Applying for Scholarships, Grants and Loans

Applying for Oakland University Aid

Oakland University scholarships and grants are automatically offered to incoming freshmen and transfer students through the admissions process and when the FAFSA is processed by Financial Aid and Scholarships. 

OU Annual Scholarships from academic and student service departments are also available. These endowed scholarships require a single application every year, which opens December 1, for admitted and enrolled students. Learn more about the application process.

Available Oakland University Aid

Applying for OU Annual Scholarships

Oakland University is proud to offer more than 350 annual endowed scholarships through academic and student service departments for admitted and current students. Beginning December 1 each year, admitted and current students should complete the application to apply for OU annual scholarships to use in the next academic year. The application closes March 1. 

Available OU Annual Scholarships

Students can search available scholarships year round and based on student information provided to OU, students can view scholarships for which they qualify. When students complete the application, the list of eligible scholarship matches expands based on the information provided on the application.

View OU Annual Scholarships

OU offers and renews awards at its sole and absolute discretion; offers and renewals are contingent upon the availability of funds and continuation of the programs. The University notifies students of scholarship awards through official scholarship award letters sent to students via United States mail for new students and through OU email for returning students.

Scholarship Tool Navigation

Applicant Home
On the homepage of the Scholarship Tool, you  will see a Tasks section and a Completed Tasks section. Tasks will show any applications available to complete and an action button, to start the application, for example. Completed tasks will show your previously completed applications, with an opportunity to review your responses.

My Applications
Each year between FAFSA release and March 1, this is where you will find the annual scholarship application. All year, you will be able to see a list of completed or pending applications you started. It's a great central resource when you're trying to look at the history of your applications or get to the application you saved to return to later!

My Opportunities
On this page, you will see a Potential Scholarship Opportunities section and an Available Opportunities section for other partially identified opportunities.

Potential Scholarship Opportunities shows the number of scholarships you can be considered for based on the information on your student record at OU, like your GPA, major, class standing, etc. Click the drop down arrow on the right side to see the details of the scholarships identified. To apply for the scholarships listed, you must complete the Annual Scholarship Application.

The Available Opportunities section lists other scholarship matches the system identifies based on the information on your student record at OU, but requires some additional information collected by the Annual Scholarship Application to confirm your eligibility. Additional information submitted is an opportunity for you to share information from your personal voice and perspective. Click the gold Apply button to add more information to your scholarship application to provide the specific information required to apply for these scholarships.

Department committees will review and determine the recipients of the scholarships by July 1. You will be notified of the decision by the department and through a communication from the Student Financial Services financial aid offer notification.

Scholarship Search
The Scholarship Search allows you to view all Oakland University annual scholarships available to admitted and current students, at any time. OU offers and renews awards at its sole and absolute discretion; offers and renewals are contingent upon the availability of funds and continuation of the programs.

Use the Category Search to filter scholarships by categories. This option allows you to identify and search the categories you feel are most relevant to you.

Use the Keyword(s) Search to search all keywords associated with a scholarship.

Contact Us
Please contact Financial Aid and Scholarships with any questions you may have about navigating the OU Annual Scholarship Tool, your eligibility, or any related questions. We are always happy to help you!

Student FAQs

If your question about the scholarship tool isn't listed below, please contact Financial Aid and Scholarships with any questions you may have about navigating the OU Annual Scholarship Tool, your eligibility, or any related questions. We are always happy to help you!

Faculty And Staff FAQs

Is there skip logic on the application?

Yes, the students will only see relevant scholarship opportunities depending on the answers to the questions. As students answer questions, the tool is built to respond by asking more questions or move to the next question.

Applying for Aid from the State of Michigan

State of Michigan aid programs require the FAFSA and may require additional applications. To access any additional applications for State of Michigan aid and indicate the final School of Choice, students must create their account access to the MiSSG student portal. Visit the State of Michigan website to learn more about the MiSSG student portal, MI Student Aid programs, and even access the MI scholarship search tool.

Available State of Michigan Aid Programs

View details and criteria for all State of Michigan Programs.

• Children of Veterans Tuition Grant
  The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant provides undergraduate tuition assistance to students older than 16 and less than 26 years of age who are the natural or adopted child of a Michigan veteran. The veteran must have died or became totally and permanently disabled as a result of military service. Requires an initial application completed in the MiSSG student portal. Full time undergraduate students may receive up to $2,800 per academic year with a four academic year maximum of $11,200.
  
