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.

Now Open

2026–2027

Due 03/31/2026

Emily Nez, Cobell Scholar
Emily Nez · Navajo Nation
Courtney Chavez, Cobell Undergraduate Scholar, in the lab
Courtney Chavez · Kewa Pueblo

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 a 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 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.

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.