Eligibility, in plain terms
Who can apply, who can't, and the documents you'll need to prove enrollment. Drawn from the IEI eligibility boilerplate so every audience page sees the same source of truth.
Support & Guidance
Whatever you need, we're here when you need us.
Four doors, one fund. Whether you're a future scholar, a parent or guardian, a school counselor, or a colleague in Indian Country — start at the door that fits, and we'll walk you through the rest.
Pick your door
Find the guidance built for you.
What's inside
Five things every visitor should know.
OASIS, demystified
The Online Application and Scholarship Information System is the only place to apply. We walk you through the account, the eligibility form, and the application itself.
Application windows
Six programs, six cycles. Undergraduate and graduate windows open December 15. Summer opens February 15. Vocational rolls year-round. Fellowships open September 1.
Downloads, ready to share
Checklists, timelines, eligibility one-pagers, and an outreach packet for counselors and Indian education professionals. PDF, ready to print or forward.
A real person, every email
Our team responds to every question we receive. If something on these pages didn't land, write to us — we'd rather answer twice than leave it half-answered.
General questions
Common questions, answered.
What is the Cobell Scholarship and who is eligible to apply?
The Cobell Scholarship was created by the Cobell v. Salazar settlement. It is competitive — awarded on merit first, then disbursed based on unmet need — and non-renewable. It is open to enrolled members of US Federally-recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations pursuing post-secondary degrees at accredited, nonprofit institutions, full-time and degree-seeking.
Do I need to be a Cobell Settlement Class Member?
No. Settlement class membership and descendancy are not required and do not guarantee a finalist selection. The information is collected for research and may inform tiebreakers, but it is not an eligibility factor.
How do I know if my tribe is federally recognized?
All eligible tribes are listed in a drop-down menu in the Applicant Profile in OASIS. The list is derived from the US Congressional Record and verified each year. If your tribe is not listed, contact Indigenous Education, Inc.
Is there a GPA requirement?
There is no minimum GPA. Competitive guidelines are 3.5+ for graduate and professional applicants, 3.25+ for undergraduates, and 2.0+ for vocational applicants. Applicants below those guidelines should still consider applying and should be ready to explain — strength can show up in many places, and a single number won't tell your whole story.
How much does the Cobell Scholarship award?
When will I find out if I've been selected?
Does the Cobell Scholarship fund part-time students?
Applicants typically must be enrolled full-time and degree-seeking. In some cases part-time enrollment can be considered — use the Additional Comments section of the application to explain your situation. Determinations are made only from completed and submitted applications.
Can I get help completing my application in a language other than English?
One more thing
Have a question we didn't cover? Ask us directly.
Our team responds to every question, whether you're a future scholar, a parent, a school counselor, or a colleague in Indian Country.