Notice Regarding UC’s Native American Opportunity Plan

UC’s Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP) ensures that in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees are fully covered for California resident students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes. This plan applies to undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate students will have the opportunity to apply for this program every quarter.

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

To be eligible, students must use this form to submit supporting documentation verifying their membership with a federally recognized tribe and meet all additional eligibility requirements. At that time, the Graduate Division will review your documentation. If approved, we will work with your Graduate Program Coordinator/Advisor to ensure that your tuition and Student Services fees are covered.

When you submit your tribal documentation, please contact Lorato Anderson directly at lorato@ucsc.edu.

Eligibility Requirements

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

  • Must be a current or newly admitted University of California undergraduate, graduate or professional school student.
  • Must be a California Resident.
  • Must be an enrolled member in a federally recognized Native American, American Indian and/or Alaska Native tribe.
  • Must be enrolled in a qualifying UC degree program.

Documentation of tribal enrollment may include any of the following:

  • 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. You must also submit tribal contact information (address, phone, and email) if it is not evident on submitted documentation.

If you have questions about the Native American Opportunity Plan, please visit the University of California’s NAOP website for further information. You can also contact me at lorato@ucsc.edu for help.