Scholarships and Aid

$25 million+ in aid awarded annually.

90% receive merit scholarships. 99% receive financial aid. Estimate your actual costs after scholarships and aid using our online COST CALCULATOR.

Did you know that OU grads are among those with the lowest average student loan debt in the nation? See what others are saying about our affordability and value!

FLAGSHIP 50®

Oglethorpe Flagship 50 graphicIf you qualify, we will match the in-state flagship tuition for all 50 states.  Find out more about Flagship 50® and see sample award scenarios.

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Merit scholarships are determined by your GPA, test scores, and the strength of your academic schedule. Students can receive one merit award from the list below. Changes in a student’s GPA after we receive your final transcripts may result in changes to your merit scholarship amount. Students can receive a merit award in addition to their specialty, state and grant awards. There is no separate application to be considered for merit awards. In applying to Oglethorpe, you have asked to be considered for each of the awards below. Awards are listed in order of competitiveness and total funding and are available to full-time traditional undergraduate students only. Students enrolled in the Adult Degree Program have scholarships already built-in to their significantly reduced rates.

  • Merit Scholarships: $18,000+ per year – Over 90% of students qualify!
  • Flagship 50®: Match the in-state tuition of the flagship institution in your state. Learn more here!
  • James Edward Oglethorpe*: Full tuition award + stipend for a junior-year study abroad experience.
  • Oglethorpe Theatre*: Full tuition award + internship with a professional theatre company.
  • Hammack Business*: Full tuition award + stipend for study abroad or internship experience.
  • J. Fred and Catherine B. Agel Leadership Scholarship*: Full tuition award.

*Full tuition awards are determined by performance at Oglethorpe’s Scholarship Weekend. Scholarship Weekend is invitation only. Students can be considered for Scholarship Weekend by completing an application to Oglethorpe during the Early Application period.

SPECIALTY AWARDS

Specialty scholarships are awarded in addition to a student’s merit, state, and grant awards.* Students can receive multiple awards from the list below. Please review the criteria for each award.

  • International Baccalaureate Scholarship: $1,500 per year for all IB diploma recipients. Students are automatically evaluated and awarded upon submission of their IB diploma scores.
  • 3DE Scholarship: $1,500 per year award for all students who complete the 3DE program. Students are automatically evaluated and awarded upon proof of completion of the 3DE program.
  • Choral & Music Scholarships: $500 – $1,500 per year for singers and instrumentalists. Learn more about our music opportunities or register for a music audition.
  • Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: $2,000 per year for students who are active members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at time of admission. Students are automatically evaluated and awarded upon proof of PTK membership certificate.

*Full tuition award winners will only qualify for additional funding through federal grants and loans.

STATE AWARDS

State scholarships are determined by your GPA and test scores. Students can receive HOPE or ZELL or an Out-of-State Scholarship Equivalent award from the list below in addition to their merit, specialty, and grant awards.* In-state students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for state awards. Out-of-state students do not need to complete a separate application to be considered for these awards.

  • Georgia HOPE Scholarship: $4,304/yr. for qualified Georgia residents who graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher. (+OU Hope Plus: Oglethorpe supplements this award for all qualifying students.)
  • Zell Miller Scholarship: $5,616/yr. for qualified Georgia residents who graduate with a 3.7 GPA or higher and score on one test date a 26 ACT/1200 SAT (cr+m) or higher; or who graduate as a valedictorian or salutatorian. (+OU Hope Plus: Oglethorpe supplements this award for all qualifying students.)
  • Out-of-State Scholarship Equivalents: Oglethorpe awards $3,500/yr. for qualified students from AL, FL, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN or TX. (must have a 3.0 or higher at graduation)

*Full tuition award winners will only qualify for additional funding through federal grants and loans.

GRANTS AND LOANS

Grants and loans are determined by a family’s demonstrated need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may qualify for any combination of the awards from the list below in addition to their merit, specialty, and state awards. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants and loans.

  • Oglethorpe Grants: A minimum OU Grant of $500 will be awarded to ALL families who file the FAFSA. Additional funds awarded by Oglethorpe University based on financial need.
  • Georgia TEG Tuition Equalization Grant: For qualified Georgia residents at a private college in GA. $850/yr.
  • Pell Grant: For students with exceptional need based on FAFSA. Up to $6,495/yr.
  • SEOG Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: For students with exceptional need based on FAFSA. Must also qualify for Pell.
  • Federal Work-Study (FWS): For students with exceptional need based on FAFSA. Based on available campus positions. Wages begin at $8.00/hr.
  • Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Low-interest federal loans based on FAFSA which are taken out in the student’s name. Up to $5,500 for dependent first-year students. On subsidized loans, the government pays the interest while student is enrolled.
  • PLUS Loans Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students: For credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduates. Maximum loan amount is the cost of attendance at OU minus any other aid awarded to the student.

THEDREAM.US

Oglethorpe University is the first Georgia college to partner with TheDream.US to provide scholarships to qualified immigrant students who came to the United States as children, or “DREAMers.” For a complete listing of eligibility requirements and application information, visit TheDream.US. Additionally, Oglethorpe merit scholarships and need-based aid are awarded to all qualified students including undocumented and DACA students.

Frequently Asked Questions about TheDream.US Scholarship Program.

Achieve Atlanta logoACHIEVE ATLANTA

Oglethorpe University is proud to partner with Achieve Atlanta, a nonprofit organization working to dramatically increase the number of Atlanta Public Schools students who graduate college. Oglethorpe University is among Achieve Atlanta’s first College Success partners, which host targeted programs to ensure the scholars thrive on campus and graduate. For students eligible for the 4-year college scholarship, Achieve Atlanta will award $5,000 per year.

Learn more about our partnership with Achieve Atlanta.

To learn more about financial aid, detailed tuition and fees, and payment programs, visit Enrollment Services in the Hub.