Oklahoma State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~75% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1040–1240
- Average HS GPA: ~3.7 (weighted)
Source: OSU Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = range for half of admitted freshmen.
OSU at a Glance
Oklahoma State University stands out for its transparent scholarship system and generous automatic awards for both in-state and out-of-state students. The GPA/test grid makes it easy for families to estimate costs before applying.
This guide breaks down OSU’s automatic merit tiers, top competitive scholarships, and when National Merit or Academic Scholars can push total cost near in-state levels—or lower—through stacking.
FAQ
Is OSU test-optional? Yes. You don’t need scores for admission, and GPA-only awards exist; submitting strong scores can increase merit.
What’s the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 20–27; SAT 1040–1240 (CDS 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? $16,718 (College Scorecard 2025).
Does OSU offer reciprocity or tuition matches? OSU participates in the Academic Common Market for select majors; otherwise use OSU’s OOS Achievement and partner awards for large discounts.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Oklahoma State University (2025–2026)
The table below shows direct, billed costs only — tuition, required fees, housing, and meals — for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus in Stillwater.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (2 semesters) | $13,920 | $29,440 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus) | $11,780 | $11,780 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $25,700 | $41,220 |
Why only these items? We include the costs families pay directly to OSU—tuition, required fees, and on-campus housing/meal plans. Other costs like books/supplies (~$1,400) and transportation/personal expenses (~$5,700) vary by student and are not billed by the university.
📉 Average Net Price (after aid)
According to federal data, the average net price at OSU is about $16,378 per year after grants and scholarships. This reflects what families typically pay out of pocket after aid. Actual cost varies by income, GPA, and test scores. Learn how Net Price and Student Aid Index (SAI) affect what you pay: Net Price & SAI explained.
OSU is not part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), but there are two key ways to lower the non-resident price:
- Non-Resident Tuition Waiver Scholarships: Awards like the Out-of-State Achievement Scholarship reduce the non-resident portion based on GPA and test scores.
- Academic Common Market (ACM): For approved majors not offered in your home state, eligible SREB-state students can pay the in-state rate.
Savings example: Out-of-state tuition is about $29,440 vs. $13,920 in-state — a potential savings of roughly $15,000 per year through ACM or non-resident waiver awards.
👉 Oklahoma State Grants & Scholarships
Automatic Merit Scholarships
These awards are automatic consideration—no separate scholarship application. Apply by OSU’s scholarship deadlines and meet GPA/test benchmarks to be considered. OSU accepts official ACT Superscores and uses your highest SAT/ACT (essay not used).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboy Covenant (Oklahoma’s Promise partnership) | In-state tuition via Oklahoma’s Promise + $1,000/yr OSU award (up to 4 yrs) | OK resident; certified for Oklahoma’s Promise; FAFSA shows need; admitted to OSU | No | Yes | Families qualifying for Oklahoma’s Promise who file FAFSA on time; stacks with many OSU awards | Feb 1 (Early Opportunity: Nov 1) |
| OSRHE Academic Scholars — Automatic Qualifier | Resident tuition waiver (up to 5 yrs) + cash stipend (varies) | OK resident; ACT/SAT ≥ 99.5th percentile (state-set) + Regents criteria | No | Yes | Top Oklahoma testers who meet annual benchmarks | Feb 1 |
| OSRHE Academic Scholars — Institutional Nominee | Resident tuition waiver (up to 5 yrs) + cash; limited slots | OK resident; nominated by OSU per Regents criteria | No | Yes | High-achieving in-state students selected by OSU | Feb 1 |
