By Cara Cowan Watts, Cherokee411.com
TAHLEQUAH — The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) is accepting applications through Aug. 7 for its College Housing Assistance Program (CHAP), which helps eligible low-income Native American college students cover housing costs for the 2026 fall semester.
The program, funded in part through the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), provides eligible students up to $1,000 per semester toward housing expenses while they pursue a first-time bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university. Assistance is capped at eight semesters per student.
Applications opened July 27 and must be submitted, along with all required supporting documents, by Aug. 7. Priority is given both to Cherokee Nation citizens and to students who received CHAP assistance the previous semester.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a member of a federally recognized tribe, though priority is given to Cherokee Nation citizens.
- Applicant must reside within Cherokee Nation jurisdictional boundaries.
- Applicant must meet NAHASDA income guidelines and all other program eligibility requirements.
- Applicant must be a full-time student in good standing with their educational institution.
- Assistance is limited to eight semesters total.
Under the NAHASDA income limits HACN published effective June 11, 2026, the 80% median family income threshold ranges from $59,850 for a one-person household to $112,800 for an eight-person household.
Required documents
New CHAP applicants must submit a completed Family Composition and Occupancy Form; employment and income verification for every household member 18 and older, including asset information and a signed Income Assistance Verification Form; a notarized Authorization for a Criminal Background Check for the student; and a NAHASDA Public Disclosure form. Applicants must also provide a government-issued ID, Social Security card and tribal citizenship card; a Fall 2026 class schedule; a high school or college transcript showing the previous semester’s grades; and verification of a permanent physical address. HACN notes that submitting the required documents does not guarantee assistance, and additional documentation may be requested.
How to apply
Applications are available online at www.hacn.org or at any HACN office across the 14 counties within Cherokee Nation’s jurisdictional boundaries, including offices in Tahlequah, Stilwell, Westville, Hulbert, Vinita, Jay, Grove, Pryor, Locust Grove, Warner, Nowata, Sallisaw, Catoosa, Claremore and Bartlesville.
For more information or help completing an application, contact HACN at [email protected] or 918-456-5482 (toll free 800-837-2869).
