The Best Scholarships in Oklahoma

Students in the Sooner State have their pick of nearly 150 colleges and universities, but with rising costs of tuition, paying for school in Oklahoma isn’t easy.  With over 200,000 Oklahoma students entering a college, university, or technical school in 2019, scholarships are more competitive than ever. The average price of in-state tuition is over $10,000, with the most expensive school costing over $35,000. Whether you are attending a college, university, or technical school, it is more than likely that you will need financial aid to defray these high costs. Scholarships are the best way to fund your education without worrying about paying back loans after you graduate. Check out our list of the best scholarships for Oklahoma students to find the perfect scholarship for you.

The best way to receive a scholarship as an Oklahoma student is to find scholarships that are a great fit. This list not only tells you about the best Oklahoma grants for students with high financial need, such as the Oklahoma Promise Scholarship, but also scholarships for Oklahoma students with great grades and test scores. We also have found you the best scholarships for students attending in-state schools, pursuing specific industries, and minority students.  Whatever your path as an Oklahoma student may be, you can find help for funding your education. Read on for the best scholarships Oklahoma has to offer.

Looking for scholarships in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

This post is part of our Ultimate FAQ for Applying to Scholarships.

The Best Scholarships in Oklahoma for High Achieving Students

1. Academic Scholars Program

• Description: The Oklahoma Academic Scholars programs provides scholarships for Oklahoma’s most academically successful students. The scholarship is merit-based and can be applied to tuition or associated school fees.
• Amount: $5,500
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Oklahoma resident entering or attending an Oklahoma educational institution. By the end of junior year of high school, students must have achieved at least a 3.25 GPA, and score at or above the 99.5^th percentile on their ACT or SAT.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the FAFSA and application, including transcripts and letters of recommendation by the April 1^st The application can be found on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education website.

2. Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship

• Description: The Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship provides funds for academically successful students with high test scores attending eligible Oklahoma colleges or universities.
• Amount: $3,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Oklahoma resident entering an Oklahoma educational institution. Students must graduate high school with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 30 on their ACT.
• How to Apply: Students must confer with their educational institution’s office of financial aid to determine eligibility and deadlines for application. More information can be found on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Website.

3. Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship

• Description: Managed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Award is available for Oklahoma students who have demonstrated academic success and excellent test scores.
• Amount: $1,500
• Requirements: Students must be graduates of an Oklahoma high school and have scored a 32 on their ACT or 2130 SAT. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for scholarship renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must submit materials including application and ACT or SAT scores to their educational institution prior to start of attendance. More information and application materials can be found on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education website.

4. George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship

• Description: This renewable scholarship funded by the Nigh institute is available to academically successful Oklahoma students who demonstrate community involvement. The scholarship is intended to encourage students to commit to a career in Oklahoma public service.
• Amount: $1,000
• Requirements: Students must be an Oklahoma resident with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Student must provide transcripts and demonstrate involvement in community activities. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for award renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application, including personal essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts by March 1^st. Application and more information can be found on the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education website.

5. May T. Henry Scholarship

• Description: Funded by Stride Bank, the May T. Henry Scholarship is for academically successful students attending a college, university, or technical institution in the state of Oklahoma. This scholarship honors public education and prioritizes financially needy scholars.
• Amount: $1,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Oklahoma resident entering or attending an Oklahoma educational institution. Students must have graduated from an Oklahoma high school or obtained a GED. To be considered for scholarship renewal, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the application, personal essay, and high school transcripts by April 1^st, and are notified of award status by the end of May Application materials and more information can be found on the Stride Bank website.

The Best Scholarships in Oklahoma for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

1. Oklahoma Maximum Independence Scholarship

• Description: Sponsored by Goodwill of Oklahoma, this scholarship supports students with disabilities attending a college, university, or technical institution. The goal is to eliminate barriers to education. The scholarship can be used for tuition and associated costs of school.
• Amount: $1,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Oklahoma resident and senior in high school at time of application. Students must plan to attend an Oklahoma college, university, or technical institution, and have participated in community service. Students must have a documented disability and unmet financial need.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and application by March 15^th. The application and more information can be found on the Goodwill Industries website.

