50 College Scholarships for Native American and Alaska Native Students

ACS Scholars Program

• Amount: $1,000-$5,000
• Details: The ACS Scholars Program awards funding to minority undergraduates studying chemical sciences. This scholarship is a helpful option for those majoring or pursuing a degree in a chemistry-related field.
• Deadline: March 1, 2024

Actuarial Scholarship for Minority Students

• Amount: $5,000
• Details: Minority students who are working towards their degrees and future careers in actuarial science are eligible for this scholarship.
• Deadline: October 20, 2023

AIANTA Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship

• Amount: $2,000
• Details: This annual scholarship benefits Native American and Alaskan Native students who are earning their degrees in hospitality, tourism, recreation, culinary arts, or a similar field. Funds may be used for tuition and/or textbooks.
• Deadline: April 26, 2024

AIEF Vocational Scholarship

• Amount: $500
• Details: This scholarship is for Native American and Alaskan Natives who are attending an accredited university or pursuing a specific trade at a technical/vocational school. Students may be enrolled on a part-time or full-time basis.
• Deadline: Ongoing

American Indian Services Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Details: Undergraduate Native American students can apply for the AIS scholarship to help cover up to half the cost of their college tuition. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited institution and current members of a Federally Recognized Tribe.
• Deadline: November 1, 2023

American Indian Medical Scholarship

• Amount: $1,500
• Details: Native American and Alaskan Native students enrolled in a health professions program may apply for this scholarship to cover the cost of tuition as well as education materials and fees associated with their programs. Winners are expected to pursue a career in healthcare on a reservation or hospital with a majority Native American population.
• Deadline: December 1, 2023

Bismarck State College Native American Scholarship 

• Amount: $2,000
• Details: North Dakota residents who are members of a federally recognized tribe may apply for this annual scholarship to cover their tuition costs. Winners must attend Bismarck State College on a full-time basis.
• Deadline: July 15, 2024

Caddo Nation

• Amount: Varies
• Details: This scholarship is awarded to Caddo Nation members pursuing their associate or first bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. institution. Winners may automatically renew their funding for up to 10 terms providing they maintain their course load and academic standing.
• Deadline: November 15, 2023

Caleb Scholars Program

• Amount: $2,000 per semester
• Details: This annual scholarship is awarded to students who are currently enrolled at a college or university. Preferred applicants are those with an Alaskan Inuit heritage from the CSP service area including the tribe from the Norton Sound Region, Northwest Arctic region, or Arctic Slope region.
• Deadline: July 15, 2024

Calista Education and Culture Scholarship

• Amount: $375-$1,500
• Details: This scholarship is awarded to Alaska Natives enrolled at an accredited university or vocational school on either a part-time or full-time basis. Applicants must be Calista Corporation Voting Shareholders or a direct descendent of one.
• Deadline: December 1, 2023

Carol Jorgensen Scholarship for Environmental Stewardship

• Amount: $1,000
• Details: The Society of American Indian Government Employees offers this scholarship to undergraduate Native American students who are working towards degrees in environmental studies or related fields.
• Deadline: October 27, 2023

Catching the Dream

• Amount: Varies
• Details: Catching the Dream offers a scholarship for Native American students who are members of a federally recognized tribe. Students must be actively earning full-time degrees in a bachelor’s program or higher.
• Deadline: September 15, 2023

Cherokee Nation Undergraduate Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Details: Full-time, part-time, and online undergraduate students can apply for this scholarship to help supplement the cost of their college education. Applicants must be a Cherokee Nation citizen, and winners must complete community service requirements.
• Deadline: July 15, 2024

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

• Amount: Varies
• Details: This scholarship is awarded to members of the Choctaw Nation who are pursuing their degrees at an associate level or higher. Applicants receive financial assistance on a per-semester basis and must reapply each semester if they wish to continue to receive funding.
• Deadline: October 1, 2023

Cobell Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Details: This annual scholarship is awarded to members of a U.S. Federally Recognized Tribe who are currently attending or plan to attend any accredited non-profit, public, or private institution.
• Deadline: TBD 2024

Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars

• Amount: $2,500-$5,000
• Details: Tribal members who are earning their bachelor’s degrees, preferably in their junior years, can apply for this scholarship. Winners are expected to pursue a postgraduate career working with Native Americans in the fields of education or social services.
• Deadline: June 15, 2024

