The University of Oklahoma Financial Aid Services offers many federal, state and institutional financial aid programs

Financial Aid Programs

The University of Oklahoma Financial Aid Services offers many federal, state and institutional financial aid programs. Financial aid is considered any resource that can help pay for college. Students must apply for financial aid using the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Aid is awarded first come first served while funds remain.

The most common types of financial aid programs fall into the following categories:

Scholarships
Many scholarships are available to students attending The University of Oklahoma. Visit www.scholarships.ou.edu for the most comprehensive listing of OU scholarships. Be sure to apply for scholarships by the listed deadlines.

Grants and Tuition Waivers
Grants are free money that does not have to be repaid. Normally grants are awarded to students with high financial need. Federal and state formulas detemine who can be awarded these grants. Tuition waivers are offered to help meet a students' financial need. Tuition waivers "waive or offset" the amount of tuition owed, thus reducing the total balance owed for tuition.

Loans
Loans are funds that are borrowed and must be repaid. There are several different types of loans for students, including federal institutional loans and private loans. There is even a loan for Parents of undergraduate students, called the PLUS Loan! If you are offered a student loan as a part of your financial aid, you have the option to accept, reduce or decline the loan. While loans may be necessary in order for you to attend college, remember to always borrow conservatively!

Work
Another type of financial aid is to work while in school. A student may be awarded a work-study award as part of their financial aid. There are some great work-study jobs both on and off campus. Students can use their work-study earnings to help pay for their tuition, fees, housing or other expenses. To apply for OU jobs visit jobs.ou.edu. OU Tulsa Schusterman Campus jobs are also available.

Please visit the Financial Aid Programs listing in Ask the Sooners for a comprehensive listing of the financial aid programs offered at The University of Oklahoma.