Scholarships for
Tribal College Students
The American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) provides scholarships to graduating American Indian and Alaska Native college students enrolled in certificate, undergraduate, or graduate programs at a Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) or an accredited non-profit college or university in the U.S.
Opportunities Available
The College Fund manages a wide portfolio of scholarship programs, and TCU students are eligible for all of our opportunities. Applicants only need to submit one application every year to be considered for the College Fund’s portfolio of scholarships. Award amounts vary but average between $2,000 to $3,000.
Basic Eligibility
- Enrollment at a Tribal Colleges/Universities (TCU).
- Be an enrolled member of a federally or state-recognized tribe or a descendent of an enrolled member.
Documentation Needed to Apply
Before you begin your scholarship application, we encourage you to gather the following:
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- Digital photo – a headshot or photograph of yourself.
- Academic records – an unofficial copy of your most recent transcript.
- Tribal affiliation – if you are an enrolled member of a federally or state-recognized tribe, you will need to provide a copy of your tribal ID (or CIB). If you are a descendant, you will need to provide a copy of your parent’s (or grandparent’s) tribal ID and birth certificate(s) showing your relationship to the enrolled member.
Visit our Application FAQ to learn more about the required documentation.
Application Experience
Before you begin your scholarship application, we encourage you to watch this short video to understand the navigation of the portal.
Start Your Application!
Now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. Apply by May 31st, 2024!
Click on the Apply Now button to be redirected to the application portal and complete your application.
Need Help?
For more details about the application and tips for success, please review resources on the Application Tips Page or the Application FAQs Page.
Please contact a member of our Scholarships Team at scholarships@collegefund.org, or at 800-987-3863 if you have questions or need one-on-one assistance.
Timeline
The College Fund offers scholarships through two different portfolios. TCU-enrolled students are automatically considered for opportunities from both when they complete our scholarship application.
Full Circle Scholarships
The selection of recipients, as well as the disbursement of funds, are managed by the American Indian College Fund.
TCU Scholarships
The selection of recipients, as well as the disbursement of funds, are managed by the Financial Aid Office at each TCU. TCU scholarships are awarded and disbursed slightly later than Full Circle scholarships.
Hover on a milestone to learn more
Scholarship Application Opens
Priority Review Deadline
Scholarship Award Announcements
Fall Disbursement Begins
Scholarship Application Closes
Spring Disbursement Begins
February 1
Our application is available every year starting on February 1st in anticipation of the upcoming fall term.
Full Circle Scholarship
May 31
We welcome applications after the May 31st priority review deadline; however, we strongly encourage students to apply by this date for a higher chance of being awarded.
Full Circle Scholarship
July 31
Students that apply after July 31st receive an award notification on a rolling basis.
TCU Scholarships
September – October
Applicants that are attending a TCU will receive an award notification from their Financial Aid Office.
Full Circle Scholarship
Late August
- Before disbursement, recipients are contacted to submit verification of enrollment.
- Upon disbursement, scholarship funds are sent to the Financial Aid Office of recipients’ institutions.
TCU Scholarships
September – October
Applicants that receive a TCU scholarship will receive disbursement information from their Financial Aid Office.
January 30
Newly enrolled spring students should submit their application by January 30th to be considered for scholarship opportunities for the spring term.
Full Circle Scholarship
Late January
- Before disbursement, recipients are contacted to submit verification of enrollment.
- Upon disbursement, scholarship funds are sent to the Financial Aid Office of recipients’ institutions.
TCU Scholarship
Late January
Applicants that receive a TCU scholarship will receive disbursement information from their Financial Aid Office.
Scholarship Application Opens
February 1
Our application is available every year starting on February 1st in anticipation of the upcoming fall term.
Priority Review Deadline
Full Circle Scholarship
May 31
We welcome applications after the May 31st priority review deadline; however, we strongly encourage students to apply by this date for a higher chance of being awarded.
Scholarship Award Announcements
Full Circle Scholarship
July 31
Students that apply after July 31st receive an award notification on a rolling basis.
TCU Scholarships
September – October
Applicants that are attending a TCU will receive an award notification from their Financial Aid Office.
Fall Disbursement Begins
Full Circle Scholarship
Late August
- Before disbursement, recipients are contacted to submit verification of enrollment.
- Upon disbursement, scholarship funds are sent to the Financial Aid Office of recipients’ institutions.
TCU Scholarships
September – October
Applicants that receive a TCU scholarship will receive disbursement information from their Financial Aid Office.
Scholarship Application Closes
January 30
Newly enrolled spring students should submit their application by January 30th to be considered for scholarship opportunities for the spring term.
Spring Disbursement Begins
Full Circle Scholarship
Late January
- Before disbursement, recipients are contacted to submit verification of enrollment.
- Upon disbursement, scholarship funds are sent to the Financial Aid Office of recipients’ institutions.
TCU Scholarship
Late January
Applicants that receive a TCU scholarship will receive disbursement information from their Financial Aid Office.