North Dakota tribal colleges seek increased non‑beneficiary funding

Leaders of the North Dakota Tribal College System requested the state raise its non‑beneficiary appropriation to $1.6 million — a $200,000 increase — before the Senate Appropriations, Education and Environment Division, according to an article by Citizen Portal.

Executive Director Tracy Bauer testified the system served about 2,600 students and 650 full‑time staff in 2022–23, noting an economic‑impact study that showed $169.5 million in combined impacts and a $1.30 taxpayer return for every dollar invested.

College presidents from institutions including United Tribes Technical College and Sitting Bull College said additional funding would support tuition aid, student health services, career development and infrastructure improvements for non‑beneficiary students.