7 Best Online Colleges for Native Americans/Alaska Natives 2025

Statistics show that Native American and Alaska Native (NA/AN) students attend college at a much lower rate than the general population. There are many reasons for this, one being the general lack of educational support services available to students in these populations.

Still, several colleges and universities across the U.S. are making an effort to encourage and support their Indigenous students, even those studying online. Keep reading to discover some of the best online colleges for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Best Online Colleges for Native American/Alaska Native Students

There are many Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) scattered throughout the U.S., primarily in western, midwestern, and plains states like Montana, New Mexico, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. While these are great options for many Native American/Alaska Native students, they are often two-year institutions that don't offer bachelor's degrees or above.

Below, we've explored some online colleges that are great for NA/AN students looking to further their education. All colleges listed are regionally accredited.

1. Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University is a public institution based in Tahlequah, OK. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields of study like:

• advocacy and justice studies
• business
• healthcare
• psychology

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 22% of undergraduate students at the university identify as American Indian or Alaska Native. On the Tahlequah campus, students will find the Center for Tribal Studies, which provides scholarships, student services, and more for indigenous learners.

2. Northern Arizona University

At Northern Arizona University, students can earn online undergraduate and graduate degrees in numerous areas of interest. NAU, based in Flagstaff, AZ, is a public research university.

It offers transfer pathways to students from local community colleges, including tribal colleges. It also runs an Office of Indigenous Student Success for Native students, as well as the Office of Native American and Indigenous Advancement meant to support and encourage students from tribal communities.

3. University of Alaska Anchorage

Through the Native Student Services at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Indigenous students (whether tribal members or not) will find student support, quiet study spaces, financial aid resources, and more.

UAA is based in Anchorage, AK. The public university offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields, such as healthcare, humanities, and technology.

4. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks, a public research university, is located in Fairbanks, AK. Online students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in multiple areas of study at UAF.

The university provides numerous services to students from Alaskan and other Native American tribes. These include education programs specifically focused on Indigenous culture and tribal nations, support services, on-campus events, and assistance with finding financial aid programs for Indigenous peoples.

5. University of Minnesota

Students at the University of Minnesota can earn online bachelor's and master's degrees in subjects, including business, criminal justice, and tribal administration. While the main campus of the public University of Minnesota System is spread across St. Paul and Minneapolis, it runs most of its online degrees through the Crookston, MN, campus.

Through the university's Circle of Indigenous Nations, students who identify as Native peoples can access student services, cultural events, and community. The institution also offers the Native American Promise Plus tuition program, which covers tuition costs for students from 11 recognized tribes who have a family household income of $125,000 or less.

6. University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico runs the Center for Native American Health, which offers student support and wellness services to NA/AN students. It has over 40 partnerships with tribal governments and nonprofit community organizations and serves over 23 tribal nations.

The public research university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas like business, cultural studies, healthcare, and STEM. The main campus is located in Albuquerque, NM.

7. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a public institution in Pembroke, NC. It offers online bachelor's and master's programs in American Indian Studies, business, education, social work, and more.

The university's American Indian Heritage Center provides social, cultural, and educational programs for Native American students. These include on-campus events, speakers, academic support and mentoring, and assistance with financial aid.

Our Ranking Criteria

To select the schools above, we looked for colleges and universities that:

• offer a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degrees
• have a high population of Native American/Alaska Native students
• run student services programs specifically for NA/AN students
• provided financial aid opportunities just for NA/AN students
• have been featured as one of the 'Top 200 Colleges for Indigenous Students' by Winds of Change magazine

This is not an exhaustive list of colleges and universities that offer online programs and provide support services to NA/AN students, but it does highlight some of the best options for Indigenous students looking to complete their coursework online.

FAQs About Programs for Alaska Native and Native American Students

Below, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about programs for Alaska Native and Native American students.

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

While not all students qualify, there are many programs that allow NA/AN students to attend college for free. This includes the American Indian College Fund, which provides numerous scholarships to Indigenous students.

Many colleges and universities offer their own financial aid programs for NA/AN learners. Some, like the University of Minnesota, even offer programs that completely cover tuition costs.

Additionally, many tribal nations offer financial aid to tribal members. Check with your tribal government to learn more about what you may qualify for.

What Is a Tribal College or University?

Tribal colleges and universities are institutions of higher learning specifically geared toward Native American students. They are typically located on or near reservations, and usually offer certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees, though some may offer bachelor's degrees.

There are currently TCUs in the following states:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Washington
• Wisconsin

What Services Are Provided to Native American Students?

The services provided to Native American students depend on the college or university and whether they have an office or department dedicated to Native American student affairs.

As mentioned, many institutions offer financial aid to NA/AN students. Many Indigenous student services centers can also help you find financial aid opportunities.

Additionally, these centers typically offer support services, career support, and mentoring. They may also hold events to build community or provide educational opportunities.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

If you're a Native American or Alaska Native student looking to pursue higher education, check out the accredited online degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about the services they provide for their NA/AN students.