Oklahoma ranks #48 in education overall and #35 in higher education by the U.S. News. It is a popular state for students to pursue degrees as it offers some of the best national higher education institutions with top-rated academics and leadership, affordability, and a friendly and diverse culture. More than 210,000 students are enrolled in the colleges and universities of Oklahoma.

The University of Oklahoma is the best option to consider for students pursuing tertiary education in the state of Oklahoma. It is also one of the more affordable institutions in the state and with scholarships, it can become even more affordable to study here. Moreover, a below-average national cost of living in the state of Oklahoma also makes it easier for students to pursue studies in Oklahoma. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2021, this state has the lowest average total expenditure, around $38,650, for the entire Southwest region of America.

However, even with a lower cost of living and great affordable public institutions, the average student debt in Oklahoma is still more than $31,000. This is because not many students are unaware of the scholarship opportunities available to them. If students take advantage of the available Oklahoma scholarships, the amount of student debt can significantly decrease. This will remove the burden from the state and they will have more money to spend on other things like improving the welfare of the state. Students will also benefit in the long term as they would not have to make any sort of loan repayments from their salaries.

We have listed around 25 Oklahoma scholarships for students to choose from. There are options available for students from all backgrounds. These scholarships vary in award amounts and range from $500 to the full cost of tuition. We have also provided a guide to apply and given some tips and tricks to win a scholarship to assist students further.

There are 102 colleges and universities in Oklahoma and around 62 of them are public institutions. The best universities in the state include the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa.

The University of Oklahoma is the highest-ranked university in Oklahoma. It is located in Norman and it is a public institution with a total enrollment of around 28,320 students out of which 21,294 students are undergraduates. It is a popular university for majors like Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Engineering is also a common choice for students studying here. The University of Oklahoma charges $9,312 for tuition and fees from in-state students; whereas, out-of-state students pay around $25,880. There is also room and board available for students to stay on campus and it costs around $12,200 for the year ending 2024.

Oklahoma State University is located in Stillwater. It is a large public institution with an acceptance rate of 71%. It has 20,801 undergraduate enrollments and graduate enrollments totaling around 4,558. This university is also known for its Business, Management, Marketing, and Engineering majors. It is an ethically diverse university and in-state tuition and fees cost around $9,244 here. Those from out-of-state, however, pay a higher amount of approximately $24,764 for tuition and fees and room and board here costs $9,106.

The third highest-rated institution of higher education in Oklahoma is located in Tulsa. The University of Tulsa is a private institution with around 2,647 undergraduate enrollments. It is much more expensive than the public options as it charges $48,102 for tuition and fees. The room and board cost around $12,876 for the academic year 2023 to 2024. This institution is known for its petroleum engineering programs and what makes this university unique is that it issues two transcripts: an academic one and a co-curricular one. The co-curricular transcript is known as the CCT and it lists the student’s participation in clubs, any leadership positions, and any marketable skills a student has gained while studying at Tulsa.

Various Oklahoma Colleges accept students with an average GPA of around 3.0 including Bacone College, Oklahoma State University, and Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College.

Bacone College is a private 4-year college located in Muskogee, OK. The average high school GPA of students accepted here is around 2.80. The average SAT scores here are between 938-1033 and those submitting ACT scores usually have a score that is in the range of 14 to 17. The major admission requirements at Bacone include test scores, high school GPA, high school class rank, completion of a college preparatory program, recommendation letters, and demonstration of competencies. It also charges an admission fee of $75.

The Oklahoma State University, OSU, accepts students with a 3.0 GPA or better. SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission here but to be considered for in-house scholarships, test scores are required. Moreover, submitting good test scores of at least 21 ACT/1060 SAT at the time of admission also helps in increasing the chance of getting admission at this prestigious institution. The university encourages all students to apply as it looks at individual applications holistically and considers various factors when deciding on admission. OSU charges a nonrefundable $40 application fee for admission.

Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College is a private 4-year college with a low admission rate of 42.9%. The average accepted GPA here is around 3.1 or better and submission of test scores is not compulsory for admission. If submitted, ACT/SAT scores can help improve the chances of landing a place at the institution. Most students submit ACT score that ranges between 16 to 24 on average. This institution also charges an application fee of around $42 for admission.

