Montana American Indian Tuition Waiver
Montana University System (Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education)
Undergraduate tuition waiver at Montana University System campuses for Montana-resident members or certified descendants of federally recognized tribes located in Montana who have financial need.
- How much
- Waiver of undergraduate tuition (amount varies by campus and credits)
- Who qualifies
- Enrolled member or tribally certified descendant of a federally recognized tribe located in Montana
- Montana resident (generally 12 months, BOR 940.1); at least $1 of remaining need; satisfactory academic progress.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Apply any time submit the form and documents to the campus financial aid office before the term; no statewide deadline published
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA, complete the American Indian Tuition Waiver application form (new form required from Fall 2026), and give the campus financial aid office proof of tribal enrollment or certified descent and of Montana residency
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application + membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (mus.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
Board of Regents Policy 940.13 requires MUS campuses to waive undergraduate tuition for enrolled members or tribally certified descendants of a federally recognized Indian tribe located within Montana who show financial need (at least $1 of remaining need after subtracting the SAI, all Title IV grants and institutional aid from cost of attendance). Tuition only: fees, program fees and self-supporting courses (some online and most continuing-ed courses) are not covered. Cannot be combined with other state tuition waivers or duplicate other tuition-designated awards. Renewable each year with satisfactory academic progress. Awarded by each campus financial aid office; the amount depends on the campus and credits taken.
More money from Montana
- Gianforte Trade and Technology Scholarship$1,500 per semester full-time; $750 per semester part-time; up to $6,000 total
- Montana's STEM and Healthcare Scholarship$6,000 over 4 years: $1,000 first year, $1,500 second, $1,500 third, $2,000 fourth
- 2 Plus 2 Honor ScholarshipWaiver of undergraduate tuition at a 4-year MUS campus for up to four semesters
- MUS Honor Scholarship (MUSHS)Tuition waiver; average value about $5,000 a year or $20,000 over four years at a 4-year Montana campus
- Montana Minnesota Dental ProgramSupport fee matching the WICHE dentistry support fee, applied to tuition and fees, for up to 4 years
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
- 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.