| National Merit Finalist (In-State) | Typically 5-yr full tuition waiver + layered OSU/state/NMSC cash | National Merit Finalist; OSU as first choice; good standing | No | Yes | All in-state NMFs who name OSU #1; package varies yearly | Feb 1 |
| Out-of-State Achievement — 32–36 ACT (1420–1600 SAT) | $13,500–$15,000/yr ($54k–$60k over 4 yrs) |
Nonresident admit; GPA 3.0–4.0+ | No | Yes | Top OOS students; reduces OOS surcharge the most | Feb 1 (Early Opportunity: Nov 1) |
| Out-of-State Achievement — 30–31 ACT (1360–1410 SAT) | $12,500–$14,000/yr ($50k–$56k over 4 yrs) |
Nonresident admit; GPA 3.0–4.0+ | No | Yes | Strong OOS stats; narrows in-state gap | Feb 1 |
| Out-of-State Achievement — 28–29 ACT (1300–1350 SAT) | $11,500–$13,000/yr ($46k–$52k over 4 yrs) |
Nonresident admit; GPA 3.0–4.0+ | No | Yes | Upper-20s ACT/1300s SAT with solid GPA | Feb 1 |
| Out-of-State Achievement — 26–27 ACT (1230–1290 SAT) | $10,500–$12,000/yr ($42k–$48k over 4 yrs) |
Nonresident admit; GPA 3.0–4.0+ | No | Yes | Meets OSU’s grid at lower score band | Feb 1 |
| Out-of-State Achievement — 24–25 ACT (1160–1220 SAT) | $9,500–$11,000/yr ($38k–$44k over 4 yrs) |
Nonresident admit; GPA 3.0–4.0+ | No | Yes | Lower score band; GPA can help within range | Feb 1 |
Cutoffs/amounts reflect OSU’s published assured scholarship grids and may change each year. Always confirm on OSU’s site.
FAQs: Automatic Scholarships at OSU
Are these truly automatic?
Yes—apply by the scholarship deadlines and meet the GPA/test benchmarks, and OSU automatically considers you. No separate scholarship application.
Do test-optional students qualify?
OSU’s assured grid primarily uses test score + GPA. Submitting scores can move you into a higher tier; if you’re close to the next band, retesting is smart.
How much could these save us?
For nonresidents, current awards run about $9,500–$15,000 per year (~$38k–$60k over four years). In-state students may receive full tuition via Oklahoma’s Promise (plus Cowboy Covenant $1,000/yr) or large OSRHE Academic Scholars packages.
Any strategy tips?
- Apply early: aim for the Nov 1 Early Opportunity window; all materials due by Feb 1 for full consideration.
- Send all test scores: OSU will accept the official ACT Superscore; SAT highest scores used.
- In-state: enroll in Oklahoma’s Promise early if eligible; file the FAFSA to trigger Cowboy Covenant.
- Maintain grades & pace: renewal requires good standing and credit progress.
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
These awards are not automatic. They require separate applications (and usually essays/interviews), have limited spots, and are reviewed by committees. Key dates for McKnight: Round 1 — Nov 1 and Round 2 — Feb 1.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McKnight Scholars Leadership Program | Full out-of-state tuition waiver (4 years) + $5,000 across four years + leadership enrichment | Out-of-state, admitted to OSU; proven leadership & service. Additional criteria considered but not required: 3.75 GPA and 27 ACT or 1220 SAT. One ACT or SAT score must be provided for consideration. | Yes (application + nomination) | Yes | ~50 out-of-state students annually with standout leadership, service, and impact (rural preference noted). | Round 1: Nov 1 • Round 2: Feb 1 |
Notes: McKnight benefits and selection criteria (including “considered but not required” GPA/test benchmarks) and the two-round timeline are from OSU’s Hargis Leadership Institute. An ACT or SAT score is required for McKnight consideration even though OSU admission can be test-optional.
FAQs — Flagship & Competitive Scholarships at OSU
What makes these “competitive”?
Limited slots and a multi-step review (essays, recommendations, interviews). Strong academics help, but leadership impact and fit with the program are critical.
Is McKnight really a full tuition waiver?
Yes — it provides a full out-of-state tuition waiver for four years plus a $5,000 program scholarship across four years, along with exclusive leadership coursework and a short-term study abroad experience.