  
• Fostering Futures Scholarship
  The Fostering Futures Scholarship provides scholarships to students who have experienced foster care in Michigan on or after age 13. Students must also demonstrate financial need to qualify. Requires an annual application completed in the MiSSG student portal. The maximum award amount is determined annually by MI Student Aid. 
  
  
• Michigan Achievement Scholarship
  Students from Michigan's high school graduating classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025 may be eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. The scholarship is valued at up to $5,500 per year when attending a public university. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for eligibility. Additionally, the student (and their parents, if applicable) must be Michigan residents and have a Student Aid Index of $30,000 or less.
  
  
• Michigan Competitive Scholarship
  The Michigan Competitive Scholarship is available to undergraduate students pursuing their first degree and is based on both financial need and merit. To be considered, a student must take the SAT (Class of 2017 and beyond) prior to entering college and achieve a qualifying score of at least 1200. The Michigan Competitive Scholarship is no longer available to students entering college beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. Awards pay at a maximum of $1,500 per academic year for a maximum of 10 full time semesters.
  
  
• Michigan Future Educator Fellowship
  The Michigan Future Educator Fellowship will offer up to $10,000 in scholarship for 2,500 future educators every year. To be considered, students must meet eligibility criteria for the fellowship. Requires an annual application completed in the MiSSG student portal. 
  
  
• Michigan Future Educator Stipend
  The Michigan Future Educator Stipend will provide up to a $9,600 stipend to students in their student teacher semester to support Michigan's hardworking student teachers as they continue their journey to being in the classroom full time. To be considered, students must meet eligibility criteria for the fellowship. Requires an application completed in the MiSSG student portal. FAFSA submission is not a requirement of the stipend.
  
  
• MI GEAR UP
  Only nominated MI GEAR UP participants who have successfully completed the MI GEAR UP program will be eligible to be considered for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients may receive up to $2,000 per academic year for up to two academic years.
  
  
• Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Tuition Grant
  The Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Tuition Act provides for the waiver of tuition at a Michigan community college or public university for children and surviving spouses of Michigan police officers and fire fighters killed in the line of duty. The program is intended to provide an educational benefit to the spouse and children of police officers and fire fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities and the citizens of Michigan. Requires an initial application completed in the MiSSG student portal.
  
  
• Tuition Incentive Program
  The Tuition Incentive Program encourages students to complete high school by providing college tuition assistance after graduation. Eligible students are those who have or have had Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36 month period as identified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Oakland University is a Phase II eligible institution. Phase II awards cannot exceed $500 per semester up to a lifetime maximum of $2,000.

Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

Oakland University is proud to support greater equity for all Native students as they pursue their higher education goals. We offer a safe, supportive environment where students are seen and heard, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Students interested in applying for a Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, a program administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), can access information on the MiLEAP website, emailing [email protected], or by contacting them at: MI Student Aid/MITW, P.O. Box 30462, Lansing, MI 48922.

We encourage all eligible students to apply for the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver. In order to receive it:

• Oakland University must receive written notice from MiLEAP that the student has been verified as having sufficiently established eligibility for a Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver; and
• The eligible student must:
• Be admitted to Oakland University for the purpose of enrolling in academic credit-bearing Oakland University courses or be a student working towards certification in Oakland University’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) programs;
• Be registered for Oakland University credit-bearing courses to which the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver will apply; the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver will not apply to competency credits, auditing, AP, IB, Dante, CLEP, continuing education (CE) (with the exception of PACE certificate programs), consortium credits and/or any other non-credit bearing courses; and
• Provide proof, as required by Oakland University, establishing that the student, or parent if the student is a dependent (custodial parent if the parents are unmarried), has been a legal resident of the State of Michigan for not less than 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of enrollment in a semester to which the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver will apply.
  

In order for a Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver to be applied to a particular semester, all documentation relating to the waiver must be received and processed by Oakland University's  Student Financial Services by the earlier of:

• the last day that the student is enrolled in that semester, or
  
• the last day of that semester

The total combined amount of a student's financial aid award(s) and Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver(s) may not exceed the total cost of attendance as established by Oakland University.

Learn more about Oakland University's land acknowledgement statement.

