Resources for Native American Students

To help with planning for the college, the MUS has compiled some useful resources to help you get on the right path.

Resources include helping you explore your career interests and figure out your calling. Also, learn about the different types of colleges and explore each of the 16 MUS universities and colleges across Montana to see which may be the best fit.

In addition, learn how you can get a head start on your college education while still attending high school. Take advantage of dual enrollment, mentoring programs, internships, guidance counseling, and more.  Receive guidance on the financial aid process to ensure you can fund your education. Finally, learn what you need to fill out a college application so you can begin your journey!

Become The Change You Seek

A college education not only brings countless benefits to your own life, but it helps you impact the lives of those around you. The results are real. The impact is real. Knowledge is indeed power. Make the most of it!
Connie Brownotter
I want to attend graduate school someday and I plan to return to the Standing Rock Reservation to work with and for my people. I am passionate about working with individuals within my community to improve the quality of life for all of the members of my tribe!
Connie Brownotter
Junior, Montana State University | Early Childhood Education major | Native American Studies minor
Connie is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, a university student, and a Gates Millennium Scholar. Continue reading the stories of many other Native American university scholars making the most of their college education!

Seek Your Calling

Figuring out your calling can be difficult, even overwhelming. Or perhaps you have some good sense of your strengths but aren’t sure of where to focus them. In either case, MUS has extensive tools for you to explore career options and outcomes. Make use of these resources to guide yourself towards an appropriate career path, and to find out what sparks your passions, interests, and strengths.
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Explore

Career Pathways

Get a general view of all the professions which may be related to your particular interests and skills. Use this information to figure out your next steps.
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Explore

Explore Career Interests

Not sure which field interests you? Explore useful career guidance resources to help. You can even take our quiz to find out which career may be a good fit.
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Explore

Programs & Degrees

Check out all the different programs & degrees across the 16 MUS colleges & universities. Also, use our program finder to discover programs related to your career interests.

Find the Right School

It’s important to connect your career interests with the right school for your long-term success. Make sure you know about the different types of colleges across the state. Also, explore each of the 16 MUS universities and compare tuition across each of them. From there, you can narrow down your options and select the best fit for you.
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Learn

Types of Colleges

Should you attend a two-year or four-year college? What are the differences between them? And which would work best for your interests & goals? Learn all about this here!
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Explore

All MUS Colleges

The Montana University System consists of 16 different colleges & universities. Explore each one and learn how well each school aligns with your unique interests and goals.
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Explore

Cost Comparison

Learn about and compare tuition costs & fees between different colleges & universities within the Montana University System. Discover what may work best for your budget.

Preparing for College

College is a long-term investment. Learn how to get the best returns — by maximizing your aid and minimizing out-of-pocket costs. Also, see how you can prepare in advance, gain college credit while still in high school, and get ahead of the college application process.
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Learn

College Prep Programs

Make use of dual enrollment to gain college credit while still in high school. Also, take advantage of mentoring, guidance counseling, internships & more while attending high school.
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Learn

American Indian Minority Achievement Program

The AIMA program works to strengthen opportunities and enhance connections in order to ensure clear messaging regarding diversity through policy.
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Explore

Navigate Financial Aid

There are special programs for Native American students to help fund their education and even tuition waiver programs. Learn more about helpful programs such as the American Indian Tuition Waiver to help minimize our out-of-pocket costs.

Empower Yourself and Others

Getting a college education opens countless doors and opportunities. Also, your knowledge and education allow you to raise yourself, and in turn, raise up the world around you!
Valene TalksDifferent
Despite being away from home, I still maintain my Native American culture and traditions by continuing to practice my culture throughout my education.
Valene TalksDifferent
Double majoring in Community Health and Prevention Sciences and Native American studies, University of Montana
Valene was raised on the Fort Belknap Indian reservation and attended Harlem High School. Continue reading the stories of many other Native American university scholars making the most of their college education!

Ask a Counselor

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MUS Counselor
Is there any way I can receive credit for prior learning and work experiences?
I don’t have the money to pay for tuition. Is it worth it for me to spend time on pursuing a college degree that I may not be able to afford?
Have any more questions? Contact someone at MUS to help you through the process.
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