For Native students, choosing a college is about more than finding the right academic program. It is also about finding people, spaces, and opportunities that support cultural identity, community connection, and long-term success.
Arizona State University offers Native students a broad network of academic programs, cultural resources, student services, pre-college initiatives, and opportunities to connect education with the needs and futures of Tribal Nations.
Arizona State University is a large public research university with multiple campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Its size gives students access to an extensive selection of majors, organizations, research opportunities, and university services. At the same time, Native-specific spaces can help students build a more personal sense of community within the larger institution.
American Indian Student Support Services, commonly called AISSS, serves as an important point of connection for Indigenous students at ASU.
AISSS describes its locations as “home away from home” spaces where students can study, relax, meet other students, and connect with staff. Support is available both on campus and online.
- Individual consultations and personalized support
- Connections to academic and university resources
- Study, relaxation, and meeting spaces
- Computer workstations and printing resources
- Academic-success events
- Cultural presentations and workshops
- Staff members who can help students navigate university processes
Students who want to connect their education with Indigenous governance, culture, leadership, sovereignty, and community needs can explore ASU’s Bachelor of Science in American Indian Studies.
The interdisciplinary program examines areas such as law, education, health, environmental stewardship, communication, history, literature, cultural expression, and the contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples and Tribal Nations.
American Indian Studies may be especially meaningful for students interested in tribal government, education, law, public policy, health, environmental work, cultural preservation, research, community development, or leadership within Tribal Nations.
Review the American Indian Studies degree
Academic offerings are only one part of the college experience. Students may also want opportunities to build friendships, participate in cultural activities, develop leadership skills, and connect with Native students, faculty, staff, families, and community members.
Student-led organizations can provide opportunities for friendship, cultural connection, community service, leadership, and professional development.
The Pow Wow at ASU brings Native dancers, singers, families, students, artists, vendors, and visitors together to honor Native culture and community.
AISSS and other university programs offer cultural presentations, workshops, celebrations, and opportunities for students to remain connected to identity and community.
The American Indian graduation celebration provides an opportunity to recognize students’ accomplishments alongside families, supporters, and the larger Indigenous community.
The Labriola National American Indian Data Center is an important resource for students interested in Indigenous knowledge, history, archives, research, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
Located within ASU Library, the Labriola Center supports the study of Indigenous peoples of North America while promoting respectful and community-centered approaches to Indigenous collections and knowledge.
- Explore Indigenous-focused books, archives, and research materials
- Receive assistance with academic and community-based research
- Attend exhibits, presentations, workshops, and cultural programs
- Learn about Indigenous approaches to archives and knowledge stewardship
- Connect research interests with Native histories and community priorities
ASU has developed initiatives that introduce Native youth to college, help students understand university expectations, and create opportunities to connect with Native college students, staff, and faculty.
INSPIRE has provided American Indian high school students with a college-readiness experience featuring culturally relevant learning, campus activities, and connections to ASU resources.
Pre-college experiences can help students become familiar with university spaces, academic expectations, residence life, student services, and the daily experience of attending college.
Meeting Native college students can help high school students ask honest questions, learn from others’ experiences, and begin picturing themselves in a college setting.
Culturally grounded programs can help students explore college without being asked to separate their educational goals from their identities, families, and communities.
Native students considering ASU should build a complete financial plan that includes federal financial aid, university grants and scholarships, Tribal higher-education funding, private scholarships, and any tuition programs for which they qualify.
Students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal grants, work-study, student loans, and some forms of university or state aid.
Tribal Nations may offer scholarships, grants, or other forms of educational assistance. Requirements and award amounts differ among Tribes.
Students should review university-wide, departmental, and program-specific scholarships connected to their academic interests and qualifications.
Regional and national organizations may offer scholarships based on Tribal citizenship, community involvement, academic goals, financial need, or field of study.
- Complete the FAFSA as early as possible
- Review ASU scholarship opportunities and deadlines
- Contact your Tribe’s education or scholarship department
- Gather Tribal citizenship and enrollment documentation
- Ask ASU how Tribal funding will be processed
- Apply for regional and national Native student scholarships
- Compare the complete cost for the specific ASU campus you may attend
- Review the financial aid offer before making an enrollment decision
Review ASU’s guidance for students seeking financial assistance through their Tribal Nation.
Explore university and departmental scholarship opportunities available through ASU.
Apply for federal student aid and determine eligibility for grants, work-study, and federal student loans.
Search for additional scholarships, tuition programs, and funding opportunities created for Native students.
ASU’s primary campuses are located in the Salt River Valley on the ancestral territories of Indigenous peoples, including the Akimel O’odham and Pee Posh communities.
ASU Library’s Indigenous land acknowledgement also recognizes the Native Nations that have inhabited the region for centuries. Students may want to consider how the university’s acknowledgement is reflected in its relationships, academic programs, student services, and ongoing work with Tribal Nations.
A land acknowledgement can be a starting point, but students should also examine how a college supports Native students, respects Tribal sovereignty, develops relationships with Tribal Nations, and includes Indigenous voices in university decisions.
- A large public university with extensive academic options
- A dedicated Native student-support program
- Native student spaces available across multiple campuses
- Opportunities to study American Indian governance, culture, leadership, and sovereignty
- Native student organizations, cultural events, and leadership experiences
- Access to Indigenous-focused archives, research, and programming
- Connections with Native students, faculty, staff, and community members
- Campus-based and online learning options
No college is the right fit for every student. ASU’s size may create many opportunities, but students should consider whether they would feel comfortable navigating a large university with multiple campuses.
Speaking with current students, AISSS staff, academic advisors, and financial aid representatives can help you understand how ASU’s resources would fit your individual needs and goals.
- Which ASU campus offers my intended major?
- Does that campus have an AISSS location?
- What support is available specifically for first-year Native students?
- How often do Native student organizations meet?
- What cultural events are planned during the academic year?
- Can I connect with a current Native student before enrolling?
- Are Native students connected with mentors, alumni, faculty, or Tribal communities?
- Can American Indian Studies coursework be added to my intended major?
- How will I travel between campuses if programs or events are held elsewhere?
- What will my actual cost be after grants, scholarships, and Tribal funding?
- What academic, wellness, and career support will I be able to access?
Arizona State University offers Native students several meaningful points of connection, including American Indian Student Support Services, American Indian Studies, Native student organizations, cultural events, pre-college programming, and the Labriola National American Indian Data Center.
For students seeking the academic resources of a large university along with opportunities to remain connected to culture, community, and Indigenous perspectives, ASU may deserve a closer look. Visit the campus you plan to attend, connect with AISSS, speak with current students, and compare the complete financial aid offer before making your decision.
Explore colleges, cultural supports, academic opportunities, and financial resources designed to help Native students make informed college decisions.
Explore the College Search Search for ScholarshipsCollege programs, services, contacts, financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, and deadlines may change. Students and families should confirm current information directly with Arizona State University, scholarship providers, and their Tribal education department.
