Resources

The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native college students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees at tribal colleges, nonprofit, and accredited schools.

A program of PWNA, the American Indian Education Fund offers scholarships, literacy programs, and school supplies to help end the cycle of poverty. Education is a cornerstone of self-sufficiency and a crucial factor in addressing long-term challenges on the reservations they serve.

For students enrolled (or enrolling) at a university, college, junior college, or technical school (incoming freshmen accepted). Requires at least one-quarter (1/4) enrolled membership in a federally recognized Native American Tribe, undergraduate standing (first bachelor’s degree only; no more than 150 semester / 210 quarter credits), a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 after the first term, and a completed FAFSA. Full- or part-time (minimum 6 credits).

Recipients must renew each term to receive their Fall and Spring awards. Renewing scholars submit an unofficial transcript from the completed semester and a class schedule for the new one (around January and July), and are responsible for keeping their contact information current.

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) offers a wide range of scholarships to help students acquire STEM skills and training that meet the needs of Native communities. Apply for every scholarship you are eligible for; you must be an AISES member to apply.

Both merit- and need-based, the competitive Cobell Scholarship is annual and non-renewable, open to any post-secondary student who is an enrolled member of a U.S. federally recognized Tribe, enrolled full-time, and degree-seeking at an accredited nonprofit, public, or private institution.

Each semester about 100 students receive a scholarship toward their studies. Students must be enrolled in a South Dakota Tribe, attend a college or university full-time, and carry a minimum grade point average.

Helps Native American students of any age, any Tribe, and any state pursue an undergraduate or graduate education (undergraduates given preference). Awards are judged on financial need and academic achievement.

Candidates must have graduated from an accredited South Dakota high school, apply within 5 years of graduation (or within 1 year of release from active military duty within that window), be an enrolled member of an American Indian Tribe, and attend an accredited university, college, or technical institute in South Dakota.

A highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for exceptional, Pell-eligible, minority high school seniors. Each year 300 top student leaders are selected, with support intended to carry them through college graduation.

Eligible health-field degree programs for 2026-2027 (not all fields are funded) include Clinical Laboratory Science, Clinical Psychology, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Diagnostic Radiology, Engineering (Civil or Environmental), Environmental Health, Medicine (Allopathic, Osteopathic), Mental Health Counseling, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Podiatry, and Social Work.

Degree-seeking students must attend an accredited U.S. institution full-time and demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate (TEC). TECs and a Financial Needs Form (FNF) are due July 15 each academic year (one TEC covers multiple opportunities). Students must also file the FAFSA and be eligible for federal financial aid.

A searchable database from the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation for students from South Dakota, not limited to Sioux Falls students.

Supports Indigenous (Native American) students pursuing any full-time, post-secondary program at a registered educational institution.

The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.

Scholarship grants for enrolled Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal members who are high school graduates or hold a GED and meet the Higher Education Guidelines. A new application is required each term (Academic Year, Spring, Summer). Funding priority: seniors, juniors, sophomores, then freshmen.

Contact the Crow Creek Higher Education Office for an application.

For FSST members (funded through the BIA AVT/Higher Education grant) and graduate students. Helps with tuition, books, fees, housing, tools, supplies, equipment, uniforms, and transportation. Awards are sent directly to the student and may be subject to collection if the student stops attending, changes to non-enrolled status, or is dropped administratively.

Available to enrolled members of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe (or those who can prove one-quarter degree). Priority order: students on or near the reservation, then SD residents, then out-of-state. A supplemental program: students must apply for the Pell grant via FAFSA. Current award up to $3,000 per school year for full-time students (minimum 12 credits) maintaining a 2.00 GPA or higher.

Open to enrolled tribal members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

Open to enrolled members of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. See the full list of qualifications on the Education Department website.

Funding for SWO Tribal members attending an accredited post-secondary school (full- or part-time) at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional level. Requires SWO enrollment verification; the field of study is not limited, and any accredited college in or out of South Dakota is acceptable. Awards are disbursed to the student based on grade and credits earned.

For enrolled members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe accepted into an accredited college, university, or vocational program. Undergraduate: high school diploma or GED and a cumulative 2.0 GPA. Graduate: a bachelor’s or master’s degree and a 2.5 GPA in the most recently attended institution.

For enrolled members of the Yankton Sioux Tribe with a high school diploma or GED, enrolled at an accredited college and identified as an undergraduate while receiving awards. Applicants must file the FAFSA or have a verifiable funding source in place.

An 8-week summer program for high school seniors: students earn 12 credit hours of college credit, work about 22 hours a week gaining work-life experience at the Crazy Horse Memorial, and take part in cultural, educational, and social activities.

A program of excellence for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian high school sophomores and juniors, offering a summer admissions workshop focused on demystifying the college application process and exploring college options for Native students.

Focused on awareness and retention, AISES pre-college programs give students exposure to first-rate STEM programs and events, supporting them in discovering, pursuing, and sustaining an interest in STEM as they prepare for college.

American Indian students in grades 7-12 can join a six-week academic enrichment session for those interested in health-care careers, with daily classes in biology, chemistry, communications/study skills, health with basic first aid, math, and physics.

A federal TRIO program that motivates and supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds, supplementing their education and preparing them for college entrance and academic success at every level.

Upward Bound supports high school students from low-income families and those whose parents do not hold a bachelor’s degree, aiming to increase secondary completion and enrollment in and graduation from postsecondary education.

TRIO Upward Bound works to raise college enrollment and graduation for students from low-income households and first-generation students, with academic support, encouragement, and help through the college application and financial-aid process.

Hosted by the University of South Dakota, OHSAI is open to high school students with a demonstrated interest in the visual arts and American Indian culture. All courses are taught by professional artists, and accepted students attend free of charge, including meals, housing, instruction, and art supplies.

A two-week intensive for twelve Native American high school students from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, mixing art fundamentals with a connection to cultural identity and learning from active Native American professionals. Free to attend, with housing, meals, coursework, and all art supplies provided.