Native American Legacy Award (NALA)

Native American students stand in a line for a group photo

Through the Native American Legacy Award (NALA) program, Native American students who live outside of Colorado may be eligible for various tuition adjustments and financial aid based on tribal affiliation. In short, you may receive in-state tuition rates and additional financial aid if you are from out of state.

Depending on your tribal affiliation, you may A) qualify for in-state tuition rates OR B) qualify to receive Colorado residency status. While both awards mean you receive in-state tuition rates, those who receive Colorado residency status also are eligible for additional financial aid from CSU and the state.

In-State tuition award

You can receive in-state tuition rates if you meet certain requirements.

You are eligible if you are:

  • An enrolled citizen of a state or federally recognized tribe OR provide proof that a biological parent is an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized tribe. If you or a biological parent are not enrolled in a tribe, you may qualify if you demonstrate a blood quantum of one-half Native American ancestry. This quantum does not necessarily need to be of one tribe, but of all tribes combined, from recognized tribes under this policy.
  • A non-resident of Colorado
  • Seeking a degree on CSU’s main campus (CSU Online students are not eligible)

Colorado residency status

You can receive Colorado residency if you meet certain requirements. This means you will receive in-state tuition rates and are eligible for additional financial aid from CSU and the state.

You are eligible if you are:

  • An enrolled citizen of a federally recognized tribe with historical ties to Colorado according to the Colorado American Indian Tribes In-State Tuition Act. See the list of qualifying tribes.
  • A non-resident of Colorado
  • Seeking a degree on CSU’s main campus (CSU Online students are not eligible)

Award amount and limitations

Receiving in-state tuition rates means your non-resident tuition will be reduced to Colorado resident base tuition. This does not include university fees or differential tuition. The award is based on current tuition rates, which are subject to change each year. The actual NALA tuition rate will be reflected in your estimated cost of attendance, financial aid awards (if applicable), and billing statements.

The Native American Legacy Award cannot be combined with the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) award, Yellow Ribbon Award, GI Promise, HB 15-1294 GI Benefits. If you receive more than one of these awards, the one that benefits you the most will remain and the others will be canceled.

How do I apply?

1. Apply to Colorado State University

  • Submit a completed application for admission
  • Submit proof of tribal citizenship or membership no later than 15 business days before the start of the academic term

2. Send official tribal citizenship documents to:

Native American Legacy Award
Office of Admissions
Colorado State University
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
(970) 491-6909
admissions@colostate.edu

Examples include a copy of your certificate of enrollment or the front and back of your tribal membership card.