| Education Forward Arizona — July 1, 2025 FEDERAL CUTS TO TRIBAL COLLEGE FUNDING THREATENS ARIZONA’S PROGRESS The proposed federal government funding cuts to tribal colleges across the country from $182 million in 2025 to $22 million in 2026 represent an approximate 90% reduction in funding. This poses a serious threat to their ability to serve students, in mostly rural areas across the country and in Arizona. Tribal colleges, established under the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, operate under treaty and trust obligations that guarantee inflation-adjusted funding based on enrollment. These colleges provide Native American students with opportunities for postsecondary education in their communities where they can learn skills and earn credentials to fill workforce needs. Without robust federal support, which currently makes up around 75% of tribal colleges’ budgets, these institutions cannot sustain operations. The proposed cuts would disrupt not only students’ access to education but also weaken communities by eroding cultural preservation and economic development potential. The closure of tribal colleges could destabilize local economies and deprive Native American communities of critical opportunities for advancement and economic growth. In Arizona, the Stakes Are Even Higher Tribal colleges are critical drivers of postsecondary attainment—the percentage of adults with a degree or credential—a key metric tied to Arizona’s economy. Currently, Arizona lags behind with an attainment rate of 49%, when the state has an attainment goal of 60% by 2030. In an economic impact report from 2023, the State of Arizona can generate over $5 billion annually in economic output with an increase of 20% in higher-education enrollment. Tribal colleges—like Tohono O’odham Community College, Diné College, San Carlos Apache College and Navajo Technical University—expand college access for rural Native American communities, support dual-enrollment for high school students, and cultivate healthcare workers, educators, environmental advocates, and cultural experts poised to serve Arizona’s diverse needs. If federal funding disappears, attainment goals will stall, jeopardizing workforce strength and amplifying disparities in poverty and employment. In Arizona, preserving tribal college funding isn’t just an education issue—it’s essential for statewide prosperity, cultural resilience, and equity. Arizona has Everything to Gain when more individuals continue their education and training after high school.What You Can DoPlease contact your elected federal officials to let them know how important tribal college funding is to our state!Find Your Elected Officials  EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONAOur mission is to advocate for and act on education improvements that advance the quality of life for all Arizonans. EducationForwardArizona.org |
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Education Forward Arizona — Federal cuts to tribal college funding threaten Arizona’s progress
