Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver program
Michigan State University participates in the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver program. According to the State of Michigan’s Public Law 174 of 1976 (based in ancestral treaty negotiations between Tribes and US governmental officials), tuition for full- or part-time coursework taken at the undergraduate or graduate levels can be waived for eligible American Indian students. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights, which verifies eligibility, administers the program. At this time, students must meet all the following requirements to be eligible:
- Be enrolled in one of Michigan’s public colleges or universities, and
- Be an enrolled member of a US Federally recognized Tribe (certified by your Tribal Enrollment Department,), and
- Be ¼ or more blood quantum (certified by your Tribal Enrollment Department), and
- Be a legal resident of Michigan for at least 12 consecutive months prior to beginning coursework.
More information can be found here from MSU and here from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
September 30, 2024
MSU introduces Native American student tuition advantage program
Michigan State University is enhancing college access and affordability for Native American students by offering in-state tuition rates to out-of-state Native American students through the new MSU Native American Tuition Advantage Program, or NATAP.
President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., announced this initiative during his investiture ceremony on Sept. 29. The program aims to eliminate financial barriers and increase enrollment among historically underrepresented Native American students, addressing a key concern of Michigan’s tribal nations.
“We are thrilled to announce the Native American Tuition Advantage Program, which will start in the fall of 2025,” said Dave Weatherspoon, vice provost of enrollment and academic strategic planning. “This has been a collaborative effort between the Native American Institute, Office of Admissions, Office of Financial Aid, University Outreach and Engagement and the Office of the Provost. We engaged with community members in important discussions and researched similar national programs to ensure MSU’s initiative would be as inclusive as possible. We believe this is one of the most significant tuition support programs focused on increasing college access for Native students.”