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Undergraduate Admissions

Four Directions Scholars Program

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The Four Directions Scholars Program recognizes students who are members of federally recognized Native American nations and have demonstrated active involvement in their respective nations and cultures. The program is designed to provide support to students as they support Native American-related events and programming at TCU and in local Native communities. 

The scholarship covers the basic annual cost of attending TCU, including an award for full-tuition and an allowance for an on-campus room, meal plan and books.  The scholarship is renewable for a total of four years.

Recipients of Four Directions Scholars Program receive benefits beyond the scholarship, including:

  • Mentoring
  • Networking opportunities on-and-off campus
  • Participation in the TCU Native and Indigenous Student Association and TCU Native American and Indigenous People Initiative

To be considered for the Four Directions Scholars Program, students must:

  • Be a first-year undergraduate applicant who is a citizen of a federally recognized tribe
  • Complete all application materials

Preference goes to students who demonstrate significant financial need, determined by filing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile.

Once eligible applicants submit their application to TCU, they will receive an email with instructions on how to complete their Four Directions Scholars Program application, located within the myTCU portal. Important dates and deadlines include:

  • November 1 – Early Action / Early Decision I deadline for admission to TCU
  • February 1 – Regular Decision / Early Decision II deadline for admission to TCU
  • February 15 – Four Directions Scholars Program application deadline 
  • March 7 - Scholarship notification to recipients
  • May 1 – National Candidate Reply Date

The Four Directions Scholars Program application includes the following supplements. Please find specific information about the application behind the MyTCU Portal.

  • Two essays (500 words or less)
  • Photo of your tribally issued verification of membership/citizenship
  • Recommendation from a tribal leader or community member

Essay prompts include:

  1. Describe and give examples of your connection to and participation with your nation and culture.
  2. Tell us how you hope to use your TCU education to contribute to your nation or other Native American peoples and communities.

Students accepted into the Four Directions Scholars Program agree to participate in components, including:

  • Participate in a mentorship program and meeting with mentor at least 4 meetings each semester.
  • Participate in Native American-related events and programming at TCU and locally for a minimum of 10 hours per semester, such as the university's Native and Indigenous Student Association, Native American-related events on TCU's campus, or a local Native American community events off campus
  • Meet with Academic Advisor each semester
  • Meet with program administrator in Office of Diversity and Inclusion once a semester
  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA

Learn more about Native American and Indigenous People Initiatives at TCU.

Questions? Please contact inclusion@tcu.edu.