Financial Aid & Scholarships
Micah Burk: micah.burk@epiccharterschools.org
Epic College and Career Readiness Events Calendar
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Micah’sIntroVideo.MOVEpic Charter Schools’ College and Career Readiness department has created many valuable tools and resources to help students find and obtain financial aid and scholarships.
You will find resources and information on this page, but please reach out if you have any questions.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Sessions & Events
Check out the calendars below for sessions and events
Higher Education Costs & Affordability
Attending higher education, whether it is college or a CareerTech program, can be a great investment in life! At Epic Charter Schools, we know that investment comes with a cost. We strive to partner with students and their families to provide the information, resources and support needed to find and receive financial aid for those choosing college or a CareerTech program after they graduate highschool.
Costs Associated with Higher Education
Tuition: Tuition is the cost of courses. Each institution and CareerTech program charges its own tuition rates.
Fees: Fees are costs charged by the institution, including but not limited to courses, facilities, activities, parking and maintenance.
Books & Supplies: Most courses require specific textbooks and various supplies, such as a laptop, notebooks, pens and pencils, and specialized lab and program materials.
Room & Board: Students who choose to live on a campus, if housing is an option, will be charged for their dorm room, including a bed, desk, utilities, and Wi-Fi, and a meal plan.
There are Four Main Ways to Pay for Higher Education:
Grants: Grants are often awarded based on financial need. Most grants are provided by the state or federal governments. Eligibility for state and federal grants is often determined from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants typically do not have to be repaid, assuming all requirements are met by the student.
Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded to students based on various criteria, including financial need, academic performance, and/or talents. It is important to review official scholarship rules and details for eligibility criteria, award amounts, deadlines, and other information. Scholarships may be offered by higher education institutions, as well as different organizations, foundations, and individuals. Most scholarships require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarship applications are free. Scholarships do not have to be repaid.
Loans: Loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid, often with interest. Student loans may come from the federal government, private financial institutions, or other sources. Federal student loans, secured by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), may offer many benefits compared to other loan options, including a lower, fixed interest rate, no credit check or co-signer, flexible repayment plans, and possible loan forgiveness considerations.
Jobs (Federal Work Study): Jobs, including Federal Work Study positions, allow students to earn money to help pay for college. Eligibility for Federal Work Study is often determined from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Work Study provides part-time employment, on- or off-campus, for undergraduate, graduate and professional students who are enrolled in participating higher education institutions.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the secure form, offered by the United States Department of Education Federal Student Aid, that determines students’ financial aid eligibility from the government and most higher education institutions. FAFSA is the key that unlocks grant, loan, and work-study opportunities. Many scholarships also require a completed FAFSA. The FAFSA collects personal and financial information from students, and in many cases, their Contributors, and then applies a formula to determine how much financial support is needed.
Important Information
FAFSA should only be completed during a student’s final year of high school, and then each year thereafter while enrolled in higher education.
The FAFSA opens on or after October 1 each year.
Oklahoma High School Graduation Requirement
Beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year, in order to graduate from a public Oklahoma high school accredited by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, students shall complete and submit a
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
or
state-provided opt-out form.
FAFSA Processes
Determine Your Contributors (if applicable)
Create Your FSA ID
Gather Required Materials
Invite Your Contributors to Your FAFSA (if applicable)
Submit the FAFSA
Scholarships
Scholarships are a type of financial aid awarded to students based on various criteria to help pay for higher education.
Important Information
Scholarships may be offered by higher education institutions, as well as different organizations, foundations, and individuals.
Most scholarships require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Scholarship applications are free. Scholarships do not have to be repaid.
Each scholarship has its own criteria. It is important to review official scholarship rules and details for eligibility, awards, deadlines, and other information.
Scholarships may be awarded based on academic merit, financial need, special circumstances, race, ethnicity, and/or educational program or major.
Internal Scholarships
Internal, or institutional, scholarships generally refer to financial aid awards provided by higher education institutions.
Internal scholarships provided by a specific institution are non-transferable to other institutions.
Students may apply for internal scholarships at the colleges where they have submitted an admission application.
Students should review scholarship guidelines, including the application process and deadlines, set by the higher education institution prior to applying.
External Scholarships
External, or outside, scholarships are awarded by entities not directly associated with higher education institutions. External scholarships may be offered by organizations, foundations and individuals.
Many external scholarships may be used at any higher education institution, unless otherwise specified in the criteria.
Students should review scholarship guidelines, including the application process, deadlines, and grade or age level, prior to applying.
Epic Student Internal Scholarship Opportunities
Check out these internal college scholarship opportunities!
Oklahoma's Promise
Oklahoma’s Promise is a higher education tuition scholarship, offered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, awarded to qualified Oklahoma students.
Important Information
Students must apply for Oklahoma’s Promise in the 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grades.
Parents’ federal adjusted gross income may not exceed the set income limits at the time of the application.
Students who have been legally adopted or are in legal guardianships may be granted special income provisions.
Students under the age of 18 years old, in grades 8, 9, 10 or 11, may apply online on the official Oklahoma’s Promise website.
Students 18 years of age or older, in grades 8, 9, 10 or 11, must apply using the paper version of the application.
Students must meet academic and conduct requirements in high school. Students should work with their Graduation Support Specialists to ensure they enroll in eligible Oklahoma’s Promise courses.
Oklahoma’s Promise applications should reflect Epic Charter Schools as the current school. Students who applied for the program while attending another district must contact Oklahoma’s Promise to update their application.
To receive Oklahoma’s Promise funding upon approval into the program, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during their final year of high school, and then each year thereafter while enrolled in higher education.
Some higher education institutions offer supplemental scholarships for students enrolled in the Oklahoma's Promise program. Students should inquire about opportunities with the colleges in which they are interested in attending.
Oklahoma's Promise Processes
Review Eligibility Requirements
Gather Required Materials
Complete Application
Submit Required Documentation
Oklahoma’s Promise will request for specific documents, such as federal income tax returns, to be submitted before program approval is granted. Students may safely and securely upload proper documents to Oklahoma’s Promise using the designated online portal.
External Resources
Employer Higher Education Tuition Assistance Programs
Many agencies, organizations, and businesses across Oklahoma provide tuition assistance benefits to help their employees pay for higher education.
Oklahoma 529
Oklahoma 529 is Oklahoma's official education savings plan, which offers state tax advantages to Oklahoma taxpayers.
Oklahoma Edge
Oklahoma College Assistance Program
OK College Start
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
OKDRS helps Oklahomans with disabilities prepare for careers and secure employment opportunities. OKDRS also may offer higher education assistance for qualified students.
Oklahoma Money Matters
An initiative of the Oklahoma College Assistance Program and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, OKMM offers information, resources, and services to educate students and families about various financial topics, including financial aid.