Am I Eligible for Oklahoma’s Promise?

Oklahoma’s Promise is built for all kinds of families, and many kinds of college journeys.

It helps thousands of Oklahoma students every year by covering the full cost of in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. And now, even more families qualify. We’re breaking down all the details, so read on!

Who Qualifies for Oklahoma’s Promise?

Here’s what to know about eligibility:

Family Income Limits

Oklahoma’s Promise now uses sliding income limits based on family size:

• $60,000 for families with 1–2 dependents
• $70,000 for families with 3–4 dependents
• $80,000 for families with 5 or more dependents

College “Second Income Limit”: To keep your Oklahoma’s Promise funding after you begin college, your family’s annual income must stay below $100,000.

New in 2025: Teachers’ Kids

• Applies to children of certified Oklahoma public school teachers with 10+ years of experience.
• Provides much higher household income limits than standard limits.
• Excludes children of school administrators (superintendents, principals, etc.).

Homeschool Students

• Eligible if ages 13–16 (must apply before 17th birthday).
• Must meet the same standard residency and income requirements.

Students with Legal Guardians

• Must provide guardianship documentation with your application.
• No income limit for students with legal guardians at the time of application or during college.

Adopted Students

• Must submit legal adoption documents with your application.
• No income limit at the time of application, but income requirements apply in college:
  • Adopted before age 13: family income under $150,000
  • Adopted ages 13–17: family income under $200,000
  • All others follow standard income limits.

Divorced or Blended Families

• Only the custodial parent’s income counts unless remarried (in which case, the stepparent’s income is included).
• Tax filing status doesn’t affect eligibility.

Students Receiving Social Security Benefits

• Disability and survivor benefits don’t count toward income limits (though they must be reported).
• Retirement benefits are counted toward total income.

Oklahoma’s Promise Fits all Kinds of Higher Ed Journeys

Oklahoma’s Promise is designed to work with you, wherever your path leads. Here’s how it fits different journeys:

• Gap Years: You can take up to three years after high school to start college and still use your award.
• Community Colleges & Career Techs: Covers tuition at two-year colleges and career tech centers that offer credit toward an associate degree.
• Private Colleges: Covers partial tuition at accredited private Oklahoma institutions.
• Double Majors & Transfers: Stay eligible if you change majors, transfer schools or study at two schools in one semester (within 129 credit hours and the five-year eligibility window).
• Other Aid: Can be used with scholarships, grants or tuition waivers and may also cover fees, housing, books and supplies once tuition is paid.
• Marriage & Enrollment: Still eligible if you get married, file jointly or attend college part-time.
• Summer & Intersession Courses: Available for summer or intersession classes beginning the first summer after graduation.
• Out-of-State Periods: Oklahoma’s Promise won’t cover tuition at out-of-state schools, but benefits resume once you return to an Oklahoma college.

Start Your Application

Thanks to 2025–26 expanded eligibility, students can now apply through December 31 of their senior year, but the sooner you apply, the better! Students in 8th–11th grade are especially encouraged to apply by June 30.

Learn more about Oklahoma’s Promise and start your application today!

Have questions or want help understanding your options? Reach out to your GEAR UP Site Director. We’re here to walk you through the process, step by step.