Michigan State University is enhancing college access and affordability for Native American students by offering in-state tuition rates to out-of-state Native American students through the new MSU Native American Tuition Advantage Program, or NATAP.

President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., announced this initiative during his investiture ceremony on Sept. 29. The program aims to eliminate financial barriers and increase enrollment among historically underrepresented Native American students, addressing a key concern of Michigan’s tribal nations.

“We are thrilled to announce the Native American Tuition Advantage Program, which will start in the fall of 2025,” said Dave Weatherspoon, vice provost of enrollment and academic strategic planning. “This has been a collaborative effort between the Native American Institute, Office of Admissions, Office of Financial Aid, University Outreach and Engagement and the Office of the Provost. We engaged with community members in important discussions and researched similar national programs to ensure MSU’s initiative would be as inclusive as possible. We believe this is one of the most significant tuition support programs focused on increasing college access for Native students.”

NATAP builds on the existing MSU Maynard Kennedy Turtle Island Acknowledgement Scholarship, which offers similar benefits to a limited number of tribally affiliated students and descendants from state or federally recognized tribes. Additionally, MSU participates in the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, which waives tuition for in-state Native American students at Michigan public colleges and universities. However, this waiver has strict eligibility criteria, with exclusions applying to students from Canada and those who do not meet specific Native American blood quantum requirements, among others.

“The Native American Tuition Advantage Program will increase access to and the affordability of higher education for Native students,” said MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko. “Programs in Michigan and at our university have established pathways for Native students, and this addition will significantly expand access for domestic and international students.”

The full cost of tuition will be waived for Native students in some cases. Those who are eligible for NATAP, who come from a family with a total household income of $65,000 or less and who do not qualify for the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, will then qualify for a total tuition waiver through the Spartan Tuition Advantage Program. This allows MSU to expand tuition support to more Native American students who otherwise may not have qualified.

“NATAP is a profound testament to Michigan State University’s reignited dedication to Native American students,” said Lauren Kennedy, senior admissions counselor for the MSU Office of Admissions and a member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. “I am confident that NATAP will provide Native American/First Nation students and their families opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach. As a Native Spartan alumna and employee, I am incredibly grateful to this administration for instituting a groundbreaking new policy. This progress inspires me to continue my work.”

To be eligible for in-state tuition rates through NATAP, MSU students must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, or CDIB
• Photocopy of Tribal ID 
• Photocopy of Indian Status Card 
• A letter of Tribal Certification
• Proof of citizenship in one of the provincial affiliates of the Métis National Council
• Enrollment card from one of the Inuit Land Claims Agreements 
• Descendant-based eligibility

“This new program exemplifies and emphasizes community partnership and support,” said Kwesi Brookins, vice provost for university outreach and engagement. “It is truly a collaborative effort to address the need to transform systemic barriers that often prevent our Native students from accessing a college education and the opportunities that come along with that. We look forward to continuing these strong campus partnerships to support our Native students and ensure their success at MSU.”

In addition to reduced or eliminated tuition costs, Native American students enrolled at MSU will have access to resources and tools aimed at helping them achieve academic success. The Native American Institute at MSU strives to enhance support systems and programs for Native students. With a new focus, the office will increase programming, cultural activities and resources to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed and graduate.

“Having earned all three of my degrees from MSU, in addition to having worked as an employee of this institution for close to 24 years, I am ecstatic to see the university acknowledge and make a financial commitment to support Indigenous students and their families, not only here in Michigan, but across the U.S. and Canada,” said Kevin Leonard, director of the Native American Institute and a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Band of Chippewa Indians. “With this move, MSU establishes itself as a role model among its peer institutions as to what a commitment to Indigenous student support looks like. We are taking an important step toward addressing the wrongs of the past by making our institution accessible and affordable for generations of Native Americans to come.”