American Indian Scholars Program
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and University of Minnesota (state program, Minn. Stat. 135A.121)
Full tuition and fee waiver at Minnesota State colleges/universities and University of Minnesota campuses for enrolled tribal members.
- How much
- Full tuition and mandatory fees (waiver)
- Who qualifies
- Enrolled member or citizen of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe or Canadian First Nation (Minnesota resident-tuition eligible), or enrolled member/citizen of a Minnesota Tribal Nation regardless of residency
- Undergraduate certificate, diploma or degree program at a Minnesota State institution or University of Minnesota campus; no bachelor's degree; not enrolled more than 12 semesters (fewer than 180 college-level credits); satisfactory academic progress. 2026 law (ch. 116) changed the residency wording to 'student eligible for a resident tuition rate'.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time Rolling; apply through your campus before or during the term.
- How to apply
- Ask the financial aid office at your Minnesota State college/university or University of Minnesota campus
- UMN uses an American Indian Scholars Program application, and Minnesota State campuses verify tribal enrollment
- What you'll need
- state application + membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (revisor.mn.gov), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
State law (Minn. Stat. 135A.121, enacted 2023) creates a first-dollar, tuition- and fee-free pathway for American Indian students: Minnesota State colleges and universities must, and the University of Minnesota is requested to, provide a full tuition and fee waiver to eligible students in an undergraduate certificate, diploma or degree program. Not need-based. Students lose eligibility after a bachelor's degree or 12 semesters (Minnesota State and UMN describe this as fewer than 180 attempted college-level credits). Minnesota State and UMN also list wrap-around supports (food, transportation, housing, child care help).
More money from Minnesota
- Minnesota Student Teacher Grants (Shortage Areas and Underrepresented Student Teachers)Up to $7,500 (one-time, for the student teaching term)
- Minnesota State GrantVaries by need and cost; formula uses up to $18,071 (4-year) or $7,340 (2-year) tuition and fees plus a $12,690 living allowance (2026-27), minus family share and Pell
- North Star PromiseUp to 100% of remaining tuition and mandatory fees (last-dollar, no fixed cap)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.