MONTANA—Tribal colleges are some of the most important places in Native communities across Montana. They help people get a good education, learn their language and culture, and prepare for strong futures. These colleges are built by Native people, for Native people. They welcome everyone—from high school graduates to single parents, elders, and veterans.
There are seven tribal colleges in Montana. Each one is rooted in a specific tribal nation, like the Crow, Blackfeet, Salish, Nakoda, and others. These schools don’t just teach classes—they build community. They offer child care, food programs, help with housing, mental health support, and more.
Tribal colleges also help keep Native languages alive. Some are the only places where students can take classes in Crow, Salish, or Nakoda. That means they are helping protect the identity and future of tribal nations.
They also support Montana’s economy. Together, tribal colleges bring in more than $160 million each year and help support over 2,700 jobs.
And while tribal colleges focus on serving Native students, they are open to everyone. They also provide education to non-Native students, especially in rural areas where there are few other options.
Tribal Colleges Already Face Funding Challenges
Even before the proposed cuts, tribal colleges operated with far less money per student than public colleges in Montana. Back in the 2003–04 school year, about 77.5% of Native college students in Montana were enrolled at tribal colleges. While that number is old, it still shows how important these schools have been—and still are—for Native students today (The Montana Professor).
Unlike public colleges, tribal colleges often have to use their limited budgets to cover things like housing help, food programs, and mental health services. If the new bill passes, those challenges will grow even bigger.
A New Bill Could Make Things Worse
Right now, there’s a big federal bill called the One Big Beautiful Bill. It just passed the U.S. Senate and is now heading back to the House of Representatives for a final vote.
Hidden in this bill is a huge funding cut to tribal colleges. If it becomes law, the money they get from the federal government would drop from $182 million to just $22 million. That’s a cut of more than 85%. That means less money for teachers, Native language classes, student services, and support programs.
If the bill passes, some tribal colleges will not be able to keep their doors open. Some may be forced to shut down completely.
What Happens Next
The House of Representatives will vote on the bill soon. If they agree with the Senate version, it goes to the president to become law. If they want to change it, the bill will go back to the Senate. But if they reject the bill or fail to pass it, the bill dies—and lawmakers would have to start over or try again in a different way.
People across Montana are speaking up. They’re contacting lawmakers and raising awareness. They know tribal colleges are more than schools—they are powerful community centers for Native people.
Why This Matters
When tribal colleges are strong, Native communities are strong. These schools help people build better lives, while staying connected to who they are. They are one of the few systems that truly serve Native students—and that’s why they must be protected.