I'm a Cherokee indian and am getting my associates as a radiologic technologist but need help with FinAid?

you can get grants for being a native American, ONLY if you are in a federally recognized tribe. You have to have written documentation proving your blood line is true. This obviously takes time. most tribes only have meetings on this every quarter. now this being said, if you have not claimed being native till now, only because you need the money, than please don't try now. its a huge insult to all those people who been living their life and claiming to be native with every breath. also most of this funding is being fought over by many other native students all trying to prove they deserve this funding, and are willing to write essays on how they plan on using their education to further their native communities.

you should apply for a federal stafford loan. obviously the money is not free but you dont have to pay it back until 6 months after you graduate. if you are looking for grants or scholarships just google that stuff.

first thing apply for government grants through "FASFA" after that look for minority grants and scolorships.

i've always had RESERVATIONS about financial aid.

You mention you are Cherokee. If you are enrolled in the Cherokee Nation and have your cards, these programs are available: Scholarship Funding ($500.00-$1000.00) $1,000.00 per semester scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in six (6) or more credit hours per semester and $500 per semester scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in three (3) credit hours per semester. This scholarship is competitive and awarded based on eligibility criteria and preferences. Self Help Component: Recipients are required to volunteer one-hour service to the tribe (Cherokee Nation) or any Non-Profit Organization for every $100 they receive in scholarship funding. (Example: $1,000 per semester = 10 community service hours). Official written verification will be required before semester disbursement. Haskell Indian Nations University Scholarship ($500.00): Tribal citizens may apply to attend Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence , Kansas , at any time during the academic year. The Cherokee Nation will fund the normal fees associated with enrollment at Haskell. This is the equivalent of a full scholarship including room and board to any Cherokee who wishes to attend Haskell. Students that are currently funded by the HINU scholarship must abide by set deadlines. Cherokee Nation Scholarship Program ($1,000 per semester) : Tribal citizens whose permanent residency is within the Cherokee Nation area, which is defined as those counties and contiguous to the Cherokee boundaries, who do not qualify for Pell funding, and do not want to attend Haskell Indian Nations University may apply for Cherokee Nation Scholarship funding to the accredited college of their choice. Funding is not available to tribal citizens living outside the Cherokee Nation area . Cherokee Nation PELL Scholarship ($1000.00) : All Cherokee Nation tribal citizens, regardless of permanent residence, who qualify for Pell grant funding, are eligible for Bureau of Indian Affairs scholarship funding. This funding is divided equally to all Pell eligible students who complete the application process. To apply for these funds, new and continuing students must submit a complete set of application documents to the Higher Education office postmarked on or hand delivered before JUNE 13, 2008 . CERTIFIED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT ENCOURAGED.