NAU's Tuition-Free Initiative: Empowering Native American Students in Arizona
Northern Arizona University (NAU) has taken a significant step towards supporting Indigenous students by launching a tuition assistance program for Native American undergraduates. Starting in the fall of 2023, NAU will cover the tuition costs for all enrolled students who are members of any of the 22 federally recognized tribes in Arizona. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers and promote higher education accessibility for Native American students, aligning with NAU's commitment to serving Indigenous communities.
Expanding Access to Excellence
The program is an expansion of NAU's existing financial aid initiative, Access2Excellence (A2E). Access2Excellence provides full tuition coverage for new first-time undergraduate students from Arizona families with an annual income of $65,000 or less. The extension of A2E to members of Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes eliminates the family income requirement, making tuition coverage accessible to all eligible Native American students, regardless of their financial background. This ensures that tuition coverage is not dependent on family income level and will apply to all new and transfer students, including those who live outside of Arizona but are members of the 22 Arizona tribes.
Who is Eligible?
The tuition coverage program is open to new first-year and transfer undergraduate students who are members of one of Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes. Eligibility extends to both in-state and out-of-state students who are enrolled members of these tribes.
The 22 federally recognized tribes in Arizona are:
- Ak-Chin Indian Community
- Cocopah Indian Tribe
- Colorado River Indian Tribes
- Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
- Fort Mojave Indian Tribe
- Gila River Indian Community
- Havasupai Tribe
- Hopi Tribe
- Hualapai Tribe
- Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians
- Navajo Nation
- Pascua Yaqui Tribe
- Pueblo of Zuni
- Quechan Tribe
- Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
- San Carlos Apache Tribe
- San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe
- Tohono O’odham Nation
- Tonto Apache Tribe
- White Mountain Apache Tribe
- Yavapai-Apache Nation
- Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe
Program Details and Financial Aid
The tuition coverage will last for four years. While NAU will cover full tuition, students are still responsible for fees, which currently amount to $1,250 for Arizona undergraduates at the Flagstaff campus. Fees may vary by campus and college.
Read also: Investing in Native Education
To ensure comprehensive financial support, NAU will utilize university aid dollars to fill any gaps remaining after other scholarships or Pell Grant funds have been applied. This ensures that tuition is fully covered for eligible students. Students who receive tribal scholarships can use those funds to cover fees, housing, meals, or books, as tribal scholarships will not be applied towards tuition costs.
How to Apply
Native American students applying to NAU should self-report their ethnicity and tribal enrollment during the application process. In addition, they should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a crucial step in receiving financial aid, and students should submit it by NAU's priority deadline of April 1, using NAU's school code: 001082.
If selected for verification, students will receive a notification in their LOUIE To Do List. They must complete the FAFSA Consent to Release Information, found on your To Do List in your LOUIE Student Center. Furthermore, students should complete the Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) form, which is essential for tribal scholarship applications. The FNA allows NAU to share FAFSA information with the student's tribe, enabling the tribe to determine aid eligibility. Some tribes may require the FNA each semester, while others require it only once a year.
Supporting Indigenous Student Success
NAU recognizes that enrolling Indigenous students is only one part of the equation. Creating a "sense of belonging" is equally important for their success. NAU strives to be the leading institution serving Native American students by providing resources and support through various initiatives.
The Office of Indigenous Student Success (OISS) offers personalized academic and financial aid guidance, peer mentoring support, referrals to campus resources, student organizations, and cultural activities. The Indigenous Support Program provides tailored assistance to new freshmen/transfer, continuing, and graduate students. Indige-Peer Mentors (IPMs), who are seasoned NAU students, offer guidance and support to incoming students.
Read also: Nursing Scholarships for Indigenous Students
The Native American Cultural Center serves as a home away from home for Indigenous students on campus, offering a centrally located cultural and programming space. The newly launched Indigenous Peoples Living-Learning Community further enhances the supportive environment for Indigenous students.
A Strategic Alignment
NAU's commitment to Native American students is deeply rooted in its mission and values. The university sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, on homelands sacred to Native Americans throughout the region. This initiative aligns with NAU's strategic priority of being the nation's leading university serving Indigenous Peoples.
NAU has been recognized as a leader in awarding degrees to Indigenous students and holds top rankings in various fields, including public health, hospitality management, and education. The university's efforts to expand access to higher education for Native American students build on a foundation of excellence and a commitment to serving Indigenous communities.
Community Support
The tuition assistance program has garnered widespread support from Native American leaders and community members. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, an NAU alumnus and member of the school's Native American advisory board, expressed his encouragement for Navajo students, stating that they can now pursue higher education at NAU without the burden of tuition costs.
Lena Fowler, chair of NAU's Native American Advisory Board, emphasized that the program provides Native American students with the opportunity to pursue their dreams of earning a higher education at NAU. LuAnn Leonard, a member of the NAU Native American Advisory Board and former member of the Arizona Board of Regents, believes that the program will encourage more Hopi and other Arizona tribal students to earn their college degrees at NAU and contribute their skills to strengthen their communities.
Read also: Eligibility for Native Forward Scholarships
tags: #NAU #Native #American #tuition #assistance #programs
