Students at Haskell Indian Nations University benefit from one of the most affordable educational experiences in the country, with exceptionally low net prices that remove financial barriers to degree completion.
The university combines this affordability with strong access for underserved populations and earnings that exceed expectations for graduates from similar backgrounds.
Haskell Indian Nations University is a unique public institution serving Native American students in Lawrence, Kansas. As a federally funded tribal university, Haskell offers an exceptionally affordable education with net prices for low-income students averaging just $3,031 annually, placing it in the top tier nationally for affordability. The university serves a highly diverse student body, with 62% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 40% being first-generation college students, reflecting its mission to provide accessible higher education to underserved communities.
While Haskell excels in affordability and access, the financial outcomes present a more complex picture. Graduates earn a median of $37,043 ten years after enrollment, which is below typical public university levels but represents meaningful earnings growth from the $28,425 they earn six years out. The university falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, combining strong access with more modest earnings outcomes.
What sets Haskell apart is its specialized mission and cultural focus. As one of only a few tribal universities in the country, it provides educational opportunities specifically designed for Native American students, emphasizing cultural preservation alongside academic achievement. For students who prioritize cultural identity, community connection, and minimal financial burden, Haskell offers a distinctive educational pathway that larger institutions cannot replicate.
Haskell Indian Nations University offers a focused program portfolio designed to serve Native American communities and preserve cultural heritage. Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program, graduating 34 students who earn a median of $21,508 two years after graduation. While these early-career earnings are modest, the program provides essential skills for community leadership, tribal business development, and economic empowerment within Native American communities.
The university's program offerings reflect its specialized mission rather than pursuing the broad academic portfolio typical of larger institutions. This focused approach allows for smaller class sizes, culturally relevant curriculum, and close faculty-student relationships that support student success within the institution's unique context. Programs are designed not just for individual career advancement but for preparing graduates to serve and strengthen their communities.
What distinguishes Haskell's programs is their integration of cultural education with practical skills development. Students gain both the technical knowledge needed for career success and the cultural grounding necessary for community leadership. This dual focus creates graduates who can navigate both traditional career paths and roles within tribal communities, supporting economic development and cultural preservation in ways that extend beyond conventional measures of program success.
Graduates of Haskell Indian Nations University see steady but modest earnings growth over time. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $37,043, representing significant improvement from their six-year earnings of $28,425. While these figures are below typical public university levels, they reflect meaningful economic progress for graduates, many of whom come from backgrounds with limited economic opportunities. The university shows positive earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $8,576 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university's program portfolio is concentrated in areas that serve community needs and cultural preservation. Business Administration and Management is the largest program, graduating 34 students with median earnings of $21,508 two years after graduation. While early-career earnings in this field are modest, the program provides foundational skills that can support long-term career development and community leadership roles.
Haskell's outcomes must be understood within its unique context as a tribal university serving a specialized mission. The institution prioritizes cultural education, community service, and preparing graduates to serve Native American communities, where traditional earnings metrics may not fully capture the value and impact of the education provided. For students aligned with this mission, the combination of affordable access and culturally relevant education creates meaningful pathways to both personal and community advancement.
Haskell Indian Nations University stands out as one of the most affordable higher education options in the country. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $3,031 annually, placing the university in the top tier nationally for affordability. This exceptional affordability reflects the institution's federal funding as a tribal university and its commitment to removing financial barriers for Native American students and other underserved populations.
The university's affordability extends beyond just low sticker prices to minimal debt burdens for graduates. Most students are able to complete their education with little to no borrowing, thanks to the combination of federal support, grants, and the institution's low cost structure. This debt-free or low-debt approach means graduates can pursue careers in community service, cultural preservation, or other fields that may offer modest starting salaries but provide significant personal and community value.
For families seeking the most affordable path to a college degree, particularly those from Native American communities, Haskell represents an exceptional value proposition. The combination of minimal upfront costs and low debt levels creates financial sustainability that allows graduates to focus on career development and community contribution rather than debt repayment. This affordability model supports the university's broader mission of educational access and community empowerment.
Haskell Indian Nations University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
