Native American Opportunity Plan

The University of California’s Native American Opportunity Plan ensures that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered for California students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes. This plan applies to eligible undergraduate and graduate students.

Plan Overview

Students eligible for the Native American Opportunity Plan will have in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees fully covered by either UC financial aid or another federal, state or other financial aid program. 

The plan combines all sources of grants, scholarships, tuition and fee specific awards you receive from federal, state, UC, and private sources (e.g. Cal Grant; veteran’s tuition benefits; tribal benefits; University, Departmental, or external fellowships; tuition and fee remissions, etc.) to count toward covering your fees.

  • If the total of your aid from these sources is more than your UC systemwide tuition and fees, then the Native American Opportunity Plan promise has been satisfied.
  • If the total of your aid from these sources does not fully cover your UC systemwide fees, your Native American Opportunity Plan award will make up the difference with UC grant funding.

Students with greater financial need may qualify for even more grant support to help pay other educational expenses (like books, housing, transportation, etc.) and are encouraged to complete a financial aid application.

Note: If you are a member of a tribe that is not federally recognized, additional support may be available through external organizations, including the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. We encourage you to work with the Native American Student Development Office or the American Indian Graduate Program to identify these opportunities.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Native American Opportunity Plan, UC Berkeley students must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Must be a current or newly admitted UC Berkeley undergraduate, graduate or professional school student; 
  • Must be a California resident for tuition purposes.
  • Must be an enrolled member in a federally recognized Native American, American Indian and/or Alaska Native tribe. 
  • Must be enrolled in a state-supported, qualifying degree program (i.e., self-supporting and certificate programs do not qualify). 
  • Undergraduate students  must apply for financial aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application (CADAA). 

Next Steps

The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office will coordinate with the Native American Student Development Office, the American Indian Graduate Program, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Residency Office to identify eligible students. The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office will notify new and continuing students, both undergraduate and graduate, who might be eligible for funding under the Native American Opportunity Plan with guidance on next steps. 

Documentation of tribal enrollment will be collected and reviewed prior to awarding. Eligible students may submit any of the following forms of documentation:

  • Certification of tribal enrollment on tribal letterhead.
  • Enrollment/membership card that contains the tribal seal and/or official signature of a tribal leader.
  • Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) if the CDIB includes tribal enrollment information.
  • Tribal identification card with an enrollment number.

Eligible students also need to submit tribal contact information (address, phone, and email) with the submitted documentation.

Undergraduate Students 

Undergraduate students who meet all the eligibility requirements and who have completed either a FAFSA or a California Dream Act Application will be asked to certify eligibility by submitting documentation through the Berkeley Financial Aid Forms Website.  

Graduate Students 

Graduate Students who meet all the eligibility requirements will be asked to certify eligibility by completing the form below and uploading it through CalCentral.

Graduate Students Download Form