DAR American Indian Scholarship

• Amount: $4,000
• Details: The Daughters of the American Revolution offer a scholarship specifically for Native American students seeking degrees at undergraduate, technical, or vocational institutions.
• Deadline: January 31, 2024

Diversity Bar Preparation Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Details: Offered by the Washington State Association for Justice, this scholarship helps undergraduate law students of diverse backgrounds cover tuition costs for the Themis bar preparation course.
• Deadline: November 3, 2023

Diversity in the Environmental Profession

• Amount: $1,000
• Details: San Diego’s Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) extends this scholarship to high school juniors and seniors who are going on to higher education programs related to environmental studies. In addition to funding, winners also receive complimentary admittance to an AEP-sponsored networking event.
• Deadline: TBD 2024

Diversification Of Our Research Scientists

• Amount: $5,000
• Details: Undergraduate students pursuing biotechnology-related degrees and careers can apply for this scholarship to help fund their tuition, textbooks, technology, and other educational equipment. Recipients of the award also receive mentorship and research opportunities through Promega.
• Deadline: September 29, 2023

Doyon Foundation

• Amount: Up to $11,000
• Details: The Doyon Foundation offers numerous scholarship types for students at various points in their educational journey. Funding is awarded to students beginning in high school and continuing through undergraduate and graduate school as well as in training at non-degree institutions.
• Deadline: November 15, 2023

Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000-$5,000
• Details: This annual scholarship awards funding to students belonging to a federally recognized tribe who are pursuing degrees or certificates in a career-specific program.
• Deadline: May 31, 2024

Future Industry Professionals Esthetics Scholarships 

• Amount: $5,000
• Details: This scholarship is awarded to four recipients from minority communities who are enrolled in an esthetics program at a Dermalogica partner school and who are passionate about advancing their cosmetology skills and education.
• Deadline: November 30, 2023

Humboldt Diversity Scholarships for Study Abroad

• Amount: $1,000-$5,000
• Details: Students participating in a Ceiba Study Abroad Program can apply for a scholarship to fund travel costs to study biological research and conservation in the tropics. Preference is given to students enrolled in the University of Wisconsin system, though all may apply.
• Deadline: October 6, 2023

Huna Heritage Foundation

• Amount: Varies
• Details: The Huna Heritage Foundation offers several scholarships for students in college, a vocational institution, or those pursuing instructional programs about the Huna culture. This scholarship is for Huna Totem Corporation shareholders or their descendants.
• Deadline: December 1, 2023

Indian Health Services Scholarship Program

• Amount: Varies
• Details: Winners of this scholarship receive funding for their postsecondary health program in exchange for a minimum two-year service commitment in a health-related profession serving Native Americans. Applicants must be members or descendants of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Natives.
• Deadline: February 28, 2024

Jackie Robinson Foundation

• Amount: Varies
• Details: In addition to tuition funding, this scholarship also offers internship and job placement, mentorship programs, and community service opportunities. Graduating high school seniors from diverse backgrounds are eligible to apply and must attend an approved four-year university within the U.S.
• Deadline: January 10, 2024

Knute W. Bergan Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Details: Awarded through the University of Montana’s Native American Studies Program, this annual scholarship is given to students who are members or direct descendants of any Montana tribe. Students who apply may be matched with other similar scholarships through the university, depending on eligibility.
• Deadline: March 1, 2024

Little Miami Brewing Native American Scholarship

• Amount: $2,500
• Details: High school seniors or undergraduate Native American students can apply for this scholarship to help cover the costs of their college tuition. Preferred candidates are from Kentucky, Ohio, or Indiana.
• Deadline: November 17, 2023

Maureen L. & Howard N. Blitman, P.E. Scholarship to Promote Diversity in Engineering 

• Amount: $5,000
• Details: High school seniors from diverse backgrounds including Native American and Alaska Native heritages can apply for this annual scholarship to fund their education at an ABET-accredited engineering program.
• Deadline: TBD 2024

Mille Lacs Band Higher Education Office

• Amount: $16,000
• Details: Enrolled members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and their children can apply for this scholarship to help cover the costs of higher education. Applicants may also receive financial awards for previously earned degrees or certificates.
• Deadline: December 15, 2023

