Navajo Nation considers $30 million annual investment in higher education

The Navajo Nation Council is weighing legislation that would permanently increase annual funding for higher education to $30 million, up from the current $12.4 million, according to reporting by The Daily Yonder. Beginning in 2027, the proposal would allocate $10 million each year to Diné College, Navajo Technical University and the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance.

“This legislation needs to be forward funded and initiates a long-term investment into our tribal institutions and students,” Delegate Andy Nez, who sponsored the legislation, was quoted as saying. NTU Student Senate President Samantha Antone said the funding would help address housing, facilities and student support services. ONNSFA President Rose Graham said raising the office’s allocation from $3.5 million to $10 million could ease financial barriers for Navajo students. The legislation was referred to committee after going before the Council in August.