Tribal colleges in Montana are set to receive increased federal funding for the 2025 fiscal year, following initial issues with eligibility and allocation. Stone Child College President Cory Sangrey-Billy expressed relief, noting Montana’s unique position as home to seven of the nation’s 35 tribal colleges. These institutions are projected to receive $108 million, approximately double the previous year’s funds. This significant increase has prompted tribal colleges in Montana to begin budget planning.
Tribal education leaders in the state are highlighting the benefits of this federal investment through an economic impact report by the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. The report indicates that tribal colleges in Montana contributed $332.2 million to the economy in the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The consortium based in Alexandria, Virginia, aims to strengthen the voices of tribal-led colleges and universities. It commended the federal government’s increased funding as a positive step in honoring treaties with Tribal Nations.
Some of the funding increase results from reallocating dollars from other Native American programs at non-tribal colleges. The consortium encourages continued federal support for Native students across all educational settings. Although Stone Child College has not yet received the funds, Sangrey-Billy anticipates they may be used for infrastructure, like a new roof, or for educational support such as tutoring and mentoring, which are essential for student retention.
The economic impact report, “Building Local Economies of Scale,” emphasizes the financial benefits tribal colleges bring to local communities, taxpayers, and students. Notably, the colleges generated $47.1 million in payroll, money largely spent within the state on necessities. In addition, the report states that for every $1 invested in Montana’s tribal colleges, national taxpayers gain $1.40 and state taxpayers gain $12.40. The overall social benefits are estimated at $500.8 million, factoring in increased student and business income and reduced costs.
Brad Hall, president of Blackfeet Community College, underscores the importance of educating new federal administrations about the value of tribal colleges, given shifting political priorities. Recently returned from meetings with federal education leaders in Washington, D.C., Hall found them receptive and willing to understand the needs of tribal colleges. He clarified that these colleges are not diversity, equity, and inclusion programs but are tribally chartered institutions the federal government is obligated to support. Hall highlighted that successful advocacy is ongoing but acknowledged progress in securing baseline funding, albeit with budgeting challenges this year due to initial uncertainty.
Montana’s tribal college alumni contributed $258.6 million in added income for the state in 2022-2023, equivalent to 4,017 jobs, according to the report. Hall emphasized that these institutions are vital contributors to their communities, not merely recipients of federal aid. For more information, view the Montana TCU report.
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