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UC Native American Opportunity Plan — Free UC Tuition for Enrolled Tribal Members

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Category
Native American & Tribal
Student
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Eligibility
California residents who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Native American, American Indian and/or Alaska Native tribe, admitted to a UC degree program
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The University of California's Native American Opportunity Plan fully covers in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees for California residents who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Native American, American Indian and/or Alaska Native tribe. Students with more financial need may get extra grants for books, housing, and transportation. There is no separate application: file the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2, and UC will ask for proof of tribal enrollment. Verified 2026-09-28.
Value
Covers in-state UC tuition and Student Services Fees
Espanol
Plan de Oportunidad para Nativos Americanos de UC — Matrícula gratuita en UC para miembros inscritos de tribus
URL
admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition...lan.html
Last verified 2026-09-28.
Under the Native American Opportunity Plan, UC makes sure "in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered" for eligible students. Students with more financial need may get extra grant aid for books, housing, and transportation. Campus fees, summer tuition, and professional degree supplemental tuition are not covered. Source: University of California — Native American Opportunity Plan (accessed 2026-09-28)

Who qualifies

  • "Must be an enrolled member in a federally recognized Native American, American Indian and/or Alaska Native tribe."
  • A California resident for tuition purposes.
  • A current or newly admitted UC undergraduate, graduate, or professional student, in a qualifying degree program (not certificate or self-supporting programs).
  • Undergraduates must file the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application.

How to apply

There is no separate application. File the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2. UC contacts eligible students and asks for tribal enrollment documents, such as a letter on tribal letterhead, a membership card with the tribal seal, a CDIB, or a tribal ID card with an enrollment number.

Federal recognition required

This plan requires enrollment in a federally recognized tribe. The Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe is not federally recognized today; the Tribe says its federal recognition "was illegally terminated in 1964" and it is working to restore it. Source: HUṠWEJ — Ancestral Homelands Reciprocity Program (accessed 2026-09-28)

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