Applying for Federal Aid

Applying for federal financial aid is easy with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA. Students, their spouse if married, or their parent(s) if applicable, must each create their own studentaid.gov account (FSA ID) to access and sign the appropriate sections of the FAFSA. Complete a FAFSA annually, beginning October 1, to apply for and maintain eligibility for federal, state, and OU financial aid each year.

After you've created your studentaid.gov login, your next step in applying for financial aid is to complete the FAFSA. You must complete the FAFSA annually, on or shortly after October 1, to apply for federal financial aid. Include Oakland's school code (002307) on your FAFSA to ensure we receive your application. Use the FAFSA Worksheet to prepare to complete your FAFSA.

Need help with your FAFSA? No problem! Join a virtual FAFSA workshop or speak to an adviser for assistance. We are ready to help.

Available Federal Aid

Federal Pell Grant
Undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree and demonstrate exceptional financial need will be offered the federal Pell Grant.

The Student Aid Index (SAI) and poverty guidelines will be used to determine eligibility. The amount of eligibility is prorated if the student is enrolled in less than 12 credits each semester. 

A prorated federal Pell Grant is available to students enrolled in less than six credits, even during a semester in which a student may have previously used 100% of their yearly scheduled award

Dependents of deceased service members and safety officers may be eligible for a maximum federal Pell Grant regardless of their calculated SAI so long as they meet other qualifying criteria.

For more information on the federal Pell Grant, visit the grants page on the Federal Student Aid website.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate, federal Pell Grant eligible students with a -1,500 SAI. Awarding is subject to the availability of funds. The maximum award amount is $2,000 per academic year, but the amount may be reduced for less than full-time enrollment. For more information about FSEOG visit the grants page on the Federal Student Aid website.

Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)
Offered to students in a master's degree program which leads toward teaching, the federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per academic year. The maximum cumulative award is $8,000 (two years). Due to federal sequestration, the maximum award amount could be reduced. Less than full time students have the same cumulative maximum, but have prorated annual awards. Candidates must agree to serve as full time teachers at certain schools serving low-income students, and teach subjects within certain high-need fields (foreign language, mathematics, reading specialist, science, special education) for at least four academic years within eight years of completing the course of student for which the grant was received. If a grant recipient does not fulfill the teaching obligation, the federal TEACH Grant funds convert to a Direct Unsubsidized loan that must be repaid with interest. For information regarding interest rates and repayment terms, visit the loans page on the Federal Student Aid website. The federal TEACH Grant does require completion of the FAFSA but is not need-based.

Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment to degree-seeking students with financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. Students are employed under the federal work-study program in on-campus jobs. Students are made aware of their federal work-study eligibility on their financial aid offer and may earn up to the amount listed on the offer. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students are not assigned a work-study job, and should visit Handshake for search and apply for student employment positions. Visit our Student Employment website for more information.

Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student's education. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education. The most commonly awarded loans for undergraduate students are the Federal Direct Subsidized and Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans. Graduate students are eligible for unsubsidized loans. Students must be enrolled half-time to be eligible for the Federal Direct Loans.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based loans awarded to undergraduate students, without the need for a co-signer. The government pays the interest on subsidized loans while a student is in school at least half-time, during the grace period, and during deferment periods. 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on financial need. Interest is charged from the date of the first disbursement. Interest can be paid while in school or it can accumulate and be capitalized at the time of repayment. 

Direct Loan Eligibility Chart

All borrowers are strongly encouraged to review their federal loan indebtedness each school year. Information about the type(s) of loans you have borrowed, the outstanding principal and interest, the total amount of loans borrowed, and your loan servicer can be found on the studentaid.gov website.

First-time borrowers need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Loan Counseling (ELC) before any loan funds can be disbursed to your student account. Upon graduation or ceasing attendance at the University, you will also be required to complete Exit Loan Counseling. The MPN, ELC, and Exit Counseling can be completed online at studentaid.gov.

Loans require repayment. For more information about interest rates and repayment, visit the loans page on the Federal Student Aid website. 

Parent Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
Parents of dependent undergraduate students are able to apply for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan to help pay for their child's education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan does require FAFSA completion, but is not need-based. The parent must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and not be in default on any other federal loan. The Federal Parent PLUS Loan application becomes available on May 1 each year. 

The Federal Parent PLUS Loan is approved or denied based on the parent's credit, and if approved, the parent is responsible for repayment. Interest is charged from the date of the first disbursement and repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. The parent does have the option to defer the loan payment while the student is enrolled at least half-time. 

