Awards are sent directly to institutions
Cobell scholarship funds are disbursed to the student's institution, not to the student. Your financial aid office receives and applies the funds to the student's account.
Institutions & Financial Aid
Your partnership helps students succeed.
Everything your financial aid office needs to process Cobell awards efficiently — from how disbursements work and what student enrollment confirmation looks like, to key policies on how awards interact with existing student aid. Clear processes, no guesswork.
How awards work with your office
How Cobell awards work with your office.
What your office needs to know about how Cobell awards interact with institutional aid and student accounts.
Awards supplement institutional aid
Cobell awards supplement — not replace — a student's existing financial aid package. Institutions must maintain their existing aid levels and should not reduce need-based grants, scholarships, or other aid as a result of a Cobell award.
Enrollment status must be maintained
Students must maintain the enrollment status required by their specific award (full-time or part-time, depending on the scholarship). If their status changes, notify Cobell within 10 business days.
Funds cover all eligible expenses within Full Cost of Attendance
Awards cover all eligible educational expenses within the Full Cost of Attendance — not just tuition and fees. This includes books, supplies, room and board, transportation, and other qualified costs. If the award exceeds direct charges, the balance should be disbursed to the student per your institution's standard process.
Contact Cobell for student-specific questions
For questions about a specific student's award amount, eligibility, or disbursement status, contact Cobell directly. Do not adjust or withhold funds without confirming with our team first.
Review portal
FNAV Review Portal.
When one of your students is selected as a Cobell Scholar, your financial aid office completes a Financial Need Analysis and Verification form (FNAV). It captures your institution's cost-of-attendance breakdown and all existing aid on file, so IEI can calculate exact unmet need and size the award accordingly. Once submitted, awards are disbursed directly to your institution each Friday throughout the academic term.
Questions from financial aid offices
FAQ: Questions from financial aid offices
Disbursement, student enrollment confirmation, policy details — the questions your office is most likely to have.
How are Cobell awards disbursed to our institution?
Awards are sent via electronic transfer directly to the institution. New institutions complete a one-time verification process before the first disbursement. After that, funds are transferred automatically once student enrollment is confirmed each term.
Should we adjust a student's financial aid package when they receive a Cobell award?
No. Cobell awards supplement — not replace — existing financial aid. Institutions must maintain their existing aid levels and should not reduce need-based grants, scholarships, or other aid as a result of a Cobell award. If your institution's policy requires adjustments for outside scholarships, please contact Cobell to discuss the situation before making changes.
Does your office need to verify student enrollment?
No. Cobell performs a Financial Need Analysis Verification (FNAV) once, before the first payment is issued. Enrollment confirmation is submitted by the applicant directly.
When are awards typically disbursed?
Disbursements are sent once all verification steps have been completed by the applicant, their tribe, and your institution. Fall Term payments begin in August — Spring Semester / Winter Quarter payments begin in January — Spring Quarter payments begin in March — Summer payments begin in June.
What happens if a student drops below the required enrollment status?
Notify Cobell within 10 business days of learning about the change. Depending on the timing and circumstances, the award may be adjusted, deferred, or require a partial return of funds. Each situation is evaluated individually — contact us before taking action on the student's account.
How do we report changes in a student's enrollment?
Contact Cobell directly by phone or email to report enrollment changes such as withdrawal, leave of absence, transfer, or a change in enrollment level. Provide the student's name, date of birth, and the nature of the change. We'll work with your office to determine next steps.
Who do we contact for questions about a specific award?
Call 1-844-415-3520 or email us through the contact information below. Have the student's name and date of birth ready. Our institutional support team can assist with disbursement status, student enrollment confirmation, and any award-specific questions.
How do Cobell awards interact with federal financial aid?
Cobell awards are considered outside scholarships under federal financial aid regulations. They should be included in the student's financial aid package as a resource but should not be used to reduce need-based aid. If a student's total aid exceeds cost of attendance, contact Cobell before making any adjustments.
Is FAFSA required for the Cobell Scholarship?
Yes. FAFSA is required. Scholarship offers are made based on merit, but disbursements are based on unmet need as determined through the Financial Needs Analysis and Verification (FNAV), completed by the applicant before the first payment. Students should complete their FAFSA before or during the application process.
Still need help?
Questions about a student's award?
Our institutional support line is available for financial aid offices handling Cobell awards. Whether you need help with a disbursement, school enrollment confirmation, or a specific student's award status, our team can assist.