Native American Scholarship (NAS)

Enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribes may qualify for up to $2,000 annually in scholarship funding under this merit and need-based program.

 

Eligibility and Qualifications

To be considered for an award, applicants must:

    • Be North Dakota residents, and
    • Be enrolled members 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

    • An annual application is required.
    • All application materials must be completed EACH YEAR by July 15th for priority consideration.  Completed applications include:
      • The annual NAS 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
      • Certification of North Dakota residency
    • 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 cumulative GPAs of 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 a priority awarding process.
    • Eligible programs include clock hour, certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, graduate, and professional degrees.
    • IMPORTANT:  Awards under the state grant and other state scholarship programs may not exceed cost of attendance (COA).  Institutions will determine if COA is exceeded when other scholarships and grants are taken into consideration.  If total COA is exceeded, state aid must be reduced or cancelled. 

 

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 NAS application will be available May 1st.  Please make sure you have completed the 2024-25 FAFSA prior to applying. 

 

Option 1 (preferred): Please review the information below BEFORE completing the 2024-25 Native American Scholarship application ONLINE on a secure site. *** Do not enter any information in the Institutional FA Reviewer section***

        • Additional required documentation includes: tribal enrollment and most recent transcript.
        • *STOP* Do not submit another application if you need to submit documentation.
        • All documentation should be submitted via this secure online drop box, by mail, or via fax.
        • If you complete the online application, you do NOT need to upload it using the drop box.
        • Page 2 of the application will be sent directly to the college you list on your application.
        • In order for the online application to work properly, please leave Institutional FA reviewer blank.

-OR-

 

Option 2:  Download and complete the 2024-25 Native American Scholarship 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. 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.
        • Use the secure online DROP BOX at to send your application and supporting documents to the NDUS.
          • The drop box is the PREFERRED method of delivery in 2024 as mail time can delay your processing.
        • If you mail your application, it will be date stamped the day the NDUS receives it.

 

IMPORTANT – HOW TO SEND YOUR APPLCIATION & 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.
      • EMAILED applications will NOT be accepted due to the personal information in the application. DO NOT email your application or supporting documents as your application will be denied. 

 

If you have questions, please contact the NDUS at ndfinaid@ndus.edu or 701-328-2964.