In the state of Oklahoma, there are several colleges and universities that military members and veterans may be interested in checking out, as they offer special programs and incentives for military students. Some schools follow the general federal military and veteran student guidelines, while others offer their own unique veteran's benefits. Below, we will discuss five different schools veterans may wish to consider.
School Comparison
| School Name | Institution Type | Location | Tuition & Fees (in-state 2016-2017)* | Tuition Assistance/Military Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Oklahoma | 4-year, public | Norman, OK | $10,881 | Non-resident tuition waiver, Military credit transfer, Financial assistance through Folds of Honor, Yellow Ribbon Program |
| Oklahoma State University | 4-year, public | Stillwater, OK | $8,321 | Yellow Ribbon Program, Military credit transfer, Student Veteran Organization |
| Oklahoma Wesleyan University | 4-year, private | Bartlesville, OK | $25,070 | Reduced undergraduate tuition, Yellow Ribbon Program |
| Oklahoma City University | 4-year, private | Oklahoma City, OK | $30,726 | Military Affinity Group (MAG), Yellow Ribbon Program |
| University of Tulsa | 4-year, private | Tulsa, OK | $41,509 | Yellow Ribbon Program, Student Veteran Association |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Highlights
There are a wide number of universities in the state of Oklahoma that offer specialized programs and incentives to active duty military members as well as veterans. In the space below, we will look at some of the unique features that each school has to offer.
The University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is one of the largest universities in Oklahoma and offers their student-veterans a number of attractive options. Along with the Yellow Ribbon Program and other nation-wide military tuition assistance programs, OU also has some university-specific scholarships like the Hugh Reynolds Armed Forces Scholarship for students who are admitted into Price Business College. The Miller Family Scholarship is also unique to OU and was created for students who have parents in the military. Through the College of Professional and Continuing Studies, military students are eligible for non-resident tuition and fee waivers, along with military transfer credit options. Also, OU partners with the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides various scholarships to students who have military connections.
Oklahoma State University
At Oklahoma State University, students are able to visit the Veteran Benefit Services offices to get all the information they need about the transition from enlisted life to student life. OSU also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and allows students who served in the Armed Forces to transfer credit from time served in the military to credit hours. Some students may also be eligible for various other tuition waivers and assistance depending on what branch they served in.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Military and veteran students at Oklahoma Wesleyan University can enjoy a number of school specific benefits. They may choose to enroll in the Adult Program at OKWU, which lowers the overall tuition rate to $250 per credit hour for active-duty military members. It also includes an application and registration fee waiver. The school is also a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offers military spouses up to $6,000 in tuition assistance, depending on their eligibility.
Oklahoma City University
A private institution, Oklahoma City University still participates in many of the federally funded military assistance programs. Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, student-veterans can qualify for up to $22,610 in tuition assistance, in addition to other assistance through the GI Bill. Students may also apply for other scholarships at the school to make up any uncovered tuition expenses. If students have previously completed some courses at a university or received special training in the military, OCU will carefully consider whether to grant credit for these experiences and help students develop a plan for how to finish their degree.
University of Tulsa
The University of Tulsa has an active Tulsa Student Veteran Association, which is responsible for being the voice of the veterans on campus. They plan special events for student-veterans and provide them with guidance and information regarding how they can apply for military educational benefits and navigate through all the government paperwork. The school makes individual choices regarding a student's past military training and experience as credit hour equivalent. The school also is a Yellow Ribbon Program participant.
