Historic Funding Boost for Tribal Colleges and Universities
This week marked a significant milestone for higher education in the United States, as the Department of Education unveiled an unprecedented financial commitment of nearly $500 million to bolster tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). This development comes in the wake of proposed budget reductions by the White House that had threatened the viability of several institutions.
Just days before this announcement, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren engaged in a pivotal meeting with Education Secretary Linda McMahon in Washington, D.C. Nygren emphasized the unique role of tribal education in preserving cultural heritage and language, asserting, “And I had to remind her about the Navajo Code Talkers and the things that we’ve done for this country,” he told KJZZ. He added that McMahon was receptive to the importance of adequately funding education, including higher education.
Nygren described the meeting as a “big win for the Navajo Nation,” but the subsequent funding news exceeded his expectations. He expressed surprise and delight at the allocation of over $100 million to tribal colleges, including those like Navajo Technical University in New Mexico and Diné College in Arizona, the latter being the nation’s oldest TCU.
These institutions, initially facing a daunting 90% budget deficit, will now receive a one-time 109% funding increase, on top of their regular fiscal year allocations. Secretary McMahon redirected funds from programs she labeled as “ineffective and discriminatory.”
Meanwhile, Congress continues deliberations over the fiscal policies of President Donald Trump’s administration, which initially proposed nearly defunding TCUs across Arizona and Indian Country, potentially slashing their federal funding by almost 90%.
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium welcomed the funding announcement, though it also pointed out challenges for Native students at non-TCU campuses. A statement highlighted, “this adjustment brings new resources to our institutions, but also presents obstacles for students who rely on other supports.”
Overall, approximately 36 TCUs will share $108 million, while 107 historically Black colleges and universities will receive a combined $1.34 billion. Nygren appreciated the administration’s shift, interpreting it as an indication that his concerns were heard. He noted, “I’m looking forward to how the dollars are allocated.” Nygren also felt that his meeting with McMahon had been honored, reflecting a commitment to treaty trust responsibilities.
—
Read More Arizona News
