About Dine College
Students pay remarkably little upfront, with tuition set at just $1,410 regardless of residency status. The average net price reaches $10,218 when room, board, and other expenses are included. Graduates earn a median of $29,188 ten years after leaving, which creates financial challenges given the investment. Only 39% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families pay out of pocket or rely on tribal funding sources.
The academic journey proves demanding, with just 12.56% of students graduating in four years and 5.50% completing degrees within six years. The 33% retention rate reflects the complex challenges facing students who often balance education with family obligations and cultural responsibilities. Despite these hurdles, the college maintains its mission as a keeper of Navajo traditions and knowledge systems.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 12.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 5.5%
- Retention Rate
- 33.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $29,188
- Carnegie Classification
- Tribal College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | Associate | $23,351 |
| Public Health. | Associate | $20,140 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,396 |
Campus Life
Women make up 73% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in tribal college enrollment. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay intimate despite the college's role as the largest tribal institution in the country. Weekend activities center around cultural events, traditional ceremonies, and outdoor recreation in the surrounding Canyon de Chelly area. Students often participate in language immersion programs and traditional arts workshops. The Warriors compete in just 3 NAIA sports with only 14 total athletes, so campus social life revolves more around cultural programming than athletics. Many students balance coursework with family responsibilities and jobs in their home communities.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 153 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–38°F
- July Avg
- 58°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 26.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 4.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 26.9%
- Women
- 73.1%
- White
- 0.3%
- Black
- 0.1%
- Hispanic
- 0.0%
- Asian
- 0.1%
- In-State Students
- 87.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.0%
Location
- Address
- Tsaile, Arizona 86556
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $29,188
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $35,432
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $19,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Dine College?
Dine College serves as a tribal college for the Navajo Nation with open enrollment policies typical of community-focused institutions. The college enrolls 1,507 students with 87.62% coming from in-state. Women make up 73.13% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in higher education participation.
How much does Dine College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,218 regardless of residency status, as both in-state and out-of-state tuition is set at $1,410. The total cost of attendance is just $7,750, making it one of the most affordable college options available. Only 38.95% of students receive federal financial aid, with 3.85% getting institutional grants averaging $2,561.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Dine College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1, allowing for relatively personalized attention in this tribal college setting. Dine College integrates Navajo culture and language throughout its academic programs. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on culturally relevant education for Native American students.
What are the graduation rates at Dine College?
The six-year graduation rate is 5.50%, while the four-year rate reaches 12.56%, reflecting the challenges many tribal college students face balancing education with family and community responsibilities. The retention rate of 33.33% indicates that many students need time to complete their studies. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $29,188, with an employment rate of 81.9%.
Where is Dine College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Tsaile, Arizona, in a rural-remote setting that reflects traditional Navajo homeland. On-campus housing accommodates 153 students with room and board costing $4,940. The Warriors compete in NAIA athletics with three varsity sports and 14 total athletes supported by $14,000 in athletic scholarships.
How does Dine College preserve Navajo culture in education?
As a tribal college serving the Navajo Nation, Dine College weaves Diné culture and language into its curriculum and campus life. The student body is overwhelmingly Native American, with 0.33% white students and minimal representation from other ethnic groups. This cultural focus creates an educational environment where traditional knowledge and contemporary academics intersect.
