As manufacturing continues to evolve through automation, robotics, and additive
manufacturing, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are preparing Native and
non-Native students for careers in engineering and advanced technology. Among these
institutions, Navajo Technical University (NTU) has become a national leader in additive
manufacturing and engineering education.
Located in Crownpoint, New Mexico, NTU serves approximately 1,777 students and
offers bachelor’s degrees in engineering technology and advanced manufacturing.
Students study 3D printing, CAD, 3D scanning, industrial automation, quality control,
and digital manufacturing using modern equipment.
NTU collaborates with organizations including NASA, Sandia National Laboratories, Los
Alamos National Laboratory, Boeing, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory,
providing research opportunities, internships, and workforce development.
Compared with Diné College, Salish Kootenai College, and Southwestern Indian
Polytechnic Institute, NTU offers one of the most comprehensive additive
manufacturing programs available at a Tribal College. Its ABET-accredited engineering
technology programs and strong industry partnerships make it a leading destination for
students interested in advanced manufacturing.
As demand for additive manufacturing specialists grows, tribal colleges are expanding
engineering education and innovation. NTU demonstrates how tribal institutions can
combine cultural values with cutting-edge technology to prepare graduates for careers