Early Planning
College is an investment in your future that you and
your parents should start planning for now. Fortunately, the cost of attending
an Oklahoma state college or university is among the lowest in the nation,
and many kinds of assistance and financial aid are available to help you
and your parents manage the costs.
One way to begin planning for the cost of college is
to take advantage of a free online service called the ACT
Financial Need Estimator. The Financial Aid Estimator can help students
and their families plan more effectively to meet college costs. It estimates
the costs of attending a selected college or university and allows users to
calculate their families' expected financial contribution. The Estimator also
shows eligibility for federal need-based financial aid.
Another way to prepare for future college expenses is
through the Oklahoma College Savings Plan. The Plan allows anyone – parents,
grandparents, friends, etc. – to open a tax-advantaged account for a child
with a low start-up investment of $25, or $15 per pay period through payroll
deduction. Funds can be used for college expenses at nearly all colleges and
universities in the United States. For more information, call toll-free 877.654.7284
or visit the Oklahoma
College Savings Plan Web site.
In addition to saving for college, financial aid, including
scholarships, grants, work study and loans, is available to help you with the
cost of college. Visit the links on the left for more information on college
financial aid opportunities.
