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10 Oklahoma Scholarships to Save You Thousands on College
What’s Covered
With historically low higher educational attainment rates, compared with national averages, Oklahoma seeks to support its residents in their ability to attend college. Numerous outside organizations and government agencies offer generous scholarships for Oklahoma students to offset the cost of their education.
There are plenty of awards available, and we’ve rounded up 10 of the best — just for people in your state.
10 Oklahoma Scholarships
1. Oklahoma State Regents Academic Scholars Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Must attend an Oklahoma college or university and be a National Merit Scholar, National Merit Finalist or US Presidential Scholar or score at or above the 99.5 percentile on the ACT or SAT
Application Requirements: Application
Academically outstanding students in the state may receive this scholarship to cover room, board, tuition, books, and fees if they attend an Oklahoma college or university. The award is renewable contingent upon maintaining a 3.25 GPA and full-time status. Public institutions may also nominate students for the scholarship.
2. Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: May 21
Eligibility: Must be a National Merit Semifinalist or Commended Student or have a minimum 30 ACT
Application Requirements: Application
The Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship makes it possible for talented Oklahoma students to attend one of 11 participating public universities. It is available for up to eight semesters or until the student earns their baccalaureate degree, whichever occurs first.
3. Future Teachers Scholarship
Amount: Determined by the college the student attends
Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Must rank in the top 15% of high school graduating class, have an ACT/SAT ranking in the top 15% of graduates the same year, gain admission to a professional education program at an accredited Oklahoma institution of higher education, or have an undergraduate record of success
Application Requirements: Application, transcript, ACT/SAT score, essay
Established in response to a critical teacher shortage in public schools in areas of Oklahoma, the Future Teachers Scholarship Program incentives students to pursue careers in education. Recipients must agree to teach in an Oklahoma public school in one of these areas for at least three consecutive years upon graduation and licensure.
4. OK-AHEAD Scholarship
Amount: $300
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students with disabilities who attend a college, university, or career tech institution; must have a minimum 2.0 GPA
Application Requirements: Application, documentation of disability, letter of recommendation, transcript
The OK-AHEAD Scholarship is awarded to up to three students with documented disabilities yearly: one attending a two-year college, one attending a four-year student, and one attending a career tech institution. Recipients may reapply each year.
5. Northwest Oklahoma Osteopathic Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Northwest Oklahoma high school juniors and seniors who want to pursue osteopathic medical education
Application Requirements: Application
The Northwest Oklahoma Osteopathic Foundation supports high school students and career tech students who are interested in pursuing a career as a physician with this one-year $1,000 scholarship.
6. Friends of Kim Jones Shelton Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Students graduating from a central Oklahoma high school with a minimum 3.5 GPA
Application Requirements: Essay, FAFSA
Established to support central Oklahoma students pursuing postsecondary education, this scholarship benefits students who have financial need relating to a disability or other challenging circumstance. As part of their application, students must submit an essay reflecting on friendship.
7. Charles C. & Mary Lou Miles Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Graduating seniors of a high school that participates in the Central Oklahoma Guidance Counselor Network; minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Requirements: Essay
Students who attend high schools that are part of the Central Oklahoma Guidance Counselor Network have the opportunity to win this scholarship, which can be used toward tuition, books, and fees. Preference may be given to applicants pursuing English education or industrial education, and financial need may be considered.
8. George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
Eligibility: Residents of Oklahoma enrolled in an undergraduate degree program leading to a career in public service
Application Requirements: Recommendations, evidence of exceptional academic achievement
The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship benefits students who are preparing for careers in public service. Colleges and universities may each nominate one recipient every year. Students should show evidence of academic achievement (GPA, class rank, national awards, scholastic achievement, honors, and involvement in extracurricular activities).
9. Chahta Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma who are enrolled or plan to enroll at a college or university; minimum 2.5 GPA
Application Requirements: Application, resume, tribal membership card, transcript
The Chahta Foundation makes scholarships available to members of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Scholarships vary by amount, materials required, and other factors — some may have additional application components or criteria. All recipients must be willing to participate in a service requirement.
10. Robert V. and Ruby Mae Smith Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from Oklahoma City area high schools with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Requirements: Application with supplemental questions
This scholarship assists students with educational related expenses such as tuition, fees, and books at any academically accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational-technical nonprofit institution within the US. Preference may be given to students pursuing a career in medical technology, and financial need may be considered. The award is renewable.
Tips on Applying for Scholarships
1. Remember that institutional scholarships make up the majority of your aid.
Your first — and best — source of financial aid is the college or university you attend. Many schools offer generous packages, including both need-based and merit scholarships. Outside scholarships, such as those that appear on this list, can help you fill in the gaps.
2. Look for niche scholarships.
Look for awards that target specific talents, majors, or demographics. Because the scholarships are niche, they draw fewer applicants. That means you’ll be competing against a smaller pool of candidates and will have an easier time winning.
3. Start your search early.
We advise students to start looking for scholarships early in their high school careers. That way, they can keep applying — some deadlines may even be before senior year — as well as organize their materials and strategy to better prepare. Remember that you’ll have college applications to contend with senior year, so getting a head start is in your best interest!
