While one of the smallest minority groups in the United States, Native American students still have a myriad of scholarship opportunities available to them. Perhaps one of the Unites States’ most underserved populations even in the not too distant past, Native Americans have more educational opportunities open to them now than ever before.

Whether students are full-blooded members of a Native American tribe or of mixed heritage they’ll still be eligible to apply for many minority scholarships for Native Americans. Grants and scholarships through the government will require students to currently be part of one of the 563 tribes that are recognized while those offered through other organizations can sometimes be more lenient as to who is allowed to apply. Each scholarship program has its own requirements as to what students must do to apply from written essays to simply submitting academic and financial records.

When looking for a scholarship for Native Americans, students will have a wide range of sources of funding to turn to. Many larger tribes have set up their own school and scholarship programs that work towards educating and improving the lives of their members. Organizations like the American Anthropological Society also give money to Native American students and there are a number of other private and nonprofit organizations that also provide support.

Native American students looking to enter a field such as engineering or science may enjoy scholarships geared towards their particular interests. In an effort to interest more minority students in these fields, groups like the American Indian Science and Engineering Society offer scholarships for students to pursue degrees in related fields. Students at both the undergraduate and graduate level will have the chance to receive scholarship monies from these programs.

Native American Scholarships

• AAA Minority Dissertation Fellowship: $10,000 to one minority graduate student.
• Cherokee Nation Higher Education Scholarship: $500 to $1,000 awarded each year to 1200-1500 undergraduate students who are Cherokee Nation Members.
• Native American Leadership in Education: $500 to $5,000 awarded to up to 30 Native American undergraduate students.
• Tribal Business Management Program: $500 to $5,000 awarded each year to up to 35 Native American undergraduate and graduate students majoring in business.
• US Bureau of Indian Affairs Scholarships: $500 to $4,000 to a varied number of Native American students.
• Indian Health Service Scholarship: Full tuition and expenses to a varied number of undergraduate students majoring in health professions, engineering, and accounting.