Native Students

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln recognizes the history and significance of how the plains tribes and cultures have shaped Nebraska. We foster and support Native culture through scholarships, academic programs, research, events and celebration of Native contributions.

In-State Tuition Eligibility

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers in-state tuition rates to enrolled members of the following 24 tribes listed below who have historical and present ties with Nebraska, whether they are residents of Nebraska or not.

Arapaho
Arikara
Comanche
Crow
Sac and Fox
Dakota Sioux
Hidatsa
Iowa
Jicarilla Apache
Kickapoo
Kiowa
Lakota Sioux
Mandan
Missouria
Nakota Sioux
Northern Cheyenne
Omaha
Otoe
Pawnee
Ponca
Potawatomie
Santee Sioux
Southern Cheyenne
Winnebago

Application

To be assured of your residency status, fill out the Application for Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes in MyRED. When you get to the Residency Categories section, look at category J for instructions.

View the Residency Policy

Tribal Card

It is the responsibility of the student to submit a copy of his or her tribal card to the Office of Admissions if he/she wants to be considered a resident for tuition purposes. Students who do not provide this documentation will be determined to be nonresidents without further notification.

Scholarships

Nebraska offers scholarships to promising students who identify and understand their Native American culture and seek to create opportunities to advance their community.

Native American Heritage Tuition Scholarship

$2,000 to full direct cost of attendance renewable for up to 4 years.

Transfer Tribal College Tuition Scholarship

Full in-state tuition for up to 120 credit hours.

Nebraska Emerging Leaders Tuition Scholarship

$2,000 award renewable for up to 4 years.

Chief Standing Bear Journey for Justice Scholarship

$1,500 for members of a recognized North American tribe.

Ponca Tribe Scholarship

$4,800 maximum for members of the Nebraska Ponca Tribe.

Explore All Scholarships Learn More About Paying for School

Many organizations outside of the University offer scholarships to college-bound students—including the Susan T. Buffett scholarship worth $11,300 per year.

View External Scholarships

Academic Programs

The Center for Great Plains Studies

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is home to this regional research and teaching program whose mission is to foster the study of the people and the environment of the Great Plains. Explore its Native art exhibitions, events highlighting Native heritage and academic majors.

Great Plains Studies Minor Center for Great Plains Studies

Ethnic Studies

Examine factors that have affected your life and experiences, both past and present. A variety of majors, minors and courses are offered through the Institute of Ethnic Studies, including: Native American Studies, African American and African Studies, and U.S. Latina/o and Latin American studies.

Course Examples:

Art & Anthropology of Native North Americans
Great Plains Archaeology
Native American History
Native American Literature
History of Plains Indians
Native American Women Writers
Indigenous Peoples of North America
Indigenous Peoples of the Great Plains
Contemporary Issues of Indigenous Peoples

Ethnic Studies Major Explore All Majors

Find Community & Get Support

Students laughing while working on a STEM projects

Native American Coalition

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Native American Coalition (NAC) builds relationships and partnerships between the Nebraska Extension and Native American communities and organizations.
University of Nebraska Inter-Tribal Exchange (U.N.I.T.E)

U.N.I.T.E. promotes the progress and development of Native American students at Nebraska.
Indian Center, Inc.

The Indian Center, situated close to campus, offers cultural engagement and various services including volunteer opportunities, mental health services, and health initiatives, along with hosting an annual Pow-wow.
Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs

Located a short distance from campus at the State Capitol, the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs is the state liaison between the four headquarter tribes of the Omaha, Ponca, Santee Sioux and Winnebago Tribes of Nebraska.
First Peoples of the Plains Exhibit

This permanent gallery exhibit, situated on the 3rd floor of the university's Morrill Hall, celebrates Native American cultures, both past and present.
Native American Heritage Celebrations

Events are held on campus during Native American Heritage Month and throughout the year.
Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services (OASIS)

OASIS enhances your success by promoting academic excellence, diversity awareness and social engagement.
Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation offers open gyms and weight rooms, swimming facilities, indoor and outdoor climbing walls and a full slate of studio classes.

Don't Wait to Meet Your Future

Derek Branch, majoring in business administration and a member of the Husker football team sitting outside

Visit Nebraska

Visiting campus is the best way to get a preview of all you can accomplish at Nebraska. During your visit, you'll tour campus with a current Nebraska student as your guide, explore your academic future and learn more about student involvement opportunities and financial aid.

Choose Your Visit Style