Minnesota Indian Scholarship

• Amount: $4,000
• Details: This scholarship is for Minnesota Native Americans enrolled in a postsecondary institution in the state. Applicants may receive funding for either a two-year or four-year certificate program, undergraduate, or graduate degree.
• Deadline: TBD 2024

Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program

• Amount: $7,500
• Details: Illinois citizens from diverse backgrounds who are planning to teach in the state after graduation can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled at an approved Illinois school.
• Deadline: March 31, 2024

Native American Student Award

• Amount: $1,000
• Details: This scholarship is for Native American students working towards their degrees in anthropology, archeology, or Native American Studies. Applicants must present their tribal enrollment certificate and write about their coursework relating to Great Plains and/or Native American Studies.
• Deadline: September 30, 2023

NativeVision Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Details: Offered through the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, this scholarship provides financial assistance to Native American students in their first year in college. The application is open to high school seniors each year, and four students are selected as winners.
• Deadline: TBD 2024

North Dakota University System Native American Scholarship

• Amount: $2,000
• Details: North Dakota residents who are members of a federally recognized Indian tribe can apply for this scholarship to fund their education at an associate, bachelor’s, graduate, and certificate level.
• Deadline: July 15, 2024

Pueblo of Acoma Higher Education Grant Program

• Amount: Varies
• Details: Members of the Acoma Tribe enrolled on the Pueblo of Acoma Census Roll can apply for this scholarship to help cover the costs of their two-year associate degree or four-year bachelor’s degree.
• Deadline: October 1, 2023

Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Details: This scholarship is open to high school seniors of diverse backgrounds. Winners of this scholarship receive the full cost of tuition for four years at the University of Miami.
• Deadline: November 1, 2023

Ronald D. Lunceford Scholarship

• Amount: $4,000
• Details: The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists offers this scholarship to students of underrepresented backgrounds who are advancing their education in alignment with the requirements of sections 4980.37, 4980.40, and 4980.41 of the Business and Professions Code
• Deadline: November 3, 2023

SMA Native American STEM Scholarship

• Amount: $1,500
• Details: This scholarship is for Native American students seeking undergraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Winners may renew their scholarship for up to four years, pending approval.
• Deadline: March 15, 2024

Society for American Archeology Scholarships

• Amount: Varies
• Details: This society funds several scholarships for Native American students studying archeology. Depending on the scholarship, funding may go towards tuition costs, fieldwork, training, medical expenses, and educational materials.
• Deadline: TBD 2024

The Aluet Foundation

• Amount: Varies
• Details: The Aluet Foundation offers several scholarship opportunities for full-time students throughout the year, including fall and spring semesters as well as summer programs. In addition to their traditional scholarships, they also offer honors scholarships for high-performing students.
• Deadline: November 30th

The Chickasaw Nation

• Amount: Varies
• Details: The Chickasaw Nation offers several scholarship options for Chickasaw citizens seeking higher education. Opportunities include general undergraduate scholarships, funding for textbooks and graduation materials, scholarships specifically for valedictorians and salutatorians, and many others.
• Deadline: Varies by scholarship: September 15, 2023; February 15, 2024; and July 1, 2024

The Gates Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Details: The Gates Scholarship covers the remaining cost of a minority student’s college tuition that is not already covered by financial aid or family contribution.
• Deadline: September 15, 2023

The Lagrant Foundation

• Amount: $2,500
• Details: This scholarship is for full-time students of under-represented communities seeking undergraduate degrees within the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations.
• Deadline: February 29, 2024

The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

• Amount: Varies
• Details: The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma provides several scholarship opportunities to students pursuing higher education who are enrolled in the tribe. Most scholarships are offered annually in both the fall and spring.
• Deadline: October 1, 2023

The Patrick L. Ne4wman Mic-O-Say Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000
• Details: Any member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say who is registered with the Boy Scouts of America may apply for this scholarship to fund higher education costs.
• Deadline: October 15, 2023

The Tribal Workers Charitable Foundation

• Amount: $2,500
• Details: Applicants who are currently enrolled in postsecondary institutions can apply for this scholarship to be used in any way toward completing their education. Applicants must either be a tribal student at Oglala College or Sinte Gleska University or a member of one of five approved tribes.
• Deadline: Rolling

