The Oldest Native Scholarship Program in the Country​

Scholarship applications are now CLOSED for the fall 2023 through spring 2024.

How to Apply

Learn how to apply for scholarships a the American Indian College Fund by watching this step-by-step video.
Application period is now CLOSED.

Scholarship Eligibility

  • Be enrolled with your respective Tribe, either federally recognized or non-federally recognized Tribe, from the continental US or Alaska. 
  • Submit a copy of Tribal enrollment (there is no minimum blood quantum requirement for eligibility). This can be a copy of the student's Tribal I.D. card or a copy of an official letter from the Tribe. You must be directly recognized as a citizen or member of your Tribal Nation.
  • Be enrolled as full-time student. 
  • ​Have a minimum 2.5 out of 4.0 GPA.
  • Submit a current class schedule and transcript.
  • Attend an accredited institution seeking an Associate's Degree or higher (the Association does not fund certificate programs or seminaries). 
  • Provide essays described in the application that show the student’s connection to their Tribal Nation and Indian Country.

​Undergrad and Grad Scholarships

The Association on American Indian Affairs has been providing Native American student scholarships since 1947 ​and provides scholarships to undergraduate and graduate Native American students who are citizens of their Tribal Nation – whether or not their Nation is recognized by the federal government.

The Association’s scholarships are funded by an endowment from the Elizabeth and Sherman Asche Memorial Scholarship, the Homborg Scholarship and the Mary Hemenway Memorial Funds, AND DONORS LIKE YOU!

The Association's Scholarships are provided to students twice per year until they graduate, as long as they maintain a 2.5 GPA and attend full-time. Our mission is to support students who are connected to their Tribal Nation and Indian Country and wish to utilize their degree to serve their Nations.

We are proud to partner with the American Indian College Fund!

The Association on American Indian Affairs has teamed up with the American Indian College Fund to provide administration to the Association’s longstanding scholarships!

Founded by friends of the Association on American Indian Affairs in 1989, the American Indian College Fund provides Native American scholarships and supports Native higher education. The College Fund also supports a variety of academic and support programs at 35 accredited Tribal colleges and universities, which are located in Indian Country, ensuring students have the tools to graduate and succeed in their careers.  

Former Association Scholarship Recipients

We are often asked if we ever hear from our previous scholarship recipients. If you were a previous Association scholarship recipient, please send us an update about what you are currently doing. We would love to hear from you and be able to let others know how our students are making a difference in Indian Country and the world!