In Oklahoma, the average cost of in-state tuition is around $8,064 which is lower than the national average tuition cost of $9,349. The lower average cost of in-state tuition along with a lower cost of living on average makes the state quite favorable for students pursuing higher education. Most high-rated Oklahoma colleges and universities are public institutions with affordable tuition costs for state residents and winning scholarships like the H. A. West OKC Rotary Scholarship and Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship, can help make the cost of tuition even lower.

The University of Tulsa is one university, however, with high tuition costs. Tuition and fees here cost around $48,102 and room and board is around $12,876. Then the added cost of transportation, books and supplies, and other college-related costs raises the total even higher. Those students looking to study at such prestigious universities without having to take out loans can consider full-ride scholarships like the First Year Engineering Scholarship, OU Academic Achievement Scholarship, and Northeastern Honors Scholarship.

Oklahoma colleges house around 210,254 students consisting of around 86% undergraduate enrollments. More than 120,000 of the total enrollments are made of the female population.

Students from white backgrounds dominate the student population with around 111,592 enrollments. Hispanics follow with a total of around 25,447 students. Black/African American and American Indian/Native American come next contributing around 16,428 and 15,803 respectively to the state’s total. Asians make up only around 3.5% of the total student enrolment and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders contribute the smallest portion to the student population in Oklahoma.

The state’s total student loan debt is around $15.4 billion which spreads over 488,500 borrowers approximately. On average, students owe about $31,525 per person which exceeds the national average of around $28,950. Around 20.6% of the total student borrowers residing in the state owe around $20,000 to $40,000 in student loans. Fewer borrowers, around 18%, only owe less than $5,000 which is more manageable.

To avoid increasing their debt further, students should opt for Oklahoma scholarships as they are not a form of credit but gifts, and do not require any repayments. H. A. West OKC Rotary Scholarship, OU Academic Achievement Scholarship, and Academic Scholars Program are just a few of the many options to consider.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to following when applying for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many Oklahoma scholarships, whether merit-based or need-based, usually require school transcripts that show an individual’s academic performance. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to ensure you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or family member to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your Application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships in Oklahoma. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Oklahoma offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the number of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

There are various available to high school seniors for scholarships in Oklahoma. Following are some of the best ones to consider:

1. OU Academic Achievement Scholarship
2. Women of the South Scholarship Fund
3. Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships
4. First Year Engineering Scholarship
5. Northeastern Honors Scholarship
6. Presidential Academic Scholarships
7. H. A. West OKC Rotary Scholarship

More than 86% of the total student enrollment in Oklahoma consists of undergraduates. Many of these students fail to reach graduation due to financial problems. Undergraduate students including freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors can apply for the following scholarships to pay for their tuition partially.

1. MGMA Southern Section Scholarship
2. ASHRAE Region VIII Scholarship
3. NEWH | Dallas Scholarship
4. Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship
5. The James M. & Virginia M. Smyth Scholarship Fund
6. The Tom and Judith Comstock Scholarship
7. Academic Scholars Program
8. OSU Agricultural Education Scholarship Inc.

Following are some of the best scholarships for graduate students to consider. These scholarships can help take some of the financial burden off from students and they will be able to pay for their own tuition independently without taking help from student loans.

1. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
2. C. Lamar Meek Memorial Scholarship
3. Central Oklahoma ASHRAE Scholarship
4. PMI Tulsa Chapter Scholarship

Inspired to Teach Scholarship is funded by Northeastern State University to support students pursuing to become teachers. This scholarship, however, requires full-time undergraduate enrollment in a degree that leads to a standard teaching certificate. Moreover, students are to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and a minimum 2.5 GPA throughout matriculation for eligibility. The scholarship awards a maximum of $2,500 and all levels of education including early childhood to high school teaching are supported.

There are not many nursing-specific scholarships offered in the state. Students pursuing nursing degrees can get help from scholarships not limited by any particular major, such as those suggested below.

