Scholarships for
Non-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 accredited public or private, non-profit college or university in the U.S.
Opportunities Available
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
- Be an enrolled member of a federally or state-recognized tribe, or a descendent of an enrolled member.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.
- Maintain full-time enrollment in school.
- Full-time enrollment at an accredited, nonprofit institution of higher learning.
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.
Returning applicants can access the application portal here.
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.
Full Circle Scholarship Timeline
The selection of recipients, as well as the disbursement of funds, are managed by the American Indian College Fund.
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.
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.
July 31
Students that apply after July 31st receive an award notification on a rolling basis.
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.
January 30
Newly enrolled spring students should submit their application by January 30th to be considered for scholarship opportunities for the spring term.
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.
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
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
July 31
Students that apply after July 31st receive an award notification on a rolling basis.
Fall Disbursement Begins
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.
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
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.