Scholarships and Financial Support for Indigenous Students

Syracuse University offers several scholarships and grants specifically for Indigenous students, underscoring our commitment to welcoming and supporting Native students as members of our Orange community.

Scholarships and Grants

Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship

Established in 2005, this scholarship expresses Syracuse University’s gratitude and appreciation for the historical, political and cultural legacies of the Haudenosaunee communities and honors the continually growing relationship between us. The scholarship makes the University’s rich educational experiences available to qualified Haudenosaunee students.

At Syracuse, I’ve been able to stay close to my culture and my identity and still be the very best student I can be.

—Logan Booth ’21, Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship recipient

Who qualifies? To be eligible a student must:

  • Be a certified citizen of one of the historic Haudenosaunee nations (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca or Tuscarora). Complete the certificate of eligibility.
  • Have resided on one of the following Haudenosaunee nation territories for a minimum of four years prior to and during their enrollment at Syracuse University: Akwesasne Mohawk, Allegany Seneca, Cattaraugus Seneca, Cayuga, Ganienke Mohawk, Kahnawake Mohawk, Kanatsiohareke Mohawk, Kanesatake Mohawk, Niagara Falls Seneca, Oil Spring Seneca, Oneida, Oneida of the Thames (Ontario), Onondaga, Six Nations (Ontario), Tonawanda Seneca, Tuscarora, Tyendinaga Mohawk, Oneida (Wisconsin), Wahta (Ontario).
  • Be an admitted first-year or transfer student.
  • Be in pursuit of their first bachelor’s degree.
  • File for financial aid by published deadlines.
  • Maintain full-time academic status (12 credits per semester) and meet the satisfactory academic progress standards of the University.

What does the scholarship cover? Cost of tuition, housing, and food (on campus, as outlined in the University’s Cost of Attendance), and mandatory fees for each year of full-time undergraduate study.

Apply for Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship

Haudenosaunee Honor Scholarship

This scholarship was created in 2013 to recognize talented Haudenosaunee scholars who have citizenship but don’t meet the residency requirements of the Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship. It carries the same prestige as the Haudenosaunee Promise. Three scholarships are awarded each year.

Who qualifies? To be eligible a student must:

  • Be a certified citizen of one of the historic Haudenosaunee nations (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, or Tuscarora).
  • Be an admitted first-year (early decision or regular decision) or transfer student.
  • Be in pursuit of their first bachelor’s degree.
  • File for financial aid by published deadlines.
  • Maintain full-time academic status (12 credits per semester) and meet the satisfactory academic progress standards of the University.
  • Submit the Honor Application by the March 15 deadline.

What does the scholarship cover? Cost of tuition and mandatory fees (as specified in the University’s Cost of Attendance) for each year of full-time undergraduate study.

Apply for Haudenosaunee Honor Scholarship

Indigenous Pathways Grant

Instituted in the fall of 2020, the Indigenous Pathways Grant provides need-based aid to Indigenous students from the U.S. and Canada.

Who qualifies? All Indigenous students with documented financial need, as determined by the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. If you (or your parent/grandparent) are Indigenous and officially enrolled in your state or federally recognized tribe/Nation, you may be eligible for Syracuse University’s Indigenous Pathways Grant.

To apply, contact:

Distant Drums Scholarships for Part-Time Indigenous Students

This scholarship is awarded to Native American students who are enrolled in part-time study at Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies (previously University College). Scholarship amounts vary annually, depending on the income generated by the endowment and the number of students who are eligible.

Who qualifies?

  • Students who have completed 24 college credits (sophomore standing) and have a grade point average of 2.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
  • Native American adults (preferably of the Iroquois Nation) who are enrolled as part-time students at the College of Professional Studies.

    Indigenous Teacher Preparation Fund Scholarships

    The School of Education Indigenous Teacher Preparation Fund provides scholarships for Native American undergraduates preparing to become inclusive education teachers. This scholarship recognizes the critical need for Indigenous teachers in schools serving predominantly Indigenous communities—especially for those trained in inclusive education at the elementary level—and that young Indigenous students seeing themselves represented in their teachers is a crucial element for academic success.

    Who Qualifies?

    Indigenous Teacher Preparation Fund scholarships are reserved for qualified, admitted, first-year and transfer students enrolled in any Native American nation in the US and Canada (with SOE support for reciprocal teacher certification if needed), with a preference for students from the Haudenosaunee nations. Scholarship recipients enroll in either of the School of Education’s bachelor’s degree teacher preparation programs: Inclusive Childhood Education or Inclusive Adolescent Education. Students eligible for the Syracuse University Indigenous Pathways Grant programs may apply.

    What Does the Scholarship Cover?

    The Indigenous Teacher Preparation Fund scholarship pays for a maximum of 30% of an individual student’s tuition.

    To Be Eligible a Student Must:

    • Be an admitted first-year or transfer student.
    • Be a certified citizen of a US Indigenous Nation or Canadian First Nation, including one of the historic Haudenosaunee nations (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, or Tuscarora).
    • Be in pursuit of their first bachelor’s degree.
    • File for financial aid by published deadlines.
    • Maintain full-time academic status (12 credits per semester) and meet the satisfactory academic progress standards of the University.

    Certificate of Eligibility/Scholarship Application

    Support for Indigenous Students

    At Syracuse University, Indigenous student teachers will find a welcoming campus community and rich academic programs with faculty, staff, and alumni who are invested in helping students succeed.

    Opportunities Open to All Indigenous Students Include:

    Additional Academic Support and Opportunities for Indigenous Teacher Preparation Students:

    Apply to Syracuse University as a Native American or Indigenous Student and learn more about why Syracuse is a place for Native students to thrive.

    For More Information:

    Tammy Bluewolf-Kennedy ’04, G’10
    Admissions Counselor and Native American Liaison
    Syracuse University Office of Admissions
    tbluewol@syr.edu

    Resources for Financial Aid and Scholarships

    It’s never too early to begin your search for scholarships and find out about financial aid. The means to fund your education and achieve your goals are out there.

    General Planning Information

    Scholarship Search Websites

    Other Scholarships and Opportunities for Indigenous Students