Native Americans are attending college in increasing numbers. In 1986, 14,499 native American women were full-time students in four year schools; altogether 51,000 were enrolled in colleges and universities. Typically, native American women are raising families, working as primary wage earners for their families, actively engaged in community life, and attending college classes. This paper gives a brief history of Indian women in higher education and examines their changing roles in the community. Traditionally, education for native Americans has been driven by colonial impulses and influenced by male-dominated European models. For many years, Indian women were trained as domestics. Their difficult lives required commitments that made education impossible. Only in the last 20 years have American Indian women been able to enter schools with any confidence that improved working and living opportunities would result. Teachers, counselors, and administrators need to be aware of the particular needs of their students who are native American women. Cooperative networking between two- and four-year institutions and consistent and accessible support systems are suggested to help these women realize the advantages of higher education. Contains 15 references. (DHP)