The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) applauds the Trump administration’s recently announced increased investment in Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). This one-time allocation by the federal government for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 is progress towards fulfilling federal trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations as intended and a welcome new precedent in increased investment into TCUs. 

TCUs are open to all students and operate in some of the most rural parts of the United States. These institutions provide valuable learning and training that support rural economic growth and job creation, all without the advantage of large endowments and generally with little support from the states in which they are located.

TCUs are chartered by their respective Tribal Nation or by the federal government and serve over 160,000 American Indian, Alaska Native, and rural residents each year through a variety of academic and community-centered programs. The opportunities provided by TCUs uplift their regional economies, creating a multiplying effect that spreads favorable circumstances throughout the country. In FY 2022-2023 alone, TCUs generated $3.8 billion in economic growth for the United States – supporting 40,700 jobs and contributing to community improvement for all.

Federal support for TCUs upholds the government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations. Investing in TCUs benefits every taxpayer, as these colleges expand broad participation in education and provide consistent opportunities for individuals from a range of backgrounds. The decision to allocate additional funding acknowledges the unique and historic contributions of TCUs as centers for learning, job preparation, and collaboration.

AIHEC recognizes that, as part of this funding increase, dollars were shifted from other federal programs – some of which serve American Indian and Alaska Native students at non-TCU campuses. This adjustment brings new resources to our institutions, but also presents obstacles for students who rely on other supports. AIHEC encourages future policy to ensure educational programs are available to all American Indian and Alaska Native students wherever they pursue post-secondary learning.

AIHEC welcomes this important investment and urges ongoing commitment at all levels of government to support Tribal Colleges and Universities.