Chickasaw citizens pursuing higher education from accredited institutions are eligible to receive various grants and scholarships to assist with the cost of tuition, books and fees.
Application Periods:
Applications are accepted during the following periods:
Spring – Dec. 1-Feb. 15
Summer – May 1-July 1
Fall – July 1- Sept. 15
Grant and Scholarship Information:
Higher Education Grants
The higher education grant may be awarded to undergraduate, graduate or doctoral students who maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher each semester.
General Scholarship
A general scholarship is available to Chickasaw students who take three or more credit hours each term and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Awards are based on enrollment and classification, and an incentive is available based on GPA.
Governor’s, Lt. Governor’s and Legislator’s Scholarship
These scholarships are for graduating high school seniors (awarded one time only). Students who have a GPA of 3.85 or higher, or who have been selected as class valedictorian or salutatorian are eligible. High school transcript is due September 1.
Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes Johnson-O’Malley Scholarship
Each year the Chickasaw Nation awards this scholarship to one male and one female graduating high school senior (awarded one time only).
The students must be attending a school with a JOM program, within the Chickasaw Nation boundaries. Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation and a 500-word essay. Deadline is September 1.
Textbook Grant
Higher education students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate or doctoral programs may be eligible for textbook funding. Students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA to qualify.
Students enrolled in three to 11 hours may be awarded up to $250 per term.
Students enrolled in 12+ hours may be awarded up to $500 per term.
Funds are awarded through a Textbook Visa Card (valid for textbooks only).
Application deadlines:
Spring - February 15
Summer - July 1
Fall - September 15
To apply for textbook reimbursement, submit receipts by:
Summer terms – July 1
Spring term – March 15
Fall terms – October 15
Check your Textbook Card Balance
Native American Business Scholars Academy, Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University Meinders School of Business offers Chickasaw students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in business.
Scholarship recipients are awarded full-time tuition funding for eight consecutive semesters.
Additional benefits, including a variety of tribal business focused seminars and workshops, internships, networking opportunities with local, regional and national business leaders and access to special on and off campus events, are offered through this program.
Applicants must be a Chickasaw citizen with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, a score of 22 or higher on the ACT and meet Oklahoma City University admission requirements. Eligible students include those who are in their final semester of attendance or recently graduated from an accredited high school and plan to attend college.
Students must maintain a full-time enrollment status and a GPA of 3.0 or higher while enrolled.
Native American Business Scholars Academy, Oklahoma City University
Graduation Stole Program
*Must earn an associate's degree or higher at an accredited college or university
*Eligibility is limited to one award per student per degree
Laptop Scholarship
Full-time students enrolled in college (sophomore level or higher) or obtaining a college degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 are eligible for the laptop scholarship one time during their college career.
License & Certification Program
This program provides assistance to college students with license and certification fees associated with their chosen degree programs.
Students who have received a certification from a state or nationally accredited training facility are eligible to apply. Students are eligible to receive assistance one time per license or certification for up to $500.
Students requesting assistance are required to submit a copy of his or her certification received an original detailed invoice or receipt. Application to apply for exam or license fees and pre-payment registration may also be accepted.
All license and certification fee information must be submitted within six months of testing.
You Provide:
- Chickasaw citizenship card or employment information
- Payment receipts or a copy of pre-payment registration
- Completed applications
Eligibility:
- Chickasaw citizens and full-time employees
You Provide (Grants & Scholarships):
- High school or official college transcript
- Schedule of classes
Incentive Information:
College Graduation Fee Reimbursement
The College Graduation Fee Reimbursement program assists Chickasaw college graduates with caps, gowns, invitations and other expenses incurred with graduating. This program is on a reimbursement basis only. The deadline to apply is no later than six months after degree is completed. The graduation fee is available up to $150 on a reimbursement basis.
Eligibility:
- Chickasaw citizen
- College or professional graduates only
You Provide:
- Receipts for costs incurred
Chikasha Holitoplichi (Honors Program):
Visit the Chikasha Holitoplichi (Honors Program) page to learn about additional incentives for students striving to complete continuing education goals and academic success.
Upcoming Events
Other Information
Additional grant and scholarship information is available on the Education and Career Links page.
Scholarship opportunities also exist through Chickasaw Foundation. Visit their Scholarships page for more information.
Additional Resources:
Oklahoma State University (OSU) Center for Sovereign Nations
Native American students attending OSU have access to the OSU Center for Sovereign Nations, which provides on-campus support to:
- Promote understanding, respect and exercise of tribal sovereignty.
- Promote American Indian student success and graduation.
- Increase the number and quality of partnerships between OSU and the 39 federally recognized tribal nations in Oklahoma.
Learn more at OSU Center for Sovereign Nations.
Chickasaw Nation Chokka' Kilimpi' Recruitment and Retention Program
Chickasaw citizens attending the University of Oklahoma, the University of Central Oklahoma or Oklahoma Community College have access to on-campus partners to aid them in their academic success. The Chickasaw Nation Chokka' Kilimpi' Recruitment and Retention Program is designed to meet the academic needs of students by assisting in the development of their academic skills, identifying campus and tribal resources, creating networks of support on and off campus and building a stronger connection to their Chickasaw culture.
Learn more on the Chickasaw Nation Recruitment and Retention Program page.