MSU introduces program to assist Native American students with tuition

Michigan State University Spartan Stadium | Susan J. Demas

Out-of-state Native American students can attend Michigan State University on in-state tuition rates through a new program announced Sunday by university President Kevin Guskiewicz during his investiture ceremony .

The MSU Native American Tuition Advantage Program (NATAP) will start in fall 2025 and expands on the current Spartan Tuition Advantage program so that students from anywhere in the United States or Canada who meet tribal affiliation criteria will qualify for in-state tuition levels and potentially the Spartan Tuition Advantage program.

“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,” said Dave Weatherspoon, vice provost of enrollment and academic strategic planning. “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.”

According to a university release , NATAP will waive the full cost of tuition 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, allowing 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

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