For most programs that offer Native American students a tuition-free program or full scholarships, the students must prove eligibility. The main eligibility requirement in most situations is at least one-fourth Native American blood and membership into one of the federally recognized tribes. The Certificate of Indian Blood card or document is usually considered proof. Alaskan Eskimos are also eligible and qualify for the same educational opportunities.
Native American students are sometimes eligible for fee waivers. The fee waivers vary depending on the school, but usually cover a minimum of the cost of tuition. For example, any university in the Montana University System will offer fee waivers to students who are at least one-fourth Native American blood with proof via tribe membership or a Certificate of Indian Blood card, are Montana residents and who show a need via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application. Fort Lewis College in Colorado also offers a Native American tuition fee waiver, though the school makes it clear that only the cost of tuition is covered and books and living arrangements are not included. The requirements are similar, but it does not make a note that students must show financial need.
One way for Native American students to attend college tuition free is via the scholarships available to the students. Any school that does not have a fee waiver will often accept or have scholarships available. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, or BIA, is one of the available grant options and requires students to demonstrate eligibility and financial need. Tribal scholarships also are available to students who are part of a specific tribe. For students interested in the health field, the Indian Health Services, or IHS, offers a full scholarship that includes the cost of tuition, books, fees, room and board and even a stipend and loan repayment.
Receiving the financial aid available to students varies depending on the requirements for the grant, scholarship or fee waivers. In general, students should read the deadlines, eligibility requirements and any added details before applying for the program. The only way to receive the educational opportunities is by applying and ensuring the application is turned in on time.