For Native students, choosing a college is not only about finding the right academic program. It is also about finding people, spaces, and resources that support cultural identity, connection, and belonging.
Great Falls College Montana State University offers an accessible college pathway supported by small classes, career-focused programs, and a dedicated Native + Indigenous Cultural Center. For students seeking a two-year college experience in Montana, these resources may make Great Falls College worth exploring.
Great Falls College is part of the Montana University System. Students can prepare to enter the workforce, complete prerequisite courses for specialized programs, or begin their college education before transferring to a four-year institution.
The Native + Indigenous Cultural Center is one of the college’s most important resources for Native students. Located in the Sun River Wing, the center supports learning across campus while maintaining a specific focus on Native American student success.
- A welcoming place to study, gather, and build relationships
- Quiet study rooms and distraction-reduced work areas
- Computer and printing access
- A kitchen and children’s play area
- Connections to college and community resources
- Guidance from the college’s Native American Student Ambassador
These practical resources matter. A dedicated campus space can help students locate support more easily, meet other students, and feel that Native identity has a visible place within the college community.
Not every two-year college provides a space specifically centered on Native and Indigenous student success. Students comparing colleges may want to ask how often the center is used, what activities are offered, and how the Native American Student Ambassador works directly with students.
Great Falls College offers programs designed for students with different educational goals. Depending on the program, students may prepare for direct entry into a career or complete coursework that can contribute to a future bachelor’s degree.
Available areas of study include fields such as:
- Nursing and other health professions
- Dental hygiene and dental assisting
- Cybersecurity and information technology
- Computer programming
- Welding and fabrication technology
- Education and human services
- Business and accounting
- General education and transfer preparation
Students should review the college’s current academic program options carefully. Program availability, admission requirements, and transfer opportunities can change.
Some Native students attending Great Falls College may qualify for the Montana American Indian Tuition Waiver. However, the waiver is not automatically available to every Native student.
- Are enrolled members or tribally certified descendants of a federally recognized Tribe located within Montana’s boundaries
- Meet Montana residency requirements
- Attend a qualifying Montana University System campus
- Demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA
- Submit the required waiver application and supporting documentation
The waiver applies to eligible tuition charges, but it may not cover student fees, books, housing, transportation, or other college expenses. Students should contact Great Falls College Financial Aid for an individualized review before estimating their final cost.
Students can also explore:
- Federal Student Aid and the FAFSA
- Scholarship information provided through the Cultural Center
- Education benefits offered by their Tribe
- Local and regional Native student scholarships
- American Indian College Fund scholarships
A college website can provide helpful information, but students may learn more by speaking directly with the people who provide support. Consider asking:
- What Native student activities and gatherings are offered during the year?
- How can new students connect with the Native American Student Ambassador?
- What academic, personal, and financial support is available through the Cultural Center?
- Are there Native student organizations or leadership opportunities?
- How does the college help students transfer to a four-year institution?
- Which expenses would remain after applying an eligible tuition waiver?
- Are Tribal education benefits accepted and coordinated with other financial aid?
Great Falls College may appeal to Native students who want a smaller college environment, career-focused academic options, or an affordable place to begin their education. Its Native + Indigenous Cultural Center adds an important layer of connection and support.
No single college will be the right fit for every student. Students should consider the academic program, total cost, transfer possibilities, distance from home, community connections, and the kind of cultural support they want available throughout their college experience.
Help students look beyond whether a college simply lists a Native student resource. Encourage them to contact the Cultural Center, ask who will support them, and learn what the center offers throughout the academic year. That conversation can provide a much clearer picture of the student’s potential experience.
