American Indian Higher Education Consortium

AIHEC unites and supports Tribal Colleges and Universities to strengthen Tribal Nations and empower Native communities.

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Tribal Colleges & Universities

Tribal Colleges and Universities are Tribally-chartered, locally governed institutions established by Tribal Nations to exercise sovereignty in education and strengthen student success.

35

Accredited TCUs

90+

TCU Campuses

16

States

250+

Tribal Nations Represented

50+

Years

TCU Profiles and Locations

Our Work

Over the past five decades, AIHEC has worked to help ensure that the principle of Tribal sovereignty is recognized and respected and that TCUs are fully included in this nation’s higher education system.

Programs & Services

Our programs strengthen Tribal Colleges and Universities as student-centered institutions with visionary leadership that advances student success.

Seven Core Program Areas Driving TCU Capacity Building and Student Success

  • Member Services
  • Cyberinfrastructure
  • Health Initiatives
  • Land Grant & Environment
  • Native Language & Culture
  • Open Educational Resources
  • STEM Workforce
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Policy & Action

We have achieved remarkable accomplishments in federal policy advancements, laying the foundation for expanded support to Tribal Colleges and Universities.

On behalf of the nation’s TCUs, AIHEC engages with policymakers, Tribes, and federal agencies to ensure Tribal higher education is recognized, supported, and strengthened through law and policy.

Our Work Includes:

  • Federal Relations
  • Congressional Affairs
  • Policy Priorities
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Featured Documents

Building Local Economies of Scale:

The Impact of Tribal Colleges & Universities in Rural America

September 9, 2025

Building Local Economies of Scale:

The Impact of Tribal Colleges & Universities in Rural America

Executive Summary
September 9, 2025

RE: Status of Tribal Nations as Political Entities in the Implementation of the President’s New Executive Orders

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Featured Events & News

2027 AIHEC Legislative Summit

Washington, D.C.
February 2-5, 2027

2027 Spring Board of Directors Meeting

Billings, MT
March 15-16, 2027

2027 AIHEC Student Conference

Billings Hotel and Convention Center, Billings, MT
March 16 – 20, 2027

AIHEC Receives $75,000 from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation to Support Tribal Colleges and Universities

July 31, 2026

AIHEC Statement on the Nomination of Mark Cruz and the Need to Fully Fund Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

June 25, 2026

AIHEC Statement on the 2027 President’s Budget and Funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities

April 6, 2026

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