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Undergraduate Scholarship

Your degree is the first step. Your future is the destination.

Tribal college, community college, or four-year university — wherever you are on the path to your degree, we're here for it.

Opens Dec 15, 2026 2026–2027

112 days until applications open.
Emily Nez · Navajo Nation

About This Scholarship

The Undergraduate Scholarship helps cover the real costs of earning your degree — tuition, fees, textbooks, and living expenses. Whether you're at a tribal college, community college, or four-year university, this scholarship is designed to meet you where you are and help you keep moving forward.

Eligibility

  • Enrolled member of a U.S. Federally-recognized American Indian Tribe or Alaska Native Corporation
  • Pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree at an accredited, nonprofit institution of higher education
  • Enrolled full-time (part-time may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Degree-seeking and making progress toward graduation
  • No minimum GPA, but 3.25 or higher is considered competitive
  • Second bachelor's degrees are not eligible

When to Apply

  • Annual Cycle

    Reference due April 7

    Opens
    December 15
    Deadline
    March 31

Key Facts

Award Amount
Up to $5,000 new / up to $8,000 returning
Renewable
No, must reapply each year
Enrollment
Full-time required
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Disbursement
Divided by number of terms

All applications are submitted through the OASIS portal. You can edit your responses until the deadline closes at 11:59 PM MDT.

Brysan Redwine · Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Apply

The path forward starts here

Seven steps between you and your scholarship. We'll walk you through every one.

  1. Log In to OASIS

  2. Create / Update your Profile

  3. Complete the Eligibility Form / Get Matched

  4. Apply to Your Matches

  5. Accept Your Offer

  6. You Said Yes. Now What?

  7. Track Your Award

See the full application process

Ready to apply?

Apply on OASIS

Never used OASIS before?

No worries — this short walkthrough covers everything from creating your account to submitting your application. Watch it before you start and you'll breeze through the process.

Watch the OASIS Tutorial

FAQ

FAQ: Questions we hear most

From eligibility basics to what reviewers actually look for, here's what undergraduate applicants ask us.

  • Can I use AI tools in my application?

    AI tools like ChatGPT are fine for brainstorming, outlining, or proofreading, but the final responses must be your own work. Reviewers want to hear your authentic voice and perspective. The quality of the writing matters less than the personal story you share. You'll tell your own story better than AI can.

  • Is there a GPA requirement?

    There is no minimum GPA requirement. That said, a 3.25 or higher is considered competitive for undergraduate applicants. If your GPA falls below that, still apply — all applications receive a holistic review that looks well beyond grades.

  • Can I attend school part-time?

    Most applicants must intend to enroll full-time as determined by their institution. In some cases, part-time enrollment can be considered depending on the situation. Use the Additional Comments section in OASIS to explain your circumstances. These are reviewed individually from completed applications only — not by phone or email.

  • How do I know if my institution is eligible?

    Eligible institutions appear in a dropdown menu in OASIS. If your school isn't listed, contact IEI to determine whether it should be added or if it doesn't qualify. For-profit institutions are not eligible.

  • Can I apply if I'm working on a second bachelor's degree?

    Yes. Second bachelor's degrees are eligible for the Undergraduate Scholarship.

  • What if I'm not selected?

    You may reapply in a future cycle as long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements. IEI does not send official denial letters — track your status in OASIS and contact IEI if you have questions.

  • Is there a waitlist?

    Yes. IEI maintains a waitlist and may make offers if additional funding becomes available. You'll be notified if you're placed on one, and can view your status in OASIS at any time.

Alumni Spotlight

They started where you are

Meet Cobell Scholars who earned their undergraduate degrees — and kept going.

  • Akayla Williams

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Navajo Nation

    Northern Arizona University

  • Brysan Redwine

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

    University of Oklahoma

  • Alyssa Underwood

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Comanche Nation

    Kansas City Art Institute

  • Annalisa Stanchina

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Yerington Paiute Tribe

    California State University Channel Islands

  • Ashlynn Azure

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

    Turtle Mountain Community College

  • Byron Werk

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Fort Belknap Indian Community

    Montana State University Bozeman

  • Bryan Strom Jr.

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Quinault Indian Nation

    Haskell Indian Nations University

  • Courtney Chavez

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Kewa Pueblo (Pueblo of Santo Domingo)

    Oregon State University

  • Elliot Maufort

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

    University of Wisconsin Madison

  • Emma Gallardo

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Tunica Biloxi Indian Tribe

    California State University Fullerton

  • Faith Toglena

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Navajo Nation

    Utah State University

  • Gia E. Paul

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Nez Perce Tribe

    University of Idaho

  • Isaiah Zunic

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Zuni Tribe

    New Mexico State University Las Cruces

  • Kadie Bends

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Northern Cheyenne Tribe

    University of Montana Western

  • Liam McKnight

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Cherokee Nation

    University of California San Diego

  • Memory Decker-Abe

    Undergraduate Cobell Scholar

    Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians

    Northwest Indian College

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