Navigating Scholarships and Financial Aid at Oklahoma State University

For students aspiring to pursue higher education, the financial aspect can often be a significant hurdle. Oklahoma State University (OSU) recognizes this challenge and provides various financial aid programs to assist students in achieving their academic goals. These programs encompass scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment opportunities, catering to a wide range of student needs and circumstances.

Comprehensive Financial Aid Programs at OSU

The OSU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is dedicated to helping students explore and secure the financial resources necessary for their education. Students who need financial assistance to attend college are encouraged to consider the many types of financial aid available through the OSU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. These programs include scholarships, grants, loans and part-time jobs.

Scholarships: Recognizing Achievement and Potential

Oklahoma State University offers tuition waiver scholarships and other cash scholarships to qualifying freshman, transfer, continuing and graduate students. OSU’s scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, academic potential, leadership activities or community service, and many consider financial need. Scholarships for continuing undergraduate students are awarded based on academic performance, financial need or both.

Types of Scholarships:

Tuition Waiver Scholarships: These scholarships cover tuition costs and are available to both in-state and out-of-state students. Tuition scholarships for in-state students are awarded to incoming freshman students who have attained high scholastic standing in high school. Tuition scholarships for out-of-state students are awarded based on several criteria, including academic accomplishments or being a child or grandchild of an OSU alumnus. It's important to note that a student may receive only one tuition scholarship at a time.
Cash Scholarships: These scholarships provide direct financial assistance to students and are funded by various sources, including the OSU Foundation, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, OSU academic colleges and departments, and private sources. However, students may receive multiple cash awards such as the President’s Distinguished Scholarship (PDS), President’s Leadership Council (PLC) scholarship, or college and departmental awards. A variety of cash scholarships are offered to OSU students at all levels of study.

Undergraduate students can find more information about OSU and non-OSU cash scholarships in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, 119 Student Union, or online at financialaid.okstate.edu.

Key Deadlines:

November 1: The Early Opportunity Scholarship Deadline is Nov. 1, while all scholarship materials must be submitted by Feb. 1 to ensure scholarship consideration for fall-entering students.
February 1: To be considered for all scholarships at OSU, new undergraduates must apply for admission prior to the February 1 Priority Scholarship Deadline.

Grants: Need-Based Financial Assistance

Federal aid at OSU is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Each student who wishes to be considered for need-based assistance should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after October 1 as possible to receive aid for the next academic year. Early application is encouraged since OSU receives limited funding for the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) and Federal Work-Study (FWS) programs. Programs are also available for students and families who do not demonstrate financial need.

Federal Grant Programs:

Federal Pell Grant: Undergraduate students who have not completed their first bachelor's degree are eligible to be considered for the Federal Pell Grant.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG): Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need as reflected in the FAFSA.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: Undergraduate and graduate students who are or who will be taking coursework necessary to become elementary or secondary teachers may be eligible for the federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. To be considered for this grant program, a student must complete a FAFSA. After completing the FAFSA, the student must meet with an OSU College of Education and Human Sciences certifying official to determine if the requirements for the eligible major and academic/professional criteria are met, as well as discuss academic and career implications from receipt of the TEACH Grant.

Loans: Funding for Educational Expenses

OSU administers several federal loan programs for students who need financial assistance. Interest rates for the Federal Direct Loan programs are set annually by the federal government. To be considered for loan funds, undergraduates must be enrolled in at least six hours in the fall, spring or summer semester. These hours must be degree applicable and not considered excessive repeats.

Federal Work-Study Program: Earning While Learning

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is designed to help students meet their educational expenses through part-time employment. The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid determines award amounts on the basis of financial need from FAFSA information. Professional Education students are eligible to apply for consideration in Federal Work-Study and Direct Loans. Department of Education are eligible for the same aid programs as undergraduate and graduate students pursuing bachelor's, master’s, doctorate, or professional degrees at OSU. Approved certificates are listed on the web. To be considered for federal assistance, students generally must be enrolled in a recognized academic program leading to a degree or certificate. Students are only eligible for Direct Loan consideration.

Eligibility and Enrollment Requirements

Eligibility for financial assistance is related only to the total number of credit hours in which the student enrolls. Undergraduate tuition scholarship recipients must be enrolled in at least 12 OSU hours to receive the award for the fall or spring semester; tuition scholarships are not available for the summer. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least four hours in the fall or spring semester and at least two hours in the summer to be considered for financial assistance for that semester. These hours must be degree applicable and not considered excessive repeats. TEACH funding is available but limited for eligible students enrolled in fewer than four hours in the fall/spring or two hours in the summer. Federal and institutional aid recipients who are unsure of their eligibility for assistance based on their enrollment status should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for clarification.

Important Policies and Regulations

The OSU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is required by federal regulation to monitor the academic progress of all students who apply for financial assistance. The policy for federal aid and state (OTAG) recipients includes three components. The OSU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, in accordance with federal regulations, calculates the return of Title IV Funds for any student who receives Title IV aid and subsequently withdraws before the end of the enrollment period/term.

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