Best Online Colleges for Native American Women 2025

Some of the best accredited online colleges and universities in America aim to strengthen educational opportunities for Native-American students. Some schools operate as Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) while others provide services and financial aid to help American Indian students enjoy quality academic experiences.

Women who want to attend an online college that aligns with the needs of Indigenous People can find great options nationwide. Schools for Native-American students offering online courses and degree programs include Northwest Indian College, Montana State University-Northern, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Below, we'll highlight the best online colleges for Native Americans. Additionally, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about online degrees for Indigenous students.

Best Colleges With Online Degree Programs for Native-American Women

Do you want to earn a college degree from a top online college? Explore the following schools to find online degree programs for Native-American women.

1. Northwest Indian College

Northwest Indian College in Washington State is a TCU offering two-year and four-year degrees that college students can complete online. Programs include a bachelor's degree in Native Studies leadership and an associate degree in public and tribal administration.

Online learners can access resources like NWIC's Math and Writing Center and tutoring service, TutorMe. Financial aid, work-study jobs, and school scholarships can help lower tuition costs. NWIC is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

2. Montana State University-Northern

Montana State University-Northern's American Indian student population constitutes more than 14% of the school's total student body. Attendees from Native American Nations are supported by the Amerian Indian Tuition Waiver, which waives tuition for students with at least one-fourth degree Indian blood � or enrolled members of a recognized Indian tribe.

The school's Little River Institute offers mentorship, academic support, and cultural programming for Native-American students. Enrollees can choose from online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in criminal justice, nursing, education, and business technology.

3. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers three online Bachelor of Business Administration programs and one online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In addition to academic programs, students can find great resources for Native-American enrollees.

The school's Tribal Educational Promise Program offers scholarships and grants to learners from federally recognized Wisconsin American Indian tribes helping them meet the full in-state cost of attendance. Other resources include the Native American Center for Health Professions (NACHP) and the Indigenous Student Center.

4. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota offers over 100 online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs at the Duluth, Crookston, and Twin Cities campuses. Programs aligned with native communities include the Duluth campus' Bachelor of Arts in Tribal Administration and Governance and the Master of Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship.

Eligible students can receive financial aid via Minnesota's American Indian Scholars Program. Students enrolled at the Crookston, Duluth, Rochester, or Twin Cities who are citizens of one of Minnesota's 11 federally recognized Tribal Nations might also qualify for the Native American Promise Tuition Program, which pays up to 100% of tuition costs. Eligible Morris campus enrollees are considered for the American Indian Tuition Waiver.

5. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers programs for students who want to study Native American history and culture. A Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies (AIS) is available at the Tucson campus. Graduate students who prefer online coursework can enroll in a Master of Laws (LLM) degree at the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) Program.

Enrollees can choose from over 150 online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in English, psychology, nursing, science, and beyond. Resources like Native American Student Affairs (NASA) and Native SOAR (Student Outreach, Access and Resiliency) support Indigenous attendees.

6. Stanford University

Stanford University, located within the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe's traditional territory, has ongoing partnerships with local Native peoples to increase opportunities for Indigenous students. The school offers Native American Cultural Center programming, Native American studies learning opportunities, Stanford American Indian Organization events, and more.

Graduate students who prefer taking online classes can find several virtual academic programs. Master's degrees are available in chemical engineering, statistics, and biomedical data science.

7. Dartmouth College

Native-American Dartmouth College attendees can benefit from Native Americans at Dartmouth (NAD). This student organization supports and celebrates Indigenous students and brings awareness to cultural and social issues. The college's Native American Program (NAP) offers funds to cover school costs for Native and Indigenous undergraduate students.

Currently, Dartmouth offers one online graduate program. The Master of Health Care Delivery Science (MHCDS) prepares students for leadership careers in the healthcare sector.

8. Northern Michigan University

Northern Michigan University offers several online programs, including Michigan's first, and only, Native American Studies bachelor's degree. The school's Center for Native American Studies also offers a Native American Studies minor (generalist) and a Native American Community Services associate degree.

Attendees seeking financial aid might qualify for the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver. Students with one-fourth or more Native-American blood quantum, certified by their Tribal Enrollment Department, might qualify if they meet residency and other criteria.

FAQs About Online Degrees for Native-American Students

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), over 170,000 American Indian/Alaska Native students enrolled in college during the 2022-23 academic year. If you're ready to pursue a traditional or online degree, review these FAQs.

What Is a Tribal College or University?

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are schools that aim to meet the higher education needs of American Indians. They generally serve isolated areas where higher education is difficult to attain. The first TCU served a remote Navajo Nation community. Currently, 35 TCUs operating serve 250 federally recognized tribes in 15 states.

Can You Get Into College for Free if You Are Native American?

Yes, some colleges allow Native-American students to attend free of charge. For instance, Montana State University-Northern offers free tuition to students who qualify for the American Indian Tuition Waiver.

The University of Minnesota pays up to full tuition via the Indian American Scholar Program, Native American Promise Tuition Program, or American Indian Tuition Waiver.

What Support Services Are Provided To Native American Students at Online Colleges?

The support services provided to Native American students vary by online college. Schools might offer a cultural center that celebrates the history, culture, and languages of Native communities. Some schools provide American Indian or Native American studies degrees or tribal law and policy programs.

Support services might also include tuition waivers, grants, and other resources to help students save on tuition or attend school free of charge.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Are you eager to begin your journey toward the career of your dreams? Explore the accredited degree programs offered by colleges on Learn.org. Contacting one of these schools can help you determine ways they can help you reach your career goals.