1. OU Academic Achievement Scholarship
2. H. A. West OKC Rotary Scholarship
3. Presidential Academic Scholarships
4. Northeastern Honors Scholarship

Women make up most of the student enrollment in most states and Oklahoma is no exception with almost 58% of the student population being women. Women of the South Scholarship Fund is one of the Oklahoma scholarships available to the female student population only. It is a $2,000 need-based scholarship funded by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. Applicants must be residing in the South Oklahoma City metropolitan area, must be first-time freshmen working towards attaining an associate degree from Oklahoma City Community College, must have good academic performance with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and must demonstrate financial need for eligibility.

Most universities have in-house scholarships that are based on merit for their incoming freshmen. Some examples of such universities in Oklahoma are The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and University of Central Oklahoma.

The University of Oklahoma has many merit-based scholarships for its new admissions with good a academic history. There is a National Merit Finalist scholarship that awards $71,100 to the winner. The semifinalist of the same program receives a $4,000 award per year which is renewable for the following years of undergraduate degree. These scholarships require a GPA of 3.5 at least to be eligible. There are also other merit-based scholarships like the Award of Excellence that offer $4,000 per year to students with a 3.5+ GPA and 31 ACT or 1390 SAT. The Academic Achievement is the lowest award offered ($2,000 per year) and it requires a minimum GPA of 3,25 and 24-27 ACT or 1160-1290 SAT.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) also offers various scholarships based on the student’s GPA and test scores. Their four-year partial tuition waiver scholarships range from $3,000 per year to $1,000. The highest award amount is reserved for students with at least a GPA of 3.75 and 32-36 ACT or 1420-1600 SAT scores. The lowest of $1,000 if for those with GPAs between 3.0 and test scores of 24-25 ACT or 1160-1220 SAT. There are also GPA-based scholarships that do not require test scores ranging between $750 to $1000 per year. OSU has also partnered with other organizations that offer full-ride scholarships to students with exceptional academic results like Cowboy Covenant- An Oklahoma’s Promise Partnership and National Merit Scholarship.

The University of Central Oklahoma, or UCO, offers scholarships to incoming freshmen ranging from $500 per year to $1,000 per year. They offer four awards including Elite, Outstanding, Distinguished, and Excellence. The highest is Elite which is reserved for students with 4.0+ GPA. To get the Excellence award of $500 per year, students must have a GPA of 3.0 to 3.49. They also have Broncho Bronze Achievement Awards that are based on test scores and they also range from $500 to $1,000 per year.

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education provides many scholarships for different types of students within the state. They have a program especially for future teachers called the ‘Inspired to Teach’ that allows eligible students to earn up to $25,500 in scholarship money for their degree/certificate. They also have Reach Higher Scholarships for Adults completing their college journey and the award amount depends on the available funds. There are many more opportunities students can find on their website.

Another organization, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, also funds various Oklahoma scholarships for in-state students. They have more than 150 scholarships available on their websites for students from all backgrounds. Some of the many scholarships they offer include the Kirschner Scholarship Program, the Heffington Family Scholarship for nursing students, the Non-traditional Student Application, and the Alberta Brannon Memorial Scholarship.

Students can also check the OK Promise website for their Oklahom’s Promise Scholarship. This scholarship allows students who meet certain income, academic, and conduct requirements to earn a college or technology center tuition scholarship. However, students must maintain SAP and file a FAFSA each year to determine eligibility for this opportunity.

An additional option to find scholarships is the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education website. They offer scholarships including the Tuition Waiver, Lottery Funds Scholarships, Casy Cundiff Student Scholarship, and the HLAA COC Trade/Vocational School Scholarship. The minimum amount they offer for most of their scholarships starts at $500 generally.

Students can also contact their educational institutions to find out about in-house scholarship options or contact their local churches and regional organizations to see if they have anything in store.

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) is the main student grant offered to Oklahoma students by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE). It is available to students pursuing higher education in Oklahoma’s public and private colleges and universities. The eligibility for the grant is determined by FAFSA and the amount depends on the type of institution the student is attending. The maximum amount offered is up to $1,500 at eligible community colleges and career technology centers, $2,000 at regional universities, and $3,000 at research universities.