Oklahoma Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Oklahoma Scholarships & Grants

Oklahoma offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Oklahoma more affordable.

Oklahoma’s Promise (income-based tuition program) is a standout; also see OTAG.

How to Get a Grant for College in Oklahoma

Oklahoma students have access to several state and federal grant programs that make higher education more affordable. To apply for college grants in Oklahoma, follow these steps:

• Complete the FAFSA: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for both federal and state grants.
• Apply for State Programs: Explore programs such as the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) and Oklahoma’s Promise for financial assistance based on need and academic achievement.
• Check Institutional Opportunities: Many colleges and universities in Oklahoma offer their own need- and merit-based grants for enrolled students.

Additional information and deadlines can be found through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE).

What Is the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG)?

The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) is a need-based program that provides financial aid to Oklahoma residents attending eligible public and private colleges within the state. To qualify, students must:

• Be Oklahoma residents.
• Complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.
• Enroll at least half-time in a participating institution.

Annual award amounts typically range from $500 to $1,000, depending on financial need and available funding. OTAG is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so early FAFSA completion is highly recommended.

What Is Oklahoma’s Promise?

Oklahoma’s Promise—also known as the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP)—is one of the state’s most popular tuition programs for students from low- to moderate-income families. Eligibility requirements include:

• Being an Oklahoma resident.
• Enrolling in the program during 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.
• Maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA in core and overall high school coursework.
• Having a family income of $60,000 or less at the time of enrollment.

The program covers tuition at Oklahoma public colleges and universities and partial tuition at approved private and out-of-state institutions that participate in Oklahoma’s higher education network.

Does Oklahoma Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes. Several universities in Oklahoma offer full-ride scholarships for exceptional students. Notable programs include:

• University of Oklahoma National Merit Scholarship: Covers tuition, fees, and additional educational expenses for National Merit Scholars.
• Oklahoma State University Presidential Scholarship: A competitive, merit-based full-ride award recognizing outstanding academic and leadership achievements.

These full-ride programs are highly competitive and generally require top academic performance, test scores, and community leadership.

Scholarships in Oklahoma for High School Seniors

High school seniors in Oklahoma can apply for a wide range of scholarship opportunities, including:

• Oklahoma’s Promise: Covers tuition for eligible students attending public colleges or universities.
• Oklahoma State Regents’ Academic Scholars Program: Awards full tuition and additional stipends for students with exceptional academic performance.
• Tulsa Community Foundation Scholarships: Supports local students pursuing degrees in a variety of academic fields.

Students are encouraged to meet with their high school counselors early to review eligibility and deadlines for both statewide and local awards.

Scholarships in Oklahoma for Adults

Adults returning to school or pursuing new career paths can take advantage of several scholarship and grant programs, including:

• Oklahoma Adult Promise: Financial support for adults completing their first college degree or technical certification.
• Oklahoma CareerTech Tuition Assistance: Provides tuition aid for adults in vocational and high-demand trade programs.

These programs are designed to help nontraditional students gain new skills and credentials for career advancement.

University of Oklahoma (OU) Scholarships

The University of Oklahoma offers a broad range of scholarships for first-year, transfer, and current students. Prominent programs include:

• National Merit Scholarship: A full-ride scholarship for National Merit Finalists.
• Regents’ Scholarship: A merit-based award for top academic achievers.
• Need-Based Scholarships: Financial aid packages for students demonstrating economic need through the FAFSA.

For detailed eligibility requirements and deadlines, students can visit the OU Scholarships page.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) Scholarships

Oklahoma State University (OSU) provides numerous scholarship opportunities to recognize academic excellence and leadership. Notable awards include:

• Presidential Scholarship: A full-ride merit award for high-achieving students.
• Transfer Scholarships: Financial aid for students transferring from community colleges or other universities.
• Departmental Scholarships: Specialized awards for students enrolled in designated academic programs.

Applications and detailed criteria can be found through the OSU Scholarships portal.

What Is the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG)?

The Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG) provides need-based financial assistance to Oklahoma residents attending private, not-for-profit colleges in the state. Eligibility includes:

• Oklahoma residency.
• Demonstrated financial need through FAFSA completion.
• Full-time enrollment at a participating private college or university.

Qualified students can receive up to $2,000 per academic year to offset tuition and educational costs.

Grants for College in Oklahoma

Oklahoma students have access to several major grant programs that help reduce college costs:

• Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG): Need-based assistance for residents attending eligible colleges and universities.
• Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG): Provides funding for students enrolled at private, nonprofit colleges in Oklahoma.
• Federal Pell Grant: Need-based federal funding for undergraduate students completing the FAFSA.

Each of these programs plays a key role in making higher education accessible to Oklahoma residents from diverse backgrounds.

How to Apply for Oklahoma Scholarships and Grants

To apply for scholarships and grants in Oklahoma, students should:

• Submit the FAFSA Early: Completing the FAFSA as soon as it opens each year ensures priority consideration for limited state funds.
• Research State Programs: Review eligibility for Oklahoma’s Promise, OTAG, OTEG, and other programs through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
• Consult Your College’s Financial Aid Office: Many institutions offer additional scholarships, tuition waivers, or emergency grants beyond state programs.

Applying early and keeping documents up to date helps maximize financial aid opportunities for both state and federal funding programs.