Oklahoma Student Loans And Financial Aid Programs

Oklahoma has several private student loan and financial aid programs that can help you pay for college. If you're going to be attending college in Oklahoma, you need to be looking to take advantage of these programs.

These programs are designed to help make college more affordable - so that you can get the education you need. These programs can include scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Don't forget that there are Federal student loan programs available as well. You can find out more on how to get a Federal student loan here.

There is also a specific order of operations to pay for college that we recommend students follow. These programs specific to the State of Oklahoma can help you to avoid borrowing more money than you need to. 

Oklahoma Student Loan Programs

OKlahoma doesn't have any unique student loan programs to help it's students pay for college. However, there are still Federal student loans available to students who attend college in Oklahoma. 

If you're just looking for private student loan options, we recommend:

• Credible - Like the Kayak of student loans, they help you shop around and compare options. Try Credible here.
• College Ave - One of the best private student loan lenders. Get A Quote At College Ave Here.

Check out our complete guide to finding the best student loans here.

Oklahoma Scholarship Programs

Oklahoma has several scholarships available to students who want to attend college in the state.

Oklahoma's Promise Scholarship

Oklahoma’s Promise allows eighth-, ninth- or 10th-grade students from families with an income of $60,000 or less to earn a college tuition scholarship. Students must also meet academic and conduct requirements in high school.

Upon completion of the program’s requirements, your student will earn:

• Tuition at an Oklahoma public two-year college or four-year university.
• OR a portion of tuition at an accredited Oklahoma private college or university.
• OR a portion of tuition for approved programs at Oklahoma public technology centers.

Learn more about Oklahoma's Promise.

Academic Scholars Program

The Academic Scholars Program, established by the state Legislature and governor in 1988 and operated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, provides scholarships to academically outstanding students who attend an Oklahoma college or university.

Academic Scholars receive a scholarship to help cover the cost of room, board, tuition, books and incidental fees for up to eight semesters. The actual value of the scholarship varies based on the institution the scholar chooses to attend.

Learn more about the Academic Scholars Program.

Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship

This scholarship enables 11 participating public universities to provide up to four years of scholarship support to academically-promising Oklahoma students enrolled in a baccalaureate program.

The annual award amount is $3,000 and a resident tuition waiver from the institution. The scholarship is available for up to eight semesters of study in a baccalaureate program at a regional university or until the student is granted a baccalaureate degree, whichever occurs first. The scholarship award may be used only at the university making the award; it is not portable.

Learn more about the Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship. 

Future Teachers Scholarship

The Future Teachers Scholarship Program ("Inspired To Teach Program") was established by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education as an incentive to encourage the preparation of teachers in critical shortage areas in the public schools of Oklahoma.

An award amount for each nominated student will be determined by the college the student attends. The maximum award amount is $1,500 per year.

Learn more about the Future Teachers Scholarship.

George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship

The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship was established by the 1999 Oklahoma Legislature to provide scholarship opportunities to outstanding students who are preparing for careers in public service. A component of the scholarship program is participation in seminars on public service offered by the Nigh Institute. Each college and university may nominate one scholarship recipient per year.

The annual award limit is $1,000.

Learn more about the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship.

Oklahoma Grant Programs

Oklahoma also has a grant program to provide need based financial aid to Oklahoma residents.

Grants are one of the best forms of financial aid because, in most circumstances, you don't have to pay the money back.

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant

The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant Program (OTAG) is a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents who attend eligible colleges, universities and career technology centers in Oklahoma. Awards are approved for full-time or part-time undergraduate students.

The maximum annual award is the lesser of 75 percent of enrollment costs or $1,000 for students attending public colleges, universities or career technology centers, and $1,300 for students attending eligible private colleges or universities. One-half of the award is disbursed in the fall semester, and one-half is disbursed in the spring semester. Funds are released to eligible students by campus officials after eligibility has been confirmed.

You can learn more about the Tuition Aid Grant.

Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant 

A need-based grant program that awards grants to Oklahoma residents enrolled as full-time undergraduates at certain qualified Oklahoma not-for-profit, private/independent institutions of higher education. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply.

The current grant amounts are $2,000 per academic year or $1,000 per academic semester.

Learn more about the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant.

Other Options

If you already have student loans and are looking for options as a Oklahoma resident, check out our Oklahoma Student Loan Forgiveness Program page. That page has all the different options available to Oklahoma residents to potentially get some of your student loan debt forgiven.

You might also look at refinancing your student loans and saving money in interest while also potentially lowering your payment. Check out our guide on the Best Places To Refinance Your Student Loans.

If you're looking for ways to save for college in Oklahoma, check out our Oklahoma 529 Plan and College Savings Guide.

Finally, check out the other student loan and financial aid programs by state.