If a parent is denied for a loan based on credit, the parent has the option to include an endorser/co-signer on the application or appeal the credit decision with the U.S. Department of Education. If the parent decides not to add an endorser or appeal, an additional amount of the Unsubsidized Loan will be awarded in the student's name.

The parent will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) if they are borrowing a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan for the first time for this student. The MPN can be completed online at studentaid.gov/mpn.

For information regarding interest rates and repayment terms, visit the loans page on the Federal Student Aid website. View the Federal Parent PLUS Loan application instructions and apply. 

Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans
Graduate students are able to apply for a Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan to help pay for educational expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. The Federal Grad PLUS Loan does require FAFSA completion, but is not need-based. Graduate student should maximize borrowing through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program prior to applying for this loan as the interest rate is lower. The Federal Grad PLUS Loan application becomes available on May 1 each year. 

Interest is charged from the date of the first disbursement and repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed, but Graduate PLUS borrowers are automatically placed into an in-school deferment status as long as they are enrolled at least half-time.

First time Federal Grad PLUS Loan borrowers are required to complete Graduate PLUS Entrance Counseling. 

For information regarding interest rates and repayment terms, visit the loans page on the Federal Student Aid website. View the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan application instructions and apply. 

Nurse Faculty Loan Program
The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a program available for a Ph.D. in Nursing. Up to 85% of the total loan amount will be forgiven if the graduate works full-time for four consecutive years in a nurse faculty position (commit to a faculty/educator role within 12 months of degree completion). Interested students should speak with the School of Nursing. 

Loan Details to Consider

Loan Consolidation
Consolidation loans combine several loans, with various repayment schedules, into one loan, requiring you to make only one monthly payment. You may want to consider Federal Direct Loan Consolidation after you graduate, but before you begin repayment on your loans.

Federal Direct Loan Repayment
Federal Direct student loans, as well as federal Direct PLUS loans require loan repayment. The U.S. Department of Education offers income-driven repayment (IDR) plans for federal student loans. IDR plans are designed to make your student loan debt more manageable by reducing monthly payment amounts and providing credit for IDR and for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). You will need to certify your income and family size each year you want to use an IDR plan. You can provide authorization to the U.S. Department of Education to retrieve your Federal Tax Information directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rather than manually entering your information each year. This authorization would allow your income to be automatically certified annually so you can remain eligible for the plan and to allow you to be automatically enrolled in an income-driven payment plan if you fall behind on your student loan payments. Consent must be provided by logging into your Federal Student Aid account at studentaid.gov. More information can be found by visiting https://studentaid.gov/idr/application/demo/consent.

For more information about repayment options review information about different types of Repayment Plans. If you are in a short-term situation where you are unable to make your federal student loan payments, you may be eligible for deferment or forbearance options. 

Applying for Private Aid

Private aid is generally considered aid received from a source other than the university, state, and federal governments. Private aid can be scholarships from organizations, foundations, and/or businesses. Private loans can come from a bank, credit union, or private lender of your choice. 

Available Private Aid

Private Scholarships
Private scholarships are abundantly available for students from organizations, foundations, companies, and individuals. Students can increase the probability they will be selected for private scholarships by increasing the number of applications submitted. Search for private scholarships on large online databases called clearinghouses, such as:

CollegeBoard.org
Fastweb.com
Scholarships.com
State of Michigan Scholarship Search

Private Loans
Federal Direct loan programs usually offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than most private/alternative loan programs.   Maximize your borrowing from all federal loans before considering supplemental funds from a private loan. The limit on a private loan is equal to the Cost of Attendance minus other awarded financial aid.

Lending options shown are based on private educational lenders who provided loans to five or more Oakland University students in the most recent academic year.

Once your FAFSA is received and processed, electronic financial aid offer notifications are sent to your Oakland email address, asking you to view on MySAIL the amount and types of financial aid for which you are eligible. It's a good idea to review the financial aid Policies, Terms, and Conditions and regularly check your Oakland University email - you do not want to miss the financial aid offer notifications, which will include directions for your next steps.

If there are any changes or updates to your financial aid offer, a revised notification will be sent. If a situation occurs which significantly impacts your household's current financial standing, you should call (248) 370-2550 to speak with a financial aid adviser immediately.

Financial aid is initially offered for the regular academic year (fall/winter semesters) but may be available during the summer semester. Learn more about financial aid for summer classes.

Check MySAIL