Top 10 Scholarships for Native American Students in 2025

Finding funding for higher education can be challenging, but Native American students have access to numerous scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support their educational journeys. Here are the top 10 scholarships you should consider applying for in 2025.

1. American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship

The American Indian College Fund offers Full Circle Scholarships to Native American students attending tribal colleges, universities, and mainstream institutions. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 per semester.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Must be enrolled in an accredited institution

Deadline: Varies by semester

2. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship

Named after Morris K. Udall, this prestigious scholarship awards up to $7,000 to Native American students committed to careers related to tribal policy or healthcare.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a sophomore or junior
• Enrolled member or descendant of a recognized tribe
• Demonstrated commitment to tribal communities

Deadline: March annually

3. Cobell Scholarship

The Cobell Scholarship supports Native American students in vocational programs, undergraduate, and graduate studies. Awards can be up to $5,000 per year.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe
• Financial need demonstrated
• Minimum 2.0 GPA for undergraduates

4. Gates Millennium Scholars Program

While not exclusively for Native Americans, this program specifically recruits Native students and covers the full cost of attendance for undergraduate through doctoral studies.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be Pell Grant eligible
• Minimum 3.3 GPA
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident

5. Indian Health Service Scholarship Program

IHS offers scholarships for Native American students pursuing careers in healthcare, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, and other health professions.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be enrolled in a health professions program
• Enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe
• Commit to service in Indian health programs after graduation

6. Catching the Dream Scholarship

This organization provides scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 for Native American students in various fields, with special focus on STEM, education, and business.

Eligibility Requirements:

• At least 1/4 degree Native American blood
• High academic achievement
• Demonstrated financial need

7. First Nations Development Institute Scholarship

Awards scholarships to Native American students pursuing degrees in fields that benefit Native communities, including agriculture, natural resources, and business.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled tribal member
• Pursuing degree in eligible field
• Commitment to serving Native communities

8. AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) Scholarship

AISES provides multiple scholarship opportunities for Native American students pursuing STEM degrees, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Eligibility Requirements:

• AISES membership
• Enrolled in STEM program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

9. Native American Education Grants by Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo partners with American Indian College Fund to provide grants for Native American students attending tribal colleges.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled in tribal college
• Demonstrated financial need
• Good academic standing

10. Truman D. Picard Scholarship

Offered by the Intertribal Timber Council, this scholarship supports Native American students pursuing careers in natural resources.

Award Amount: $2,500 - $3,500

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled tribal member
• Pursuing degree in natural resources
• Minimum 2.5 GPA

Tips for Scholarship Success

1. Start Early: Many scholarships have deadlines months in advance
2. Gather Documents: Have your tribal enrollment, transcripts, and financial information ready
3. Tell Your Story: Personal essays that connect your background to your goals stand out
4. Apply to Multiple: Don't put all your eggs in one basket
5. Meet Deadlines: Late applications are typically not considered

Conclusion

These scholarships represent just a fraction of the opportunities available to Native American students. Use our Scholarships page to find more opportunities and track upcoming deadlines. Education is a powerful tool for empowering Native communities, and these scholarships can help make your educational dreams a reality.

---

Have questions about scholarship applications? Check out our First-Time Applying Guide for step-by-step help.