When are the deadlines?
McKnight runs two rounds: Nov 1 and Feb 1. Apply early for best consideration.
Where do students apply?
Apply via the Hargis Leadership Institute’s McKnight application and nomination forms after OSU admission.
Honors College at Oklahoma State University
Students can join the Honors College as incoming freshmen or later in their OSU career. Admission is selective, but OSU does consider a wide range of achievements — not just test scores — so strong grades, leadership, and curiosity go a long way. Many accepted students also qualify for enhanced scholarships through the program.
- GPA (High School): Around 3.85+ unweighted, or 3.75+ with strong test scores
- ACT: 27–31 range (Superscore accepted)
- SAT: 1260–1410 range
- Coursework: Several AP, IB, or dual-credit classes—especially in core subjects
- Outside the classroom: Leadership in clubs, community service, research interest, or part-time work
- Review style: Holistic—students just shy of these numbers may still be admitted with strong essays or unique achievements
| Scholarship / Benefit | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State Scholars Society (OSSS) | Up to ~$74,500 total (includes study abroad stipend) | Oklahoma residents; ~3.8+ GPA and ACT 27–36 or SAT 1280–1600; admission to OSU and Honors; essays + interviews | Yes | Yes | Top Oklahoma seniors with strong leadership, service, or work experience. Fellows receive the largest packages; finalists may earn smaller awards. | Nov. 1 (priority) |
| Honors College Award | $1,000–$2,000/year | Typically 3.7+ GPA; ACT 28+/SAT 1300+ recommended | Yes | Yes | High-achieving students admitted into the Honors College | Feb 1 |
| Priority Registration, Honors Housing, Research Funding | Non-cash benefits | Accepted into Honors College | Yes | — | All Honors College students | Rolling |
Honors College — FAQs
Is admission automatic for certain students?
No. Even high-achieving students must submit an Honors College application, but those with exceptional GPAs and ACT/SAT scores often have strong odds of acceptance.
Does being in the Honors College help with scholarships?
Yes. Beyond the Honors College Award, many competitive scholarships at OSU (like the Regents or Ferguson scholarships) give preference to Honors participants.
What’s the biggest non-financial perk?
Priority registration. At a large university like OSU, this ensures better class selection, smaller sections, and easier degree planning.
Can students join later?
Yes. Current OSU students with a strong GPA (usually 3.5+) can apply for entry after their first semester.
Does Honors require extra classes?
Honors courses usually replace general education classes, not add extra credit hours. Students can earn an Honors degree designation by completing Honors seminars and projects within their major.
🎯 What OSU Is Nationally Known For
- Engineering, Architecture & Technology (CEAT): Ranked around #106 nationally for graduate engineering programs. Aerospace engineering sits near #56 and agricultural engineering near #20, while petroleum engineering has reached #16 in past specialty rankings. Architecture is currently ranked around #141 nationwide. These rankings reflect consistent national visibility for OSU’s applied STEM fields.
- Agriculture & Natural Resources: As a historic land-grant university, OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is widely respected for its research and statewide Extension network serving all 77 Oklahoma counties.
- Hospitality & Tourism Management: Consistently ranked among the top 10 in the United States and top 25 globally for hospitality and tourism education — one of OSU’s most distinctive programs.
- Business & Entrepreneurship: The Spears School of Business ranks around #77 nationally for undergraduate business programs. Its online business degrees rank among the top 10 overall and top 7 among public universities. OSU’s entrepreneurship program has been recognized within the top 50 nationally.
- Athletics & Championships: OSU ranks sixth in the nation for total NCAA team championships, with 54 titles across sports such as wrestling, golf, and cross country — a hallmark of Cowboy pride.
- Top Value Recognition (Historic): OSU has long been recognized for affordability and value, earning prior “Best College Value” honors and continuing to appear in national lists for return on investment and student success.