How to Pay for College: Financial Aid & Financial Planning

College costs less when you know your options. Start exploring below!

Financial aid can make a big difference in affording college. What you’re eligible for depends on your situation — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Your GEAR UP Site Directors and College Success Coaches are here to help you and your family with one-on-one support. Read on to explore your options or jump in by listening to Ep. 5 of our Higher Ed Hacks podcast about financial planning! 

Learn More at OKcollegestart.org

Types of Financial Aid

Link Savings

It’s never too late to start saving for college. Consider setting up a 529 College Savings Plan. In Oklahoma, you do not have to pay taxes on 529 account earnings and those with a 529 plan receive an Oklahoma tax deduction - www.ok4saving.org.

Link Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Filling out the FAFSA is the only way students can become eligible for federal financial aid which includes grants, work-study opportunities and federal student loans. Now that the FAFSA is a graduation requirement in Oklahoma, students should be doing so sooner rather than later.

Link College Scholarships

Increase your chances of landing scholarships by applying early and often. No matter your skillset, you might be surprised at the variety of scholarships you are eligible for. Not sure where to start? Check out OKcollegestart’s Scholarship Search and the UCanGo2 Scholarship Page. 

Link Student Loans

Student loans can help close the gap on college expenses. Like other loans, a student loan is borrowed money. Even if you don't graduate, you still have to pay back every dollar you borrow, plus interest. Learn more on OKcollegestart’s Student Loans Page. 

Link Oklahoma's Promise

Oklahoma's Promise offers qualified Oklahoma students an opportunity to earn a scholarship for college tuition. To apply for Oklahoma’s Promise, students must be:

  • An Oklahoma resident,
  • Enrolled in the eighth, ninth, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in an Oklahoma high school and
  • A student whose parents' federal adjusted gross income does not exceed:
    • $60,000 with 1 or 2 dependent children OR
    • $70,000 with 3 or 4 dependent children OR
    • $80,000 with 5 or more dependent children.