Enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribes may qualify for up to $2,000 annually in scholarship funding under this merit or need-based program.
Eligibility and Qualifications
To be considered for an award, applicants must:
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- Be a North Dakota resident, and
- Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, and
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0; and
- Be pursuing a degree or certificate at a North Dakota accredited institution of higher learning or accredited state career and technical education program with a physical presence in the state.
Scholarship Details
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- An annual application is required.
- All application materials must be completed EACH YEAR by July 15th for priority consideration. Completed applications include:
- The annual Native American Scholarship application;
- Verification of tribal enrollment (CIB or Tribal ID)
- Most recent transcript showing cumulative GPA (grade reports and class schedules are not accepted)
- Needs analysis form and certification of ND residency from the institution
- Merit-based scholarships may be awarded to students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.
- Need-based scholarships may be awarded to students with a cumulative GPA between 2.0 – 3.499.
- The annual FAFSA application is required to determine unmet need.
- Please do not send FAFSA results with your application.
- Funding is limited and awards will be made based on the priority awarding process.
- Eligible programs include accredited clock hour, certificate, associate, bachelor’s, graduate, and professional programs.
How to Apply
There are two options to complete the application, either online (preferred) or by paper. The North Dakota University System accepts applications annually with a priority deadline application date of July 15th. The 2024-25 Native American Scholarship application will be available May 1st. We urge you to complete the 2024-25 FAFSA prior to applying to expedite the process.
Option 1 – ONLINE (preferred): Please review the information below BEFORE completing the application.
- To apply online, log into the ND SAMS Portal and select the Native American Scholarship application.
- Additional required documentation includes: tribal enrollment and most recent transcript. You will provide this information during the application process.
- The needs analysis section and residency verification pages will be sent directly to the college you list on your application.
Option 2 – PAPER: Download and complete the application.
- The application is a fillable PDF. You need to download the file to your device. DO NOT fill it out in the web browser as you will not be able to sign the application nor will your information be saved.
- You are responsible for giving page 2 to the financial aid office to complete. DO NOT email them your application as it contains your social security number.
- Sending your paper application & documents:
- Preferred & Fastest: Use the secure DROP BOX to deliver all documents.
- If you cannot use the DROP BOX, mail your application and supporting documents to: NDUS / Attn: Financial Aid / 600 E Blvd Ave Dept. 21 / Bismarck, ND 58505, or you can FAX your application and supporting documents to: 701-328-2979.
- DO NOT email your application or supporting documents as your application will be denied. EMAILED applications will NOT be accepted due to the personal information in the application.
IMPORTANT: Awards under the state grant and scholarship programs may not exceed cost of attendance (COA) at your institution. Institutions will determine if COA is exceeded when other scholarships and grants are taken into consideration. This includes other federal, institutional, tribal or outside scholarships or grants. If total COA is exceeded, state aid must be reduced or cancelled for that term of enrollment.
If you have questions, please contact the NDUS at ndfinaid@ndus.edu or 701-328-2964.