Chief Dull Knife College: $2,260 Tuition

$2,260Tuition

226Students

$20,073Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Chief Dull Knife College

Chief Dull Knife College serves the Northern Cheyenne community in the remote hills of southeastern Montana. With just 226 students, this tribal college focuses on preserving Cheyenne culture while providing practical education for local needs. The school operates on a semester system with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. Students here connect deeply with their heritage through programs that blend traditional knowledge with modern skills.

The financial picture makes education accessible for tribal members and others. Students pay $2,260 in tuition regardless of residency, though the average net price reaches $9,594 when factoring in living costs. Graduates earn a median of $20,073 ten years after completing their programs. This modest return reflects the rural job market and the college's role as a stepping stone to four-year degrees or local employment. Only 30.77% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many rely on tribal funding or other support.

The student body is predominantly female at 74.34%, with most students coming from Native American backgrounds. Federal loan rates sit at 0.00%, indicating students typically graduate debt-free. This creates a foundation for community leadership without the burden of educational debt that plagues many college graduates.

Academics & Faculty

Chief Dull Knife College serves the Northern Cheyenne community with culturally grounded education and strong faculty support. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes where professors know every student's name. This tribal college specializes in programs that blend traditional Cheyenne knowledge with practical career training, including early childhood education, natural resources management, and business administration. Faculty integrate Native American perspectives into coursework while preparing students for transfer to four-year universities or immediate employment. The college emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and community partnerships. Students receive intensive academic support through tutoring centers and mentorship programs designed specifically for first-generation college students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $20,073
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Campus Life

The 226 students at Chief Dull Knife College experience life on the vast Northern Cheyenne Reservation, where Lame Deer sits 90 miles southeast of Billings. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, making heavy coats essential from November through March. The rolling prairie landscape stretches endlessly under Montana's famous big sky.

Women make up 74% of the student body at this tribal college, creating a supportive community focused on preserving Northern Cheyenne language and culture. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. Most students commute from nearby reservation communities since campus housing is limited. Weekend activities often center around powwows, rodeos, and traditional ceremonies that connect students to their heritage.

The college serves as both educational institution and cultural center for the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Students study everything from business to tribal governance while learning traditional crafts and language preservation. With 95% of students being Native American, the campus maintains strong connections to tribal traditions while preparing graduates for careers both on and off the reservation.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1975

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 7°–36°F
July Avg: 49°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 0.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This tribal college primarily serves Northern Cheyenne women seeking affordable education close to home. Women make up three-quarters of the 226 students enrolled. The student body is overwhelmingly Native American, reflecting the college's mission to preserve Cheyenne culture and language. In-state and out-of-state tuition costs the same $2,260, removing barriers for tribal members regardless of residence. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves families with limited financial resources. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in this tight-knit academic community.

Men: 25.7%
Women: 74.3%
White: 5.3%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 0.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.8%

Location

Lame Deer, Montana sits in the heart of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, roughly 100 miles southeast of Billings. The town has fewer than 2,000 residents and serves as the tribal headquarters for the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Rolling hills and vast grasslands define this remote corner of southeastern Montana, where traditional ranching meets Native American culture. The nearest significant services require an hour-long drive to neighboring towns. Chief Dull Knife College draws 74.34% women to its close-knit campus, where small class sizes reflect the intimate community atmosphere. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio mirrors the personalized attention typical of rural tribal colleges. Students considering colleges in Montana may also compare Chief Dull Knife College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lame Deer, Montana 59043

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $20,073
Median Earnings (5 years): $35,634
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $16,800

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Chief Dull Knife College?

Chief Dull Knife College serves as a tribal college with open enrollment policies typical of community colleges. With 226 students enrolled, the school focuses on providing accessible higher education to the Northern Cheyenne community and surrounding areas.

How much does Chief Dull Knife College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,594 annually at Chief Dull Knife College. The school charges the same $2,260 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, reflecting its mission to serve tribal communities regardless of residency status.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Chief Dull Knife College?

Chief Dull Knife College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in small classroom settings. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes culturally relevant education rooted in Northern Cheyenne traditions and values.

What are the career outcomes for Chief Dull Knife College graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $35,634 five years after completing their programs at Chief Dull Knife College. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions or entry into careers that serve tribal communities and the rural Montana region.

Where is Chief Dull Knife College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Lame Deer, Montana, in a rural-remote setting on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. With 74.34% of students being women and 95% representing Native American communities, the campus fosters a close-knit environment centered on tribal culture and academic success.

Is Chief Dull Knife College financially accessible to low-income students?

Only 30.77% of students receive federal financial aid, and 0% take out federal loans at Chief Dull Knife College. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $9,361, making this tribal college an affordable pathway to higher education for Native American students.