The University of Illinois at Chicago will offer in-state tuition to members of tribal nations starting this fall.
The policy aims to remedy the low representation of American Indian and Alaska Native students on college campuses across the nation, the school said this week.
“One of the things we wanted to do to create a fairer playing field for Native Americans is to recognize that their nations did not recognize state boundaries,” said Kevin Browne, vice provost for academic and enrollment services.{mosads}
Students will still have to meet typical admission standards, including test scores and grade point averages.
“What we are doing is taking away one of the financial roadblocks, which is out-of-state tuition and recognize the historic tie between Illinois with the American tribal nations,” Browne said.
In-state tuition can save a student up to $14,000 a year, according to university officials.
Eligible students will be charged $10,584 as a base tuition before federal grants and other aid.
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) hailed the program as a “great step,” but noted that her proposed higher education plan would go even further.
Warren said her plan would make tuition free at any two-year or four-year public college, and invest $50 billion in a fund for colleges including Tribal Colleges and Universities.
University of Illinois at Chicago also has a Native American Support Program. The university has about 600 students who identify as American Indian/Alaska Native and multiracial, according to school officials.