Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance (ONNSFA)
Offered by Navajo Nation
About This Scholarship
The Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance is the Navajo Nation's own scholarship office, funding enrolled tribal members at accredited colleges and universities every term. Rather than a single award, ONNSFA runs several funding tracks: a Financial Need-Based Award of $2,500 per term, a No Need-Based Award of $1,000 per term for students who don't demonstrate federal need, the merit-based Chief Manuelito Scholarship at $3,500 per term, and Graduate Awards ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 per term.
Because funding is per-term, students reapply for each academic period through the online application at onnsfa.org. The 2027 Spring/Winter application window opens September 25, 2026 and closes November 25, 2026 at 5 p.m. Mountain time. Applicants complete the FAFSA, submit transcripts, and provide a Certificate of Indian Blood showing enrollment in the Navajo Nation.
ONNSFA awards follow the student wherever they enroll in the United States, and the office maintains regional agency offices across the Navajo Nation to help families complete applications. For continuing students who keep their grades up, this operates as a renewable term-by-term funding source through degree completion.
Eligibility
- Enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Certificate of Indian Blood required)
- Accepted or enrolled at an accredited college or university
- FAFSA completion required (need-based awards are tied to federal need determination)
- Continuing students must meet satisfactory academic progress; Chief Manuelito Scholarship carries higher merit requirements
- Must reapply each term or academic year
How To Apply
- Create an account and complete the online application at onnsfa.org during the open window (September 25 - November 25, 2026 for Spring 2027)
- File the FAFSA and have your school's financial aid office complete the Financial Needs Analysis
- Submit your Certificate of Indian Blood, transcripts, and class schedule before the 5 p.m. MST deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ONNSFA award per term?
Undergraduates receive $2,500 per term (need-based), $1,000 per term (no need-based), or $3,500 per term for the merit-based Chief Manuelito Scholarship. Graduate awards run $2,500 to $5,000 per term.
Do I have to attend school in Arizona or New Mexico?
No. ONNSFA funds enrolled Navajo Nation members at accredited institutions anywhere in the United States.
Is this a one-time scholarship?
No. Funding is awarded term by term, and students reapply each cycle as long as they maintain satisfactory academic progress.