2. Oklahoma Independent Living Act Tuition Waivers

• Description: The Oklahoma Independent Living Act Tuition Program supports students transitioning out of Foster Care and into a college, university, or technical institution. Students who have been placed in a home after their 16^th birthday are also eligible for the scholarship. The scholarship can be used for tuition and associated costs of school.
• Amount: Cost of tuition and associated fees
• Requirements: Students must be an Oklahoma resident attending an Oklahoma educational institution who has transitioned out of the Foster Care system. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to receive scholarship renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and will be notified of eligibility by their educational institution financial aid department. More information can be found on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education website.

3. Women of the South Primary Provider Scholarship

• Description: Women of the South provides scholarships to Oklahoma women attending Oklahoma City Community College. Their mission is to support gender equity in education and provide opportunities for women who are primary providers for their families.
• Amount: Cost of tuition
• Requirements: Students must be Oklahoma residents, either graduating from an Oklahoma high school and planning to attend Oklahoma City Community College or a primary provider for their family planning to return to school.
• How to Apply: Submit the online application and supplemental materials by the February 1^st or April 25^th deadline, depending on graduation status on the Women of the South website.

4. Heartland Scholarship Fund

• Description: The Heartland Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for Oklahoma students whose family members were killed in the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing. Both part-time and full-time students of any age are eligible for this scholarship administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
• Amount: $5,500
• Requirements: Students must be Oklahoma residents and a surviving family member of an individual killed in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Students must demonstrate financial need and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for scholarship renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the FAFSA and application package including demonstration of financial need by the April 1^st Application materials and more information can be found on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education website.

5. Heroes Promise Scholarship

• Description: The Heroes Promise Scholarship is for economically disadvantaged students whose parent has died in military combat for the U.S. armed forces. Students must be attending an Oklahoma community college or four-year public or private university.
• Amount: Cost of tuition
• Requirements: Students must be an Oklahoma resident whose parent was killed in military action after the year 2000. Students must demonstrate financial need and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for scholarship renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and provide supplemental materials to their educational institution’s financial aid department. More information can be found on the Heroes Promise informational website.

The Best In-State Scholarships and Grants for Oklahoma Colleges

1. Oklahoma Tuition Grant

• Description: The Oklahoma Tuition Grant provides funds for many Oklahoma students with unmet financial need. This grant is available for Oklahoma students attending a public or private educational institution, and is available for legal Oklahoma residents as well as undocumented immigrants.
• Amount: $1,000-$1,300
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Oklahoma resident or undocumented immigrant residing in Oklahoma. Students must demonstrate financial need, and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for award renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must submit a FAFSA and will be notified of their eligibility by their educational institution. Undocumented immigrants must complete an additional application. The application and more information can be found on the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education website.

2. Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant

• Description: The Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant is available to Oklahoma students attending an Oklahoma college or university with unmet financial need. Administered by the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education, this grant serves to make education more accessible.
• Amount: $2,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal resident of Oklahoma attending an Oklahoma educational institution, with a family income of less than $50,000. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for grant renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must submit a FAFSA and will be notified of their eligibility by their educational institution. The application and more information can be found on the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education website.

3. Oklahoma’s Promise Scholarship

• Description: Oklahoma’s Promise Scholarships are available to Oklahoma high school students with plans to attend an Oklahoma college, university, or technical institution. The educational institution may be public or private.
• Amount: Up to cost of tuition
• Requirements: Students must be residents of Oklahoma planning to attend an Oklahoma educational institution with demonstrated financial need and a family income of less that $55,000. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to receive the grant each academic year.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application by the end of tenth grade, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial documentation. The application can be found on the Oklahoma Promise website.

4. William P. Willis Scholarship

• Description: The William P. Willis Scholarship supports financially needy students attending or planning to attend Eastern Oklahoma State College. Administered by the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education, this scholarship targets students with unmet financial need and can be used for tuition or additional college expenses.
• Amount: $2,000
• Requirements: Students must be an Oklahoma resident with unmet financial need attending Eastern Oklahoma State College. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to continue to receive the scholarship annually.
• How to Apply: Students complete the FAFSA and complete the application on the Eastern Oklahoma State College website by April 1^st.

