Whether you think your child is college bound or not, the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) is a state program that must be considered long before a high school student’s senior year. While it does not contribute toward college fees, books, supplies, or room and board, beginning an eligible student’s freshman fall semester in college, it will provide free undergraduate resident tuition at any of the state’s public colleges and universities. For students attending accredited private colleges or universities in Oklahoma, at least a portion of tuition will still be covered. As long as students maintain their eligibility, OHLAP will continue paying tuition costs until a baccalaureate degree is earned or five years after the student begins college—whichever comes first.
The award isn’t limited to just college bound students, either. Courses offered at public technology centers that qualify for credit from an Oklahoma public two-year college are also covered. However, in all types of higher education options, students must start school within three years of high school graduation, or lose their OHLAP award.
One big advantage for students who still need to work through school is no minimum or maximum enrollment hours are required for OHLAP. Still, with the cutoff at five years, students are encouraged to stay on-course to remain eligible until graduation.
This program will even help pay for independent study, extension, remedial and correspondence courses. Students can receive offsetting awards up to the cost of normal in-residence tuition.
Sign Up In Time
To be eligible for OHLAP money, a family’s yearly income must be less than $50,000 and families must sign up students between grades 8 and 10. To get an application or more information, go to www.okhiered.org/ohlap/ or phone 1 (800) 858-1840. This scholarship calls for very early deadlines—students must be enrolled before starting the 11th grade. Recent legislation also made home-schooled students eligible for these awards, as long as they meet all the eligibility requirements.
Students must complete 17 required high school credits, have achieved at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all high school courses, and have a composite ACT score of 22 or higher. Information on these required courses can be found on the Oklahoma Higher Education website at http://www.okhighered.org/ohlap/required-courses.shtml. Beyond these academic requirements, students must meet school attendance requirements and have no record for criminal or delinquent acts.
Beyond OHLAP, two need-based grant programs are available to Oklahoma students. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed before students can apply:
OTAG, or the Oklahoma Tuition and Grant, is determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Grants are awarded to students who need money to help them meet the costs of attending college. Applications must be filed by March 30th, and full- and part-time undergraduates are eligible.
Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant Program awards money to Oklahoma residents enrolled as full-time undergraduates (does not apply to graduate school students) at private Oklahoma colleges and universities.
A number of scholarship programs are funded by the State of Oklahoma:
Robert C. Byrd Scholarship Program is for Oklahoma high school students who attend Oklahoma colleges or universities.
Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship is awarded to Oklahoma residents who plan to attend one of the state’s regional universities—such as Northeastern Oklahoma State, or Rogers State University.
Academic Scholarship Program helps with scholarships to students with top grades, and who plan to attend one of Oklahoma’s public or private institutions.
Then there are specialized financial aid opportunities that may apply to Oklahoma students:
National Guard Tuition Waiver will fund the tuition costs for National Guard members and enlistees earning undergraduate degrees at any of the state’s public or private universities.
George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship is available to students with future goals toward public service.
Scholars for Excellence in Child Care offers scholarships for attending community colleges, and is for eligible child care professionals pursuing a Development Associate Credential (CDA), Certificate of Mastery, or associate degree in child development or early childhood education.
Heartland Scholarship Fund helps dependent children of victims in the Oklahoma City bombing.
SREB Academic Common Market is a creative arrangement between Oklahoma and other Southern states allowing students to pay in-state tuition rates while studying out-of-state in select programs not available in Oklahoma public colleges and universities.
The Oklahoma Higher Education website has a wealth of additional information, whether students are eligible for OHLAP or not. Check it out at http://www.okhighered.org/student-center/financial-aid/ . |
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