A new group of students will be eligible for American Indian tuition waivers in Montana starting July 1, 2026, a change expected to expand access to higher education while raising concerns among some tribal leaders.A waiver program administered by the Montana University System covers tuition costs for eligible American students. About 800 students receive the benefit each year, which costs the state about $3.8 million, according to the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.Under prior laws, students had to be enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe in Montana or demonstrate at least one-quarter tribal ancestry with financial need and state residency.The Montana Board of Regents approved the changes in July 2025. These include eliminating the need for blood tests and expanding eligibility to include non-enrolled tribal descendants. Students must still demonstrate financial need and Montana residency.Officials said the move was prompted by an executive order dated January 2025. Donald Trumpwhich called on institutions to end illegal diversity, equity and inclusion discrimination.
Concerns over policy and consultation
According to Associated Pressofficials said the federal guidance raised concerns that the earlier requirement could be seen as racial discrimination.At a December 2025 meeting of a state legislative committee, Galen Hollenbaugh said the changes were made to ensure “long-term stability” of the exemption. He said there are concerns that the previous standards could put the program at risk under federal scrutiny.Some tribal leaders questioned the decision and the lack of prior consultation.Jonathan Vandeboy said tribes should have been informed before major policy changes were made. “Whenever there is a major policy affecting the tribes, the tribes should know ahead of time,” he said at the meeting. A.PTyson Running Wolf said he had mixed thoughts on the changes. While he supports expanding access, he said consultation with tribes is needed. “I’m not saying I have the answer,” he said. “We never got there.”Running Wolf also said the original program is unlikely to face legal threat because federal law treats tribal citizenship as a political classification rather than a racial one.Officials from the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education said outreach to tribal governments is ongoing.
Financial implications and implementation
These changes are expected to increase the number of eligible students. A financial analysis of a similar proposal estimated that more than 1,300 additional students could qualify, increasing costs in the coming years.The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education said institutions would not receive additional state funding and would need to manage any increased costs within existing budgets.Officials have also advised financial aid offices to accept a wider range of documents to verify a child’s status. Students already receiving waivers will continue to receive aid until they complete their current degrees.
Access to education can be improved.
Some education officials say the revised criteria could make it easier for students to qualify.Documentation requirements under previous laws were a challenge, James Broschet said. “Ideally, it makes the path a little easier for students,” he said, according to A.PMiranda Berland said the change could ease financial stress for students. “I think when students find out there are more funding opportunities, it’s almost like you get a little relief,” she said. A.P
