In the 1970s, Congress aimed to fund a higher education system led by Indigenous communities. Tribal colleges and universities were established to support students disadvantaged by historical violence and racism against Native Americans, including the suppression of their languages and cultures.
However, a visit to Little Big Horn College in Montana with Emerson Bull Chief, the dean of academics, highlights the challenges in realizing this vision. Bull Chief navigated around “Keep out!” signs as plastic sheets blocked access to the daycare center, closed since a pipe burst in January. The closure extended to the cafeteria, affecting operations for months.
“Sometimes plants grow along here,” Bull Chief commented while walking through the student union building.
Despite being in better shape than most tribal colleges, Little Big Horn College faces infrastructure issues like leaking roofs and a $1 million repair need for the wellness center. A damaged electronic sign at the entrance remains unrepaired, with no timeline for fixing it according to school officials.
This situation is common among the 37 schools in 14 states. ProPublica found that Congress underfunds tribal colleges by $250 million annually, adjusted for inflation. President Joe Biden prioritized tribal schools early in his term, but limited funding increases have not addressed decades of financial neglect. The Bureau of Indian Education, responsible for funding requests, has not lobbied Congress for full funding as mandated by law.
The result is constrained budgets and deteriorating facilities, which the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights once called the “most poorly funded institutions of higher education.” Rising enrollments strain resources, hindering program updates and staff hiring for essential fields like nursing and teaching. As they expand degree offerings, researchers work in outdated spaces.
Funding was set at $8,000 per student with inflation adjustments. Yet, federal funding never meets these levels, and current allocations are vague. Since 2010, per-student funding has dipped as low as $5,235, now slightly under $8,700, per the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. If fully funded, tribal colleges would receive about $40,000 per student today.
The Bureau of Indian Education’s budget documents reveal no recent push for significant funding increases. The agency stated it follows guidelines from the Department of the Interior and the White House in its funding requests. A department spokesperson referred inquiries to the White House budget office, which declined to comment, redirecting back to the Interior Department.
In 2021, Biden called tribal colleges “integral and essential” in an executive order to address systemic educational issues. However, advocates say this initiative has been largely ceremonial. As funding falls short, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium has requested about $11,000 per student, less than the law mandates.
Advocates grapple with whether to demand full funding and risk political backlash or settle for less. Meanwhile, maintenance and capital improvement funds are minimal and separate from per-student funding.
Asked why the Bureau of Indian Education lacks awareness of facilities needs, Deputy Director Sharon Pinto stated, “We really wouldn’t know that because the buildings at these tribal colleges are not necessarily federal assets.” The bureau awaits colleges to specify their needs.
College leaders criticize the federal government for breaking promises to Indigenous communities over centuries. Meredith McCoy, an assistant professor at Carleton College, argues that chronic underfunding is a deliberate strategy to avoid accountability. “We’re teaching our children that it’s OK to make a promise and break it,” she said.
Outdated System
ProPublica surveyed 34 accredited tribal colleges, with 13 responses, and visited five campuses. Findings revealed classes in century-old forts, campuses closing due to infrastructure failures, and leaders unable to address growing needs. Surveyed colleges cited issues with foundations, roofs, and systems due to inadequate maintenance budgets. One campus estimated $100 million in repairs, lacking funds for technology upgrades necessary for modern job skills.
The Bureau of Indian Education’s 2024 budget request acknowledges escalating repair costs. Ignoring these could lead to dangerous situations and school closures, yet the budget falls short in addressing these problems.
In 2021, Congress allotted $15 million annually for maintenance, now $16 million, split among all tribal colleges—less than $500,000 each. The American Indian Higher Education Consortium estimated nearly half a billion dollars is needed for deferred maintenance, with new construction costs nearly double. Actual costs could be higher.
Tribal colleges can’t raise taxes or use bonds for basic needs. Federal funding excludes non-Native students, and budgets tightened during the pandemic as non-Native enrollment climbed. The Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978, which founded these schools, adds to funding confusion. It specifies $8,000 per student but also mentions funding based on need and government affordability without clear calculation methods.
Few Alternatives for Funding
Colleges and their advocates point to Congress as primarily responsible. ProPublica contacted 21 House and Senate members on appropriations or Indian Affairs committees, or representing districts with tribal colleges. Only Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, a New Mexico Democrat, responded, citing a lack of understanding in Congress about funding mechanisms.
Leger Fernández emphasized that tribal colleges are a federal trust responsibility. “We made a commitment. This is an obligation the federal government has,” she said.
Former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell noted tribal colleges lose out to louder Washington voices. “Federal money is always caught in a tug-of-war between needs,” he said.
Tribal colleges have limited budget-boosting options. Remote locations and few wealthy alumni limit private donations. “We don’t have the alumni who can afford to donate,” said Marilyn Pourier of Oglala Lakota College in South Dakota.
Tuition is kept low, but raising it would burden already struggling residents. Naomi Miguel, executive director of the White House tribal college initiative, plans to urge states to contribute more, noting it boosts local economies by creating a sustainable workforce.
“A Saving Grace”
Despite limited funding, tribal colleges and universities achieve significant outcomes. They often teach tribal languages, with nearly all 197 U.S. Indigenous languages endangered. Many campuses are the only local places with high-speed internet, crucial as 28% of tribal lands lack access.
Tribal colleges provide a supportive environment for Native students pursuing degrees. Shyler Martin, a Navajo Nation resident, transferred to Navajo Technical University, appreciating culturally sensitive staff who understand her family responsibilities.
“They’re culturally sensitive and understanding,” Martin said. “I’m a parent, and they do what they can to help you continue school.”
Yet, Martin experienced winter days in cold classrooms and last-minute class cancellations due to instructor shortages.
Carmelita Lamb, a University of Mary professor, called tribal colleges a “saving grace” for tribes. “Had we never had the tribal colleges, I really shudder to think where we’d be now,” said Lamb, of the Lipan Band of Apache.
While colleges strive to do their best, some face increasing challenges. Chief Dull Knife College’s plan for a $20 million academic building and ceremonial arbor stalled due to rising costs. Dean of Academic Affairs Bill Briggs speaks of these plans in the past tense, emphasizing the need for educational opportunities.
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