Higher Education and Grant Program

Have a question? Please read the Frequently Asked Questions Page.

Below is the list of documents that will be needed to complete your file for the Fall 2009 school year.

Complete the application and return it, along with the supporting documents, to our office by October 1, 2009. All documents must be sent together with the exception of the FNA form, which will be sent by the college or university Financial Aid office. If the application packet is received incomplete, it will be returned to you for completion. If the application packet is not postmarked by October 1, 2009 it will be returned to you in order that you may complete it for the spring semester.

An X means we need the information. In order to receive funding for the Fall 2009 semester ALL documents requested must be postmarked by the OCTOBER 1, 2009 DEADLINE.

NOTE: The earlier your information reaches us the earlier you may be awarded and your funds mailed.

Should you have questions, feel free to contact the Higher Education office.

The Choctaw Nation contracted the Higher Education Program on March 1, 1984, from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This program will expend funds appropriated by Congress for the education of eligible Choctaws by providing financial assistance to attend an institution of higher learning, such as Junior Colleges and Universities.

In 1998, the Choctaw Nation contributed funds to start a scholarship program. Students will be assisted based on academics, rather than financial need. This program will ensure more Choctaw students the opportunity to receive educational assistance.

The Choctaw Nation will work to ensure that the special needs of the Choctaw students are individually considered with their assistance to prevent unnecessary withdrawals from higher education institutions.

DEADLINES: Applications and supporting documents will be accepted from April 1 to October 1 for Fall funding and until March 15 for spring funding. Incomplete applications and documents will be returned to the student for completion.

THESE DEADLINES APPLY TO RETURNING STUDENTS AS WELL AS FIRST TIME STUDENTS/APPLICANTS.

Guidelines for funding

All awards are based on the availability of funds. Priority will be given to undergraduates. Maximum funding for the academic year: Grant: $1,600.00; Scholarship: $2,000.00.

Full Time Students are those enrolled in 12 or more hours. Part Time Students are those enrolled in at least 6 hours but less than 12 hours.

Grant - Amount will vary from year to year based upon the number of hours, financial need and classification for the previous semester.

Part-time - $400.00 per semester

Freshman - $500.00 per semester

Sophomore - $600.00 per semester

Junior - $700.00 per semester

Senior - $800.00 per semester

Scholarship - amount will be based upon the student's accumulative grade point average.

Part-time - 2.50 $500.00 per semester

2.50 - 2.99 $600.00 per semester

3.00 - 3.49 $800.00 per semester

3.5 - 4.00 $1,000.00 per semester

Complete transcripts will be required for first time applicants. Funds will be determined based o­n overall performance.

Our program regulations will not allow us to pay for repeat classes.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY

Students must be of Choctaw descent. Students affiliated with more than one tribe may receive assistance from only one tribe.

The applicant must be attending an accredited college or university and working towards a minimum of an Associates Degree. (We cannot help with vo-Techs, Certificates or correspondence courses.)

• Complete the Choctaw Nation Grant/Scholarship application and submit all required supporting papers.

• Submit copies of Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) and Tribal Membership cards showing Choctaw descent. All Minor Membership cards must be updated when student turns 18 years of age.

• Submit a copy of the final high school transcript, GED certificate or the most current college transcript, whichever applies.

• Current class schedule from the institution you are attending.

Financial Need's Analysis completed by the financial aid officer at the institution you will be attending. Note: School will forward this to Higher Education department upon completion.

Applications without these supporting documents will be returned to student for completion. Late applications will also be returned to be completed for the following semester.

It will be the student's responsibility to submit all required documents and to verify receipt of the Financial Need's Analysis by the Choctaw Higher Education Program.

It is recommended that you make copies of all documents before submitting.

Expectations from the Student

Full time students receiving a Grant are expected to earn a minimum of 12 hours per semester (6 hours for part time)with a GPA of no less than 2.0

Students receiving a Scholarship are expected to earn a minimum of 12 hours per semester (6 for part time) with an accumulative GPA of no less than 2.5.

Students earning less than the required GPA or earning less than 12 hours will be placed o­n probation for o­ne semester. At that time, students will be required to bring up their GPA and earn the required number of hours to remain o­n the program. If these requirements are not met, the student will be placed on suspension from the program. Students earning less than 12 hours and a GPA below 1.0 will be automatically suspended at the end of that semester.

Students who withdraw from school officially, or unofficially, will be suspended unless there is a reasonable explanation presented in writing.

Applying for Financial Aid:

The following tasks need to be completed between January and April, preceding the fall semester in which you plan to enroll.

• Request an application for federal student aid from the in institution you plan to attend (FAFSA Packet) .

• Respond immediately upon receiving the federal aid package to ensure funding

• Complete the admission's application for the institute you plan to attend as soon as possible.

Summer Semester Funding - Only college seniors and students, currently on program, who are required to attend will be eligible for summer funding. Call in April for summer packet. The deadline for summer is July 1.

FOLLOW UP o­n APPLICATION STATUS PERIODICALLY.