The deadline for a popular state scholarship program is quickly approaching for Oklahoma students who just completed 8th, 9th or 10th grade.
June 30 is the last day for those students to enroll in Oklahoma’s Promise, a state scholarship program that allows high school students – from families whose annual income is $55,000 or less – the opportunity to earn a college tuition scholarship. Special income provisions apply to children adopted from certain court-ordered custody and children in the custody of court-appointed legal guardians.
“We encourage students in the eighth through 10th grade to take advantage of this opportunity to sign up for the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “Since the program’s inception, Oklahoma’s Promise has helped more than 95,000 students achieve the dream of a college education. Eligible students should apply today.”
The Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship covers tuition at any public college or university in the state for up to five years until the completion of a bachelor’s degree or a maximum of 129 semester credit hours. It will also pay a portion of the tuition at an accredited Oklahoma private college or at public career technology centers for certain programs that are eligible for federal financial aid. The scholarship amount does not include fees, books, supplies, or room and board.
After students enroll in Oklahoma’s Promise, they must attend class regularly, take a 17-unit college preparatory curriculum, pass those courses with at least a 2.50 GPA and achieve an overall GPA of at least 2.50 to be eligible for the scholarship. Students must also agree to stay out of serious trouble and avoid drugs and alcohol.
Students must also meet certain income, academic, and conduct requirements in college to receive and retain the scholarship.
The Oklahoma Legislature created Oklahoma’s Promise in 1992 as an incentive for middle and high school students to commit to academic success and prepare for college. In 2007, the Oklahoma Legislature established a dedicated funding source for the program that has helped ensure scholarships earned by Oklahoma’s Promise students are fully paid each year. During the 2020-21 academic year, nearly 15,000 students earned the scholarship.
Oklahoma’s Promise is recognized by many as one of America’s best college access programs and is considered a model that emphasizes both academic preparation and financial support for college. For more information about Oklahoma’s Promise or to apply online, visit www.okpromise.org. Information is also available by emailing okpromise@osrhe.edu or calling 800-858-1840.