American Indian Scholars Program

 

The American Indian Scholars Program was established in the 2023 Legislative Session. This program provides a first-dollar tuition and fee-free pathway for Minnesotans eligible for resident tuition who are enrolled members or citizens of any federally recognized tribe or Canadian First Nation to attend a Minnesota State institution or the University of Minnesota. Students not eligible for resident tuition who are enrolled members or citizens of a Minnesota Tribal Nation are also eligible for the program.

How much money can you get?

This program provides a first-dollar tuition and fee-free pathway for eligible students.

Who is eligible?

In general, students must:

• Be either a:
  • Minnesota resident who qualifies for resident tuition and an enrolled member or citizen of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe or Canadian First Nation; or
  • Student who does not qualify for resident tuition but is an enrolled member or citizen of a Minnesota Tribal Nation.
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate certificate, diploma, or degree program at a Minnesota State institution or a campus of the University of Minnesota;
• Not have already obtained a bachelor’s degree;
• Not have been enrolled 12 full time semesters or the equivalent at the college-level; and
• Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.

I’m eligible, what now?

Student eligibility is determined by the college. The Office of Higher Education is working with Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota on implementation of this program. We will update this page as often as possible as more information becomes available.

If you are a student at the University of Minnesota, information about the program is available on the campus websites below:

• Crookston
• Duluth
• Morris
• Rochester
• Twin Cities

If you are a student at a Minnesota State campus, information about the program is available on the websites below for some of the campuses:

• Bemidji State University
• Century College
• Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
• Lake Superior College
• Minneapolis Community and Technical College
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College
• Minnesota State University Mankato
• Minnesota State University Moorhead
• Normandale Community College
• Ridgewater College
• Saint Paul College
• Winona State University

If you are a student at a Minnesota State campus not listed above, contact the financial aid office and visit the system website for more information. 

Download the American Indian Scholars handout.