The cost of college can be overwhelming, but the benefits of higher education are substantial. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning your bachelor’s degree can lead to a 49% increase in salary or more. At OU Online, we make it easy to estimate your costs with a fixed cost per credit hour and provide you with ways to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
The Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA) provides more than $120 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds to help students pay for college each year and qualify for scholarships.
*You may use an estimated income; however, OU may require you to verify your income.
You can fill out the FAFSA electronically on the FAFSA website, use the myStudentAid app (available in your phone’s app store), or download a FAFSA PDF form that you can fill out and mail in.
Once OU has determined your aid status, you will be sent an electronic or paper aid offer or award letter detailing the specific types of financial aid you have been awarded.
To claim your aid package, you must indicate the specific forms of aid you are accepting and return the signed acceptance form to the OU Student Financial Center.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Submit FAFSA for 2023-2024 academic year | December 15 |
| Scholarship applications | September 7 (Fall) / February 2 (Spring) / May 15 (Summer) |
| Apply for scholarships through CASH | February 1 |
| Submission of information requested by the OU Student Financial Center | June 1 |
| Submission of Direct PLUS or private loan applications | July 1 |
“I graduated high school 33 years ago and received my associate degree 30 years ago. To come back and finish what I started has shown me that I can do anything that I put my mind to.”
“I didn’t ever think I could take online classes, but the classes have been easy to navigate, and the school is very veteran friendly. I just love that you take two or three classes, and it’s split up into eight-week sessions.”
There are many options available to help you reduce your out-of-pocket costs while pursuing your degree.
OU’s Centralized Academic Scholarship Hub (CASH) is the premier place for students to apply for OU scholarships. Open to all enrolled students, applications are submitted for consideration in the current academic year with award disbursement in the next academic year.
Grants are awarded to students who demonstrate the highest level of need according to information gathered from the FAFSA. Grants do not require repayment.
Some employers offer employee incentives to return to school, including coverage or reimbursement of some or all of your tuition costs. Check with your employer to see if these benefits are available to you.
OU provides a payment plan (PP) for students enrolled in courses for the semester, including the summer session. Participation requires no application. Payments are due on the 25th of each month.
Your eligibility for federal or private student loans can be found on your FAFSA award letter.
If you are military-affiliated and have questions about military benefits for online students, please contact OU Veteran Student Services at 405-325-4308 or veterans@ou.edu.
At OU Online, we understand the cost of college can be overwhelming for students. Our calculator can help you estimate the tuition and fees for your online undergraduate program so you can create a plan to reach your educational goals.
Disclaimer: This is not a bill. This is only an estimate. Current tuition and fees are subject to change based on approval by the Oklahoma Board of Regents or as otherwise consistent with regent policy. Such modifications are applicable to students enrolled at that time as well as incoming students. This estimate is based on current rates for OU Online programs only. This is not a guarantee of future costs.
Disclaimer: This is not a bill. This is only an estimate. Current tuition and fees are subject to change based on approval by the Oklahoma Board of Regents or as otherwise consistent with regent policy. Such modifications are applicable to students enrolled at that time as well as incoming students. This estimate is based on current rates for OU Online Graduate programs only. This is not a guarantee of future costs.
Students spend $164 on average per year on supplemental materials for class, according to the National Association of College Stores.
Once you have your tuition covered, you’re still going to need a few extra dollars to buy books and additional materials you’ll need to complete your coursework. Below are a few key areas to prioritize:
Computer
New students spend an average of $700 on a computer when starting classes. Those who have a computer spend an average of $357/year on related accessories and other forms of technology, according to 2021 data from the College Board.
Program Subscriptions
OU offers students access to free and discounted software, subscriptions to useful sites like Grammarly, and access to numerous academic resources through the OU Library. Career resources are also available through the OU Career Center.
Textbooks
According to NACS, students spent an average of $339 on textbooks during the 2021-2022 academic year.
When you are admitted into an OU Online program, you will be assigned an advisor who will help you create an individualized graduation plan, organize, and identify the courses you need for your degree and answer any questions you have during your academic journey.
Healthcare Management & Integrative Studies - Shelby Cole
Criminal Justice - Shelby Cole
Business Administration & Organizational Leadership - Emily Arias
