Education Assistance is here to support you on your academic journey.
We understand that life can bring unexpected challenges, and falling into default shouldn’t discourage you from reapplying to the program. There are several options available to help you return to good standing.
What exactly does ‘default’ mean in this program?
Students who are in default are ineligible for any current or future funding until their status is fully resolved. All students are strongly encouraged to work with their Education Assistance Program (EAP) Specialist to initiate an audit and clear their status prior to applying for funding.
Being in default means that TONEAP/HES will discontinue all funding, including future support. Students must reconcile any outstanding obligations related to their most recently funded term.
Default status may result from:
- Failure to complete all funded credits or classes
- Not meeting suspension or academic progress requirements
- Lack of contact with your Education Assistance Program Specialist
Unreported changes in schedule, school status, drops, failing grades, etc. Immediate communication with your assigned EAP Specialist is required for any changes affecting your academic or funding status. - Withdrawal or dismissal from school
- Incarceration or falsification of information
What steps do I need to take to clear my default status?
You can clear your default status by submitting your official transcripts.
- Your official transcript must demonstrate positive academic progress in the courses taken. It should not include any failing grades, must reflect at least a 2.0 GPA, and indicate a clear effort to improve and complete the previously unsuccessful semester.
- For more information, please contact or visit our Sells and/or Tucson office.
- Submit a request to initiate an audit with the intent to clear your default status.
- You can clear your default status by making a repayment to EAP.
- Payments must be made in the form of a money order or cashier’s check, and should be made payable to the Tohono O’odham Nation (ATT: Education Assistance Program)
Note: You must resolve your Default through our Audit Process before being eligible for any future funding. Additionally, you must still meet the 2.0 GPA minimum for any outstanding credits.
Request a Default/Audit review
- Once the audit has been completed, you will receive an official notification via email. To ensure proper delivery, please provide your current email address. This notification will inform you whether you have been cleared or remain in default, and it will outline the next steps required of you.
- Once a student is cleared, they may reapply to the program, meet minimum program requirements and adhere to all established deadlines. Please note that funding is not guaranteed, so we encourage students to seek additional sources of financial assistance.
- How long will the Audit process take? The review process typically takes between two to six months to complete. Please note that the audit will not begin until all required official transcripts have been received from your previous institution(s). Various factors may influence the duration of the audit, either accelerating or delaying the timeline. We are continually working to enhance our internal systems to help reduce processing time wherever possible.