Common App's growing ties with Native American-Serving Institutions

As we reflect on American Indian Heritage Month (also known as Native American Heritage Month), we want to highlight the contributions of Native American-Serving Institutions (NANTIs/NANSTIs) at Common App. In an effort to address systemic barriers experienced by millions of underrepresented (URM), underserved, marginalized, and rural students, Common App set out to increase the representation of Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) at Common App. In the first three years of the MSI program, more than 55 MSIs have joined Common App.

Important facts about Tribal Colleges and Native American-Serving Institutions

In 1994, Congress formally recognized TCUs, defined by the Indian Tribe List Act as degree-granting institutions with FTE enrollments of at least 15-20% American-Indian/Alaskan-Native (AI/AN) student populations. Afterward, Native American Non-Tribal Institutions (NANTIs /NANSTIs) were recognized and added under the 2008 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Today, there are over 37 designated TCUs and Native American Non-Tribal Institutions (NANTIs/ NANSTIs) that span 90+ campuses and sites in over 15 states—covering most of the federally designated Tribal Indian Lands.

• TCUs and NANTIs/NANSTIs serve students from over 250 federally recognized Indian tribes.
• AI/AN students make up 78% of the combined total enrollment of TCUs and NANTI/NANSTIs institutions in Higher Ed.
• TCUs and NANTIs/NANSTIs confer over 14% of associate degrees and 10% of bachelor’s degrees nationwide.
• The vast majority of TCUs and NANTI/NANSTI, 67%, are two-year institutions, while 33% are baccalaureate/master’s institutions. 

Key points about Tribal Colleges and Native American-Serving Institutions members at Common App

• There are six Native American-Serving Institution members (and growing!) at Common App. 
• Native American students using Common App increased from 9.6% to 20.3% during the first 2-years of the Common Apps MSI pilot program.
• Native American-Serving member institutions at Common App are represented in over five states, including the US territories of Alaska, with most schools holding multiple MSI designations (i.e., AANAPISI, AAHNS, etc.)

Learn more about Tribal Colleges and Native American-Serving Institutions impact at Common App

Learn more about MSIs and Native American-Serving Institutions at Common App with reports and data provided by the Data Analytics and Research team. 

• Deadline update: first-year application trends through November 1
• Unpacking applicant race and ethnicity, part 1: trends in the detailed backgrounds of applicants over time
• Long-term progress toward diversifying the Common App applicant pool
• Deadline update: first-year application trends through March 15
• Growth and change: long-term trends in Common App membership

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Wilvena McDowell is the Recruitment Manager for the MSI Program at Common App and dedicates her work to helping build a collaborative community of colleges and universities that reflect the diverse ecosystem of institutions represented within Higher Education.