College Financial Aid in Oklahoma
Need Help Pursing Your Degree?
The Oklahoma state university system is overseen by the State Regents for Higher Education. There are over two-dozen state colleges and universities divided among the following regions: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast (including Metro Tulsa), Southeast and Metro Oklahoma City. State-funded scholarships and grants are administered by the State Regents.
General Scholarships and Grants
The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant makes it possible for all students to earn a college degree regardless of economic disadvantage. Eligible students must have significant financial need and be enrolled in any public, private or vocational institution in the state. Apply by filling out the FAFSA. Maximum awards are $1300 per academic year.
For those students solely interested in attending a private college or university the Oklahoma Equalization Grant offers assistance. Students must prove economic need, but the grant targets many middle-income students as well as lower income. Students must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program. Qualified applicants may receive up to $2000 a year.
The Oklahoma Higher Education Access Program, or Oklahoma Promise program is similar in design to the federally funded GEAR Up! Program available in other states. Essentially the Promise program targets students early in their high school careers - as early as 8th grade. Attractive college scholarships are promised if students are willing to participate and perform up to certain academic standards and reach various mileposts in a rigorous college prep program. Students must also prove financial need - their household income may not exceed $50,000 a year. Eligible scholarship recipients must be enrolled in a full-time college or university.
Academic high-achievers may qualify for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships that are awarded to a few high school seniors in every state. Qualified students will be a the top of their graduating class in both ACT scores and GPAs. They will also likely exhibit strong leadership or community service interests. Eligible students are nominated and chosen by school officials and must already be accepted to a full-time college or university program anywhere in the United States. Byrd scholarships are $1500 and renewable for 3 years.
The Academic Scholars Program awards a larger selection of academic achievers than does the Byrd program. Students must attend a state college or university and have attractive academic records. Interested students should apply through the State Regents.
Are you an Oklahoma student attending a state university? There are 11 of them that reward talented students with the Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship. The program works to retain academic talent in the state with the goal of bolstering well-educated and productive citizens who help improve the state's economy in the long run. Students must have top tier ACT scores and maintain above average GPAs. Qualified students may receive up to $3000. Apply directly through the school.
The Foster Care Tuition Waiver is available to those Oklahoma students pursuing a full-time college degree program in a state college or university. Eligible applicants must have been in the state foster care system for a specified amount of time. Maximum amount is the cost for tuition at the institution of choice.
Remember the Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995? Dependents of those killed may be eligible for the Heartland Scholarship Fund. Award amounts are typically between $3500 and $5500 depending on type of school the student is attending. Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program.
Any college age member of the Oklahoma National Guard may be eligible for the Oklahoma National Guard Tuition Waiver. The program makes getting a college education at any OK state college or university a free ride for those who qualify. See more military related scholarships.
Specialized Studies Scholarships and Grants
In most states students interested in high-need professions such as teaching will find various types of grants or loan forgiveness programs that enable them to study at in-state colleges and universities nearly for free in exchange for work in their field after graduation. Oklahoma is no different and offers a couple of other professional/career oriented grant programs that differ from other state programs.
Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program provides tuition or loan repayment to teaching students enrolled in a state college or university teaching program. Eligible students must agree to teach subjects such as math or science, while they work in Oklahoma public schools systems for at least 5 years - the amount of time the state has determined recompenses the state for tuition.
The Future Teachers Scholarship offers small awards to teaching students enrolled in a state college or university teaching program who are willing to work as teachers in "shortage areas" following graduation. Eligibility is also based on academic performance - so not all students will qualify regardless of willingness to serve in a state public school system. Shortage areas are typically those that are understaffed, areas of special education and subject areas such as math and science. Students should apply directly through their school. See more teaching related scholarships.
A more unique scholarship program is the Chiropractic Education Assistance Scholarship that awards outstanding chiropractic students monetary support. The hitch is applicants must be enrolled in a chiropractic college outside the state to qualify for the program. Apply through the State Regents. Qualified applicants are chosen by the Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Maximum award amounts are $6000 per academic year.
Students planning on pursuing careers in the public services sector should keep their eye on the George and Donna Nigh Scholarship sponsored by the Nigh Institute. The award is also based on academic merit. Eligible students will be enrolled full-time at a state college or university. Awards are made in the amount of $1000.
Individuals working in the child care field may be interested to know the state of Oklahoma funds a Scholars for Excellence in Child Care program. Eligible students may qualify to receive awards that help defray the cost of a two-year degree in childcare. The program's goal is to improve the qualifications of childcare professionals by making education more accessible.
See the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education website for more information.