from a tribal official or someone who knows about the applicant's or recipient's family history.
Different states have different policies on the documents they require, so it's important to check with each individual financial aid office. Some schools, like Fort Lewis College, offer a Native American Tuition Waiver, providing free tuition while still requiring the student to pay for books and room and board. A few schools pay for full tuition, books and room and board, especially for full-blood Native Americans. However, the majority of Native Americans who attend school for free do so through the many scholarships and grants that are available exclusively to eligible Native American applicants.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) provides qualifying students with grants, scholarships and other resources. Grants are also available for books and room and board. For a BIA education grant, Native American students must apply through their tribe, home agency or area Office of Indian Education. Interested students should verify applications, eligibility and deadlines with a local BIA office, as they vary by college and state.
The student's tribe is another essential financial source. Many tribes offer scholarships and grants to their members, even if they do not qualify for a BIA grant. Interested students should contact their tribe directly, as scholarship award amounts and deadlines vary.