The first nationwide survey of "tribal college" faculty indicates that "tribal college" faculty tend to be more altruistic than their counterparts at mainstream universities and community colleges, that they are more content in their jobs despite lower salaries, and that they are much more likely to be working toward an advanced degree. The study began with input from a focus group of 14 "tribal college" presidents in Bismarck, North Dakota, in April 2003, followed by a survey mailed to the 35 tribal colleges and universities, and then a web-based survey last summer.