Haskell Indian Nations University: 93.3% Acceptance Rate

93.3%Acceptance

$600Tuition

878Students

43%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,043Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAData: 2023-24

About Haskell Indian Nations University

This federally funded university serves exclusively American Indian and Alaska Native students, making it unique among the nation's 878 enrolled students. The campus in small-city Lawrence has produced notable graduates including Olympic marathon champion Billy Mills and former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. With a 93% acceptance rate, Haskell welcomes most applicants who meet tribal enrollment requirements.

Students pay just $3,031 annually after financial aid, making this one of the country's most affordable college options. The extremely low tuition of $600 applies to all students regardless of state residency. Graduates earn a median of $37,043 ten years after graduation, providing solid returns on the minimal investment. About 62% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the economic challenges many tribal communities face.

The graduation rates tell a complex story about serving students who often face significant barriers. Only 44% graduate within four years, and 43% finish within six years. However, 90% of graduates find employment, suggesting those who complete their degrees enter the workforce successfully. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention as students navigate both academic demands and their role as future tribal leaders.

Academics & Faculty

Haskell serves as the nation's only federally funded university exclusively for American Indian and Alaska Native students, creating a unique academic environment centered on Indigenous perspectives and cultural preservation. The school emphasizes environmental science, natural resources management, and Indigenous studies programs that connect traditional knowledge with contemporary applications. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention from professors who understand their cultural backgrounds. The 44% graduation rate reflects the challenges many Indigenous students face, including family obligations and cultural responsibilities that may require extended time away from campus. Haskell's semester system allows flexibility for students balancing academic goals with tribal commitments and cultural practices.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 44.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 42.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,043
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$21,508
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies.	Bachelor	$20,140

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Campus Life

This federally funded tribal university sits in Lawrence, about 30 minutes from Kansas City, where students experience all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters requiring both air conditioning and heavy coats. With housing for 722 students and total enrollment of 878, most students live on the compact campus that fosters tight-knit community bonds. The 57.52% female student body represents tribes from across the country, though only 18.49% come from Kansas itself.

Campus life centers around cultural traditions and powwows that celebrate Native heritage throughout the year. Students gather in the campus center between classes, where the 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know everyone by name. Weekend activities often revolve around the 11 NAIA sports teams, particularly cross country and track, honoring the legacy of Olympic champion Billy Mills. Lawrence offers college town amenities like restaurants and shops within walking distance. The semester system allows students to return home for extended breaks to maintain connections with their tribal communities. Evening study sessions in the residence halls create lasting friendships among students who share similar cultural backgrounds and academic goals.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 722 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1884

Campus Safety (2023)

42 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Rape	7	6	1
Robbery	4	1	4
Burglary	4	3	0
Dating Violence	5	1	0
Stalking	5	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–38°F
July Avg: 68°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.9"
Annual Snowfall: 13.4"

Student Demographics

Students travel from across the country to attend this federally funded tribal university, with over 80% coming from out-of-state. The school draws American Indian and Alaska Native students seeking higher education rooted in Indigenous culture and values. Women make up nearly 58% of the 878-person student body, reflecting strong participation in the university's education and social work programs. About 62% receive Pell Grants, showing the institution serves students from lower-income families. The diverse tribal representation creates a unique pan-Indian community where students connect across different Native nations and traditions.

Men: 42.5%
Women: 57.5%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 18.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 61.9%

Location

Lawrence sits 40 miles west of Kansas City in northeastern Kansas. The city houses about 95,000 residents and serves as home to the University of Kansas, creating a active college town atmosphere. Downtown Lawrence features historic Massachusetts Street with local shops, restaurants, and music venues that attract students from both universities. The surrounding region offers rolling prairie landscapes typical of the Great Plains. Lawrence's college town energy provides cultural activities and nightlife beyond what you'd typically find in a Kansas city of this size. The proximity to Kansas City offers access to major urban amenities while maintaining a more intimate community feel. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Haskell Indian Nations University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lawrence, Kansas 66046-4800

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,043
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,185
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,700

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Haskell Indian Nations University?

Haskell Indian Nations University accepts 93.31% of applicants. The high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission as the only federally funded institution specifically serving American Indian and Alaska Native students from across the country.

How much does Haskell Indian Nations University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,031 per year at Haskell Indian Nations University. With tuition set at just $600 for all students and room and board at $1,190, the total cost of attendance reaches only $3,390, making it one of the most affordable universities in America.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Haskell Indian Nations University?

The student-faculty ratio is 20:1 across the university's 878 enrolled students. Haskell emphasizes culturally relevant education and tribal sovereignty, integrating Native American perspectives throughout its academic programs.

What are the graduation rates at Haskell Indian Nations University?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 43.95%, while the six-year rate reaches 42.60%. Graduates earn a median salary of $37,043 ten years after graduation, with 90% finding employment after completing their studies.

Where is Haskell Indian Nations University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Lawrence, Kansas, with housing capacity for 722 students out of 878 total enrollment. The campus serves students from tribes nationwide, with only 18.49% coming from Kansas, creating a diverse intertribal community.

Does Haskell Indian Nations University offer athletic programs?

Haskell competes in NAIA athletics with 11 varsity sports and 104 total athletes. The Fighting Indians teams represent one of the few remaining Native American athletic programs, though the university offers no athletic scholarships to its student-athletes.