Native tuition waiver changes could open doors to US higher education for thousands, but concerns persist

A new group of students will become eligible for the American Indian tuition waiver in Montana from July 1, 2026, a change expected to expand access to higher education while raising concerns among some tribal leaders.

The waiver programme, run by the Montana University System, covers tuition costs for eligible Native American students. Around 800 students receive the benefit each year, costing the state about 3.8 million dollars, according to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.

Under earlier rules, students had to be enrolled members of a federally recognised tribe in Montana or show at least one quarter tribal ancestry, along with financial need and state residency.

The Montana Board of Regents approved changes in July 2025. These include removing the blood quantum requirement and expanding eligibility to include unenrolled tribal descendants. Students must still show financial need and Montana residency.

Officials said the move was influenced by a January 2025 executive order issued by Donald Trump, which called on institutions to end what it described as illegal diversity, equity and inclusion discrimination.

Concerns over policy and consultation

According to Associated Press, officials said federal guidance raised concerns that the earlier requirement could be seen as racially discriminatory.

At a December 2025 meeting of a state legislative committee, Galen Hollenbaugh said the changes were made to ensure the “long term stability” of the waiver. He said there were concerns the previous criteria could put the programme at risk under federal scrutiny.

Some tribal leaders questioned the decision and the lack of prior consultation.

Jonathan Windy Boy said tribes should have been informed before major policy changes. “Whenever there is major policy that affects tribes, the tribes need to know ahead of time,” he said at the meeting, according to AP.

Tyson Running Wolf said he has mixed views on the changes. While he supports expanding access, he said consultation with tribes was needed. “I’m not saying I have the answer,” he said. “We never got there.”

Running Wolf also said the original programme was unlikely to face legal risk because federal law treats tribal citizenship as a political classification rather than a racial one.

Officials from the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education said outreach to tribal governments is ongoing.

Financial impact and implementation

The changes are expected to increase the number of eligible students. A fiscal analysis of a similar proposal estimated that more than 1,300 additional students could qualify, increasing costs in the coming years.

The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education said institutions will not receive additional state funding and will need to manage any increased costs within existing budgets.

Officials have also advised financial aid offices to accept a wide range of documents to verify descendant status. Students already receiving the waiver will continue to get support until they complete their current degrees.

Access to education may improve

Some education officials say the revised criteria could make it easier for students to qualify.

James Broscheit said documentation requirements had been a challenge under the earlier rules. “Ideally, this creates a little bit of an easier path for students,” he said, according to AP.

Miranda Burland said the change could reduce financial stress for students. “I think when students know there’s more opportunities for funding, it’s almost like you can see a little relief,” she said, according to AP.
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