Choosing to get a college degree is a big step, and figuring out how to pay for it can also be a challenge. The OU College of Professional and Continuing Studies wants to help as many students as possible reach their goal of completing a college degree. That’s why we offer several scholarships to help ease the financial burden of higher education.
PACS has scholarships awarded on the basis of financial need and academic performance. With the PACS scholarship window now open, here is a breakdown of the scholarships we offer, along with quick tips and important dates to help you on your way.
Startup Scholarship
The Startup Scholarship was established in the 1990s to help PACS students who needed additional help paying for textbooks. The awards – $1,000 each – are made based on merit and consideration of financial need. They can only be received once per student.
Each award is a tuition waiver that will be applied to your Bursar account. Four students are chosen to receive the scholarship each fall and spring semester.
- Who it’s for: Students in a PACS degree who have 12 hours or less
- When to apply: July 15 to September 7 (Fall); December 15 to February 2 (Spring); April 15 to May 15 (Summer)
Read more about the Startup Scholarship.
Alumni Scholarship
PACS alumni established the Alumni Scholarship more than 20 years ago. These alumni, wishing to see future students succeed in PACS programs, contacted the college to ask if they could extend their help. Their generosity led to the Alumni Scholarship, which awards deserving students with a $1,000 tuition waiver.
Today, two students are chosen to receive the scholarship each fall and spring semester. Awards are made based on merit and consideration of financial need. They can only be received once per student.
- Who it’s for: Students who have completed more than 12 hours in a PACS degree
- When to apply: July 15 to September 7 (Fall); December 15 to February 2 (Spring)
Read more about the Alumni Scholarship.
Olga Theresa Broili Scholarship
The Olga Theresa Broili scholarship was made possible by a gift from Dr. Gene Walker in honor of his mother. This scholarship helps single mothers with college expenses in the form of a $500 tuition waiver.
Awards are made based on merit and consideration of financial need and can only be received once per student.
- Who it’s for: PACS students who are single mothers
- When to apply: July 15 to September 7
Read more about the Olga Theresa Broili Scholarship.
Osher Reentry Scholarship
The Osher Reentry Scholarship was established at OU in 2005 to help students who have experienced an interruption in their education. This scholarship awards students who have returned to finish their degree after an absence of five or more years. This scholarship is intended to benefit students who have considerable years of employability ahead of them — ideally aged 25 to 50.
Awards are made based on your financial need, academic promise, and evident commitment to completing the degree. If awarded, students may apply to receive the OSHER scholarship again.
- Who it’s for: Undergraduate students returning to school after a five-year gap in their education (including the period of time between high school and college). Students must be pursuing their first degree and be taking at least 50% of their OU courses on-site.
- When to apply: July 15 to September 7 (Fall)
Read more about the Osher Reentry Scholarship.
A.R. Bert Larason Public Service Scholarship
The A.R. Bert Larason Public Service Scholarship awards students who are pursuing degrees that involve social work. The scholarship was established by Margaret Larason, Timothy Larason, Anne Larason Schneider, and Linda Larason Edmondson to honor their husband and father, A.R. “Bert” Larason. Bert Larason was from Fargo, Oklahoma, and graduated from OU in 1930. The award can only be received once per student.
- Who it’s for: Undergraduate students who meet eligibility requirements
- When to apply: You must apply in the CASH system when it opens in October.
Read more about the A.R. Bert Larson Public Service Scholarship.
Keep an eye out for upcoming blog posts about your financial aid options for more information about assistance paying for school.
