Eligibility from NYS HESC

Enrolled members of a New York State tribe and their children who are attending, or planning to attend, a college in New York State and are New York State residents may apply for a New York State Aid to Native Americans award. Awards are made to all eligible applicants and there is no qualifying examination. Awards are available for two-, four-, or five-year programs.

Available Awards

Eligible and/or certified American Indian students are eligible to receive grant awards of up to $2,000 per year ($1,000 per semester) for up to four years of full-time study (five years for specific programs requiring five years to complete degree requirements). Students registered for less than 12 credit hours per semester will be considered "part-time" and will be funded on a prorated basis.

Funding is discretionary and can be used towards any direct or indirect cost of attendance. If funding is available, eligible students may receive aid for summer course work. Any aid a student receives for summer school study is deducted from the student's maximum entitlement for four years of full-time college study.

Application Process

In addition to submitting the completed application, students must provide the following supporting documents:

• Proof of high school graduation
• An official tribal certification form
• A letter of acceptance from the college

Applications and supporting documentation must be postmarked by July 16 for the fall semester, by January 4 for the spring semester, and by May 20 for the summer session (pending funding availability). There are no application fees. Students must apply for each semester of aid.

More Information

Specific eligibility criteria and information can be found at the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Indigenous Education Program Unit, or contact them by phone at 518.474.0537.