Navajo Nation President Nygren Signs GCU Alliance, Unlocking 10% Tuition Discount

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed an Educational Alliance Participant Agreement with Grand Canyon University during a visit to the campus, securing a 10% tuition scholarship for eligible Navajo Nation employees and members enrolled in GCU online or evening bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs.

Spouses and dependents of eligible individuals qualify for a 5% tuition scholarship under the same agreement. The discount applies to many GCU academic programs and will remain available as long as the partnership agreement is in effect.

"Higher education should feel within reach for our people, not out of reach," Nygren said. The partnership reduces tuition costs for Navajo Nation employees and members and extends financial relief to their families, helping more households build long-term stability.

The signing came during a campus visit that also included a roundtable discussion with Native American students. Students introduced themselves, identified the communities they represent, outlined their fields of study and engaged Nygren on questions tied to education, leadership and career development.

The conversation reflected an already substantial Navajo presence at GCU: more than 400 Navajo students are currently enrolled through both online and on-campus programs. Many of those students receive support through the Navajo Nation Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance.

GCU, established in 1949, has built partnerships with tribal communities across Arizona and supports Native American students through culturally responsive education, academic counseling and flexible learning options. The new agreement with the Navajo Nation extends that institutional relationship to include a formal tuition benefit tied directly to tribal membership and employment.

For Navajo Nation citizens considering graduate or undergraduate study, the scholarship represents a concrete reduction in cost for programs that can be completed online or during evening hours, accommodating students who may be balancing work or family commitments on the Navajo Nation.