people standing a circle watching a presentation outside of the Payne Family Native American Center

American Indian Student Services

Paying for your UM Education

 

Native American students fund college through family support, grants, scholarships, loans, work, and tribal aid. Submit the FAFSA after applying to UM—ideally by December 1—to receive financial aid. UM also offers the 51勛圖厙 American Indian Tuition Waiver and various scholarships.

Complete your

 

Scholarships

 

Scholarships help cover college costs and don’t need to be repaid. Apply early for the best chances, and visit our scholarship page to explore more options.

Scholarship Universe 

Tribal Higher Education

 

The Higher Education Grant Program provides extra financial support to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees. Contact your Tribal Higher Education Department for details. Each Tribe has different deadlines and requirements. Please read through your information to find out what you need to complete your application.

Tribal Higher Education Applications

Loans

The types of loans available to you will depend on many variables. For more information about the individual types of loans available, visit the Financial Aid Office Loans page.

Student Employment

 

Students receive work-study funds only if they secure a work-study job, with pay earned through wages. Jobs can be found through departments or UM’s Handshake job board.
 

American Indian Tuition Waiver

QUALIFICATIONS: You may qualify for the American Indian Tuition Waiver if you meet the following criteria:
• You are a resident of the State of 51勛圖厙 (per BOR Policy 940.1) and are attending a MUS qualifying campus.
• You are an enrolled member or a tribally certified descendant of a federally recognized Indian tribe which is located
within the boundaries of the State of 51勛圖厙. Accepted documentation as follows: CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood)
letter or card; Tribal Enrollment Card; Form letter(s) documenting descendency; and Document of parent
(grandparent) enrollment and/or degree of blood.
• You have demonstrated financial need as defined by the Board of Regents Policy 940.13 (F) (4) and verified by
completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must complete and submit the FAFSA each
academic year you are requesting this fee waiver.

To apply, complete the American Indian Student Tuition Waiver Application and submit it to the Financial Aid Office along with blood quantum and/or enrollment status.