The mission of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is “To empower creativity and leadership in Native Arts and cultures through higher education, life-long learning, and outreach.”

IAIA was established in 1962 as a high school with an innovated approach to arts education. In 1984, IAIA gained accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer college degrees. IAIA currently serves over 610 students from various national and international communities. IAIA offers both two-year and four-year degrees in Cinematic Arts, Creative Writing, Indigenous Liberal Studies, Museum Studies, and Studio Arts. IAIA introduced its first Masters in Fine Arts program in Creative Writing in 2013.

Scholarship Requirements

IAIA Competitive Scholarships have varying criteria funded by external donors and require applicants to submit an essay for consideration. If selected, students generally only receive one IAIA Competitive Scholarship. Scholarships typically require a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher and currently enrolled in an certificate or undergraduate degree-seeking program.

IAIA Students, please check your IAIA email for additional information from IAIA Financial Aid Director Lara Barela, with the subject line $$$—IAIA Scholarship Application APPLY NOW. For questions, please see Financial Aid and Scholarship Advisor Steve Oizumi, or Student Accounts and Financial Aid Advisor Leah Boss.

Scholarship Award Process and Timeline

Photographic Views from Scholarship Awards Night

(Click on any photograph to start a slideshow.)