How To Get Free College in Oklahoma

If you live in Oklahoma and are planning to go to college, you may be wondering which financial aid options and scholarship programs can help you afford school. Specifically, you'd like to know if you can attend college for free in your state.

Tuition-free online colleges in Oklahoma can help students attend college for free. Some are state-based programs, while others are offered through individual schools. Programs include the Oklahoma Promise Award and the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG).

Keep reading for more information about the programs available in Oklahoma.

Is Community College Free in Oklahoma?

Many students can attend community college in Oklahoma for free, thanks to state and school-specific programs. State programs like the Oklahoma Promise and Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant can cover tuition costs at community colleges and technology centers throughout the state.

Additionally, some community colleges have their own free tuition programs in place. Oklahoma City Community College offers the OKC-Go program, a last-dollar scholarship that provides funding for eligible students in the city.

Tulsa Community College offers a similar program called Tulsa Achieves, which is available to graduating high school seniors who live in Tulsa County. Both programs may cover up to 100% tuition for up to three years or 63 credit hours.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Oklahoma?

Several programs currently in place can help students cover the costs of their college degree. Each program has its own eligibility requirements; generally speaking, students must be Oklahoma residents and demonstrate financial need.

In some cases, college students are also expected to meet certain conduct requirements during high school. They may be expected to enroll full-time and come from a family whose household income doesn't exceed the amount required for the program. Finally, students will be expected to meet specific program requirements to maintain eligibility throughout the program.

What Is the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant?

The Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant is a need-based program that provides grants to Oklahoma residents. These grants can be used at various private or independent colleges and community colleges throughout the state.

These financial aid awards do not provide full tuition coverage; grant amounts are $2,000 per year and $1,000 per semester. However, the funds can cover tuition, fees, books, and other college expenses.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for an Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. They must agree to enroll full-time during spring and fall semesters at eligible colleges.

Students must also come from a family with less than $50,000 yearly income. They must not already hold a bachelor's degree and must meet all of their school's progress requirements to maintain eligibility.

Eligible Institutions

The Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant is available for students at the following schools:

• University of Tulsa
• Bacone College
• Mid-America Christian University
• Southern Nazarene University
• Family of Faith Christian University
• Oral Roberts University
• Southwestern Christian University
• Community Care College
• Oklahoma Baptist University
• Oklahoma Wesleyan University
• Randall University
• Oklahoma City University
• Oklahoma Christian University

How To Apply

Students can apply for this grant by completing the FAFSA. There is no separate application to fill out.

Students at participating schools are automatically considered for this award. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) determines student eligibility based on FAFSA results.

What Is the Oklahoma Promise Award?

The Oklahoma Promise Award, also known as Oklahoma's Promise, has been in place since 1992. This program covers tuition at accredited two-year colleges and four-year universities in Oklahoma, as well as some courses at technology centers in the state.

The program does not cover fees, books, room and board, or other college expenses. It also has various requirements based on financial need, academic performance, and conduct for students to obtain and maintain eligibility.

Who Is Eligible?

Students must enroll in the program from eighth through 11th grade. They must come from a family whose income doesn't exceed $60,000, $70,000, or $80,000, depending on the number of children, or $100,000 by the time the student enrolls in college.

All students must take specific courses in high school and maintain a 2.5 GPA. They must complete the FAFSA each year, complete program-required activities during high school, and meet conduct requirements, such as abstaining from drugs and alcohol, not skipping school, and completing all homework.

Eligible Institutions

The Oklahoma Promise scholarship can be used at public and private colleges and universities across the state. It can also be used at some technology centers.

Make sure the school you are planning to attend is accredited. The scholarship will only apply to students who attend accredited institutions.

How To Apply

Students can apply for the Oklahoma Promise online or by submitting a paper application. The yearly application deadline is June 30th.

Students must complete the FAFSA for each year they hope to receive Oklahoma's Promise. This helps ensure they maintain financial eligibility.

What Is the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant?

The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) is a need-based program for students planning to attend a public or private college, university, or technology center in Oklahoma. Students receiving this award may attend school either full-time or part-time.

The grant covers up to 75% of college costs or $1,500-$3,000 depending on the type of institution, whichever is less. Half of the award amount is disbursed each semester during the academic year.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible students must be Oklahoma residents who complete the FAFSA. Those who qualify for a Pell Grant generally qualify for an OTAG grant.

Undocumented immigrants may also be eligible for an OTAG grant if they graduate from an Oklahoma high school, have lived in Oklahoma for at least two years, and have filed an application or petition for U.S. citizenship.

Eligible Institutions

Students can use this grant to attend most accredited colleges and universities in Oklahoma. These may include:

• public community colleges
• public and private four-year schools
• career technology centers

How To Apply

To apply for this grant, students must complete the FAFSA each year. There is no separate application for the OTAG.

Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA early, as OTAG funds are limited. Generally speaking, these funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tips for Making College Affordable

The programs outlined above do not cover all college costs. To help you make college more affordable, consider the following tips:

• apply for additional financial aid and scholarships
• work a part-time job
• live off-campus
• investigate employer or military benefits if applicable
• attend a community college

Learn more: Tips for Making College More Affordable

Tuition-Free Colleges in Oklahoma

If you're wondering about some of the schools you could attend for free in Oklahoma, keep reading. The following universities are some good options available.

University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma is located in Norman. It offers more than 400 degree and certificate programs and enrolls over 32,000 students.

In addition to Oklahoma's Promise and OTAG, the school offers the Crimson Commitment to qualifying students eligible for Oklahoma's Promise. The program provides up to four years of free tuition and fees as long as students meet program requirements and maintain Oklahoma Promise eligibility.

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is headquartered in Stillwater. This large public school has an enrollment of more than 34,000 students.

The school accepts the Oklahoma Promise and OTAG grants. Additionally, the Cowboy Covenant program provides automatic $1,000 scholarships annually for up to four years to students who receive the Oklahoma Promise.

Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts University is a private Christian school in Tulsa. It enrolls around 5,000 students in an array of degree programs.

Students at this school are eligible to receive the Oklahoma Promise and OTAG awards, along with the Tuition Equalization Grant. Those demonstrating exceptional financial need may receive additional aid through the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).