Finance your OCU Nursing Degree!

Don't let finances get between you and your dream school: You can afford a private university education!

Most of our students receive financial assistance, bringing their costs down considerably.* Click on the links above to learn about the many types of help we offer, as well as for ideas about external sources of money for your nursing education.

Due to the severe nursing shortage and the quality of education received at Oklahoma City University, since 2001 100% of our Gateway programs' graduates have been hired within one month after starting their job searches! Job opportunities in nursing will also help to ensure your financial security.

Because Oklahoma City University is a private university, out-of-state and international students pay the same rates as in-state students.

*Please note that students pursuing a second Bachelor's degree should be aware of Financial Aid restrictions for courses taken in summer semesters. Students pursuing a second Bachelor's degree may also have less funding available based on prior use of financial resources.  Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for questions and detailed information. 

Financial Aid Options for Nursing Students

There are several options for obtaining financial help. To activate your consideration for funds available through Oklahoma City University or the Kramer School of Nursing, submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov and contact the OCU financial aid office for further instructions. This will open your eligibility for consideration for state and federal financial grants and loans, plus opportunities for funding through the university.

The university gives three types of aid, all requiring the FAFSA, and all are awarded through the university’s Office of Financial Aid:

1. Federal and state funds based on economic need from FAFSA information.
2. University scholarships based on your GPA and/or ACT. You do not need to apply for these. They are granted automatically based on your application to the university.
3. Kramer School of Nursing scholarships from donors who have specified certain types of students they want to sponsor. Application instructions and deadlines for these scholarships are listed below. Only a few of these scholarships are available.

Please note that students pursuing a second Bachelor's degree should be aware of Financial Aid restrictions for courses taken in summer semesters. Students pursuing a second Bachelor's degree may also have less funding available based on prior use of financial resources. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for questions and detailed information.

Other options include:

1. Pursue scholarships available outside of Oklahoma City University through various organizations. Check with your local civic clubs, your church, and websites that give information about scholarships such as www.discovernursing.com, www.fastweb.com, http://nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/StudentNurses/GettingStarted.aspx#below, http://www.hrsa.gov/loanscholarships/scholarships/Nursing/overview.html, and www.collegeboard.com. Several dozen sources are posted on the financial aid bulletin board in the Kramer School of Nursing building.
2. Decide where you would like to work after graduation and meet with that employer to arrange financial assistance. Many nursing students work part time and summers at hospitals to gain this benefit, plus patient care experience. 
3. Obtain loans through Oklahoma City University's financial aid office (the nursing school does not have money to give for loans, just the few small scholarships from donors mentioned above). While loans seem scary, nurses are in such huge demand that graduates will be assured of jobs anywhere in the country they want to go after graduation. If you do not need employee benefits, you can work for a nursing agency that places nurses in shortage areas for salaries of up to $75,000/year after they have obtained some experience. Many employers are also helping to pay off student loans in return for committing to working for their hospital for a certain duration (usually two-three years).
4. Discuss with Oklahoma City University’s financial aid office all options available. You may find that there may be other ways of obtaining funds through their assistance.
5. Check into military service. All the branches of the military are desperate for nurses and are offering very attractive packages to students interested in officers training, service in the reserves, or regular service.

Finding financial aid can be a time consuming task, but there are still many ways to fund your education. 

For assistance, contact the Oklahoma City University Office of Financial Aid at (405)208-5211 or finaid@okcu.edu.