The Best Oklahoma Field-Specific Scholarships

1. Oklahoma National Guard Tuition Waiver Program

• Description: The Oklahoma National Guard Tuition Waiver Program encourages Oklahoma students to enlist in the National Guard by waiving tuition to Oklahoma educational institutions. The program covers the entire cost of a student’s tuition.
• Amount: Cost of tuition
• Requirements: Students must be Oklahoma residents enrolled in the Oklahoma National Guard attending an Oklahoma educational institution. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to continue to receive the tuition waiver.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA, National Guard and Tuition Waiver application by August 31^st for the fall semester. Applications are accepted throughout the year at semester intervals. More information and application materials can be found on the Oklahoma National Guard website.

2. Oklahoma Future Teachers Scholarship

• Description: The Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education created the Future Teachers Scholarship to encourage Oklahoma students to remain in Oklahoma and teach in public schools. Awards are provided to academically talented students who intend to pursue a career in teaching. Students may be part-time or full-time.
• Amount: $1,500
• Requirements: Students must be legal residents of Oklahoma attending an Oklahoma educational institution and pursuing a degree that will lead to a teaching position. Students must have demonstrated academic success through grades and test scores. To renew the scholarship, students must reapply each year.
• How to Apply: Students submit the application package including personal statement and transcripts to the Oklahoma State Regents office at time of application to college. Application materials and more information can be found on the Future Teachers Scholarship Program website.

3. Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program

• Description: Funded by the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education, this scholarship addresses the Oklahoma teacher shortage by providing scholarships for students pursuing a career in teaching as well as federal loan forgiveness for current teachers.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a legal resident of Oklahoma teaching or intending to teach at an Oklahoma public school. Student must be certified to teach in Oklahoma and demonstrate federal loan obligations.
• How to Apply: Submit the application package, including transcripts and personal statement, to the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education. More information and the application package can be found on the Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program information page.

4. Scholars for Excellence in Childcare

• Description: Awarded by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, this scholarship encourages students to pursue a career related to childcare or child development. Students should be attending or planning to attend an Oklahoma college or university, at the undergraduate or graduate level. The award provides extra-curricular opportunities for scholars.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a resident of Oklahoma and have achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in high school or undergraduate work. Students must be pursuing a major related to childcare or child development.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the online application by the July 31^st deadline, including personal essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. More information and application materials can be found on the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Child Care Services Division website

5. Southern Regional Education Board Academic Common Market

• Description: Awarded to students pursuing a degree not offered by an Oklahoma institution, the Southern Regional Board Academic Common Market program offers in-state tuition at schools outside of Oklahoma. This program offers extra-curricular enrichment opportunities to award recipients.
• Amount: $500
• Requirements: Students must be a New Jersey resident attending a United States college or university and plan to pursue a degree related to horticulture or environmental science. Students must have achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA.
• How to Apply: Students must contact their institution of choice and complete the Application and Residency Certification Form at time of application. Students must also complete the FAFSA. More information can be found on the Southern Regional Education Board website.

6. Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Foundation Scholarship

• Description: Sponsored by the Oklahoma chapter of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, this scholarship provides funds for students at every level of study within the Occupational Therapy profession. Students can be at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be an Oklahoma resident attending an Oklahoma college or university and pursuing a degree related to Occupational Therapy. Students must demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress to receive and renew this award.
• How to Apply: Students must submit application materials, including transcripts and personal essays, to the Oklahoma chapter of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. Application materials and more information can be found on the American Occupational Therapy website.

Now that you have had a chance to read about some of the best Oklahoma scholarships available, it’s time to get those application materials together, write those essays, and apply! Whether you are applying for one of the Oklahoma grants for college, a scholarship for your academic achievement like the Academic Scholars Grant, or a scholarship to fund your education at an Oklahoma public school such as the Oklahoma Promise Scholarship, you can find a scholarship to help with those high costs of tuition.

Scholarships for Oklahoma students may be competitive, but by doing your research and applying to those scholarships that are a perfect fit, you can find a scholarship to fund your educational experience.

Applying to schools in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

Be sure to also check out our guide to which scholarship sites to use here.

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