Tiwahe Foundation 

• Amount: $500-$2,500
• Details: Awarded on a biannual basis, this grant awards registered Minnesota tribal members and their descendants funding in a variety of areas including certificate programs, degrees, vocational education, college entrance exams, and textbooks.
• Deadline: September 15, 2023

USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program

• Amount: Varies
• Details: The Tribal Scholars Program provides full tuition, employment, housing, education fees, and books to Tribal College Students actively studying agriculture, food science, natural resource science, or similar fields.
• Deadline: November 30, 2023

Do Your Research

Look for scholarships that align with your interests, skills, and background. Focus on those that are most relevant to your qualifications and goals. What field of study are you planning to pursue? What special skills do you have? What extracurricular activities are you passionate about? Compile a list of personal facts that can help you in your search. Keep in mind that the more specific a scholarship is, the less competition you may have. Even if it’s for a smaller amount, earning several of these niche scholarships can add up quickly.

Tailor Your Application

Customize each application to the specific scholarship. Highlight how you meet their criteria, including your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal experiences. Make sure to thoroughly read the scholarship’s eligibility criteria and selection process. It’s important to customize each application to the particular provider since each one will look for different qualifications and qualities in their top candidates. For example, in a scholarship for Native American STEM students, you want your application to highlight your personal and professional experiences relating to your heritage and the STEM field.

Follow Instructions

Pay close attention to application guidelines and requirements. Read through the entire application before writing or typing any answers, so you know exactly what to expect. Submit all necessary documents, proofread your application for errors, and ensure it is well-organized. Many scholarship programs automatically reject incomplete applications, so make sure all necessary fields have been completed before submitting. Some scholarships that are specifically for Native Americans require applicants to verify their tribal enrollment, so have your records ready when filling out your application.

Write a Compelling Essay

Craft a well-written and thoughtful essay that addresses the essay prompt directly. Use vivid examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate your points and make your essay memorable. Some applications note which themes or traits reviewers are looking for in these answers. Read these carefully and write your answers with those guidelines in mind. For example, some scholarships want to know about your leadership skills and ability to overcome obstacles while others place a greater emphasis on community outreach and academics. Whenever you can, avoid generalized statements and instead provide personal, thoughtful answers that address the priorities of the provider.

Showcase What Makes You Unique

Maybe you’re passionate about animals or plan to be an aerospace engineer. Whatever it is that makes you uniquely you, be sure that shines through in your application. Even if it’s not directly related to your field of study, it’s worth highlighting in your application if it’s a skill or experience that is meaningful to you or has positively impacted your character. Scholarship providers want to see the person behind the application. Submitting one that is unique to you helps it stand out and may improve your chances of being selected.

Highlight Community Involvement

Demonstrate your commitment to giving back to your community. Describe your volunteer work, community service, and any initiatives you’ve started or been a part of. Talk about the results of those experiences. What prompted you to pursue them? What did you learn? Talk about how they may have challenged, inspired, or motivated you. Provide personal anecdotes of what your community outreach entailed and how you plan to continue giving back to your community.

Source Solid Letters of Recommendation

Choose recommenders who can speak to your character, abilities, and accomplishments. Provide them with information about the scholarship and your goals to help them write strong letters. Clearly communicate the deadline of the application and politely follow up with them a week before the deadline if necessary to ensure they’re on track. Be considerate and offer to provide any assistance they may require to write a good letter.

Proofread Before Submitting

Neglecting to proofread your application for grammar and spelling errors reflects poorly on your attention to detail. Errors can distract reviewers from your qualifications. In addition to proofreading yourself, consider asking a friend, family member, or teacher to read through your application to provide an outside perspective. Before writing or typing out your responses in the official application, run them through a spell-check or grammar program to check for errors. You may also want to read your answers aloud to check for poorly-worded or run-on sentences.

Apply for Multiple Scholarships

The more scholarships you apply for, the greater your chances of receiving financial assistance for college. Keep track of deadlines and requirements to stay organized throughout the process. Digitally save all important documents like your transcript and test scores in one folder on your computer, so you’ll be able to quickly find them for each application. Set personal goals for how many scholarships you’ll apply for on a weekly or monthly basis to help you stay on track.