USAO provides more than $4 million in student scholarships

As part of the university’s ongoing mission to keep college affordable for all, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is providing more than $4 million in scholarships to students for the 2019-20 academic year.

“While USAO takes immense pride in the quality of our academics, we are also dedicated to keeping this education accessible to all of our students,” said President John Feaver. “We are committed to providing as much assistance to as many students as possible, thus relieving the financial strain that might otherwise keep college out of the reach of the bright, curious, but often underserved students who choose to forge their future at USAO.”

Of the $4 million, the university awarded just over $3 million in institutional scholarships for academic, athletic and other talent-based achievements.

Nearly $1.1 million in scholarships were awarded by the USAO Foundation, the first time it has ever topped seven figures. This year’s aid represents an almost $400,000 increase over the prior year and growth of nearly 50 percent since the 2016-17 term. The USAO Foundation awards scholarships based on a variety of criteria, but most require full-time enrollment status and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The USAO Alumni Association provided just over $87,000 in funds. Alumni scholarships require students to be enrolled full-time, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and are awarded by a committee of the association's board of directors based on scholastic achievement, character and leadership potential.

 USAO’s wide range of financial aid options provides a key method for the institution to realize its vision of providing a liberal arts education that rivals the quality of prestigious private universities at a fraction of the cost.