Incoming freshman and transfer students can use this scholarship search to determine which Oakland University scholarship awards they may qualify for.*
Note that there is no separate application for OU merit scholarships, but some awards (such as the Alumni Legacy Award, major-specific scholarships, OU-Macomb scholarships and international student scholarships) do require an additional application process.
*The scholarship search tool is intended as a guide. Some exclusions may apply.
Search Oakland University scholarships available for current OU students.
Additional scholarships may be available through various academic departments or programs and require their own application. 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.
Federal Grants
Undergraduate students are eligible for the Pell Grant. To view eligibility criteria, annual amounts, and aggregate limits, visit the
Pell Grant page on the Federal Student Aid website.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional need and based on the availability of funds. For information regarding eligibility criteria and annual amounts visit the
FSEOG page on the Federal Student Aid website.
Federal Work-Study
Available to undergraduate and graduate students, work-study awards are wages that can be earned through a campus job and does not have to be repaid. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis according to a student's financial need. Visit
www.OUCareerLink.com to search and apply for student employment positions.
Federal Loans
Student loans:
An undergraduate student can receive federal loans without a co-signer. The most commonly awarded loans for undergraduate students are the Federal Direct Subsidized and Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans, which are awarded based on a student's financial need. The Federal Perkins loan is a limited fund awarded on a first-come, first-served basis according to a student's financial need. For more information about annual and aggregate limits, interest rates, and repayment visit the
types of loans page on the Federal Student Aid website.
Parent loans:
Parents of dependent undergraduate students are able to apply for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan. The Parent PLUS loan is approved or denied based on the parent's credit, and if approved, the parent is responsible for repayment. If a parent is denied for a loan based on credit, an additional amount of the Unsubsidized loan will be awarded in the student's name. An online application is available at www.studentloans.gov. For information regarding interest rates and repayment terms, visit the
PLUS loans page on the Federal Student Aid website.
Visit the
State of Michigan website for information about Michigan grant programs.
How you finance your education is a choice that will impact your life for years after graduation. Choose loan programs you can live with long term. Government loan programs usually offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than most private/alternative loans.
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 education minus other awarded financial aid.
Private Scholarships
Students are encouraged to apply for private scholarships through foundations, social and religious organizations, employers, and private donors. Create a profile at
Fastweb to search and apply for private scholarships. Below are additional private scholarships for which students may apply.
Abbott and Fenner Annual Scholarship: The winner of this scholarship will receive $1,000. Available to high school juniors and seniors as well as all students currently registered in any accredited post secondary institution. For more information and to apply visit
www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm.
Application Deadline: June 14, 2013
AES Engineers Scholarship: The consulting firm of AES Engineers is committed to continuing its support of higher education by providing scholarships to deserving students on the basis of character, as determined by evaluating the essays submitted. To be eligible, the student must answer one essay question listed on their website. For more information and to apply visit
www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm.
Application Deadline: October 4, 2013
ASCO Numatics: Two merit-based scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded to two undergraduate and graduate engineering students pursuing careers in manufacturing, processing, or other industrial automation related disciplines. Additionally, ASCO Numatics will make $1,000 grants to the engineering departments of the colleges in which the winners are enrolled. For more information and to apply visit
www.asconumatics.com/apply.
Application Deadline: May 24, 2013
Application Deadline: July 1, 2013
Construction & Engineering Scholarship: For applicants who are currently enrolled in an engineering, construction, or architecture related field and who are pursuing further education in these respectable areas, $1,000 award. For more information and to apply see
www.mortgagerefinancerates.org/engineering-scholarship.php.
Application Deadline: July 12, 2013
Application Deadline: December 15, 2013
Application Deadline: December 15, 2013
Future Counselors of America Scholarship: Annual scholarship awards $1000 to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Psychology, who seek a career in relationship to counseling or a related field. For more information and to apply visit
www.datingadvice.com/scholarship.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2013
Application Deadline: August 15, 2013
Michigan Association of Realtors Scholarship Trust (MARST) is offering scholarships to upper undergraduate students. Juniors and seniors must be enrolled full time, and taking courses related to real estate such as business, marketing, finance or law. Awards range from $500 to $2000 and are paid over two semesters. For more information and to apply, visit
http://www.mirealtors.com/content/ScholarshipsAndAwards.htm.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2013.
National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA): Two $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to two individuals who can best demonstration with a short video why a smart consumer should use an Exclusive Buyer Agent when buying a home. For more eligibility criteria and to apply, visit
http://www.naeba.org.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2013
Silver Cross Scholarship: A $3000 scholarship will be offered to one full time college or university student in the U.S. who uses either a manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, or mobility scooter while attending classes. For more information and to apply visit
http://www.silvercross.com/scholarship.html.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2013
Sustainable Lawn Care Leaders Scholarship: A $500 scholarship will be offered to an undergraduate student pursuing a career in sustainable botany, horticulture, landscape architecture, or a related field. This scholarship is to help raise awareness about different sustainability efforts and why they are crucial for the success of those pursuing careers in these fields. For more information and to apply visit
http://www.lawncare.net/scholarship.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2013
Undergraduate Scholarship: BestOnlineCollege.org is now offering a $1,000 scholarship for undergraduate students seeking financial aid for tuition, books, and educational related costs. For more information and to apply see
www.bestonlinecollege.org/undergraduate-scholarship/.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2013
Private Loans
A number of banks and lending institutions offer private loan funding to assist students with the cost of education. A co-signer may be required, depending on the student's credit history and credit worthiness. Borrow wisely and compare lenders to make a smart long term choice. Be wary of private loan offers which discourage you from working with your financial aid office, offer introductory rates, do not tie the loan interest rate to a fixed percentage of LIBOR or PRIME rate, or claim that you can apply and receive money immediately. OU will certify a private loan from any private lender. Many private loan options are available. Students can find lenders on websites such as Student Lending Analytics.
Consider these factors when shopping for a lender:
Eligibility
- Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional Development, Certification
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Enrollment Requirements – ie., less than half-time
- International Students
Interest rate
- With or without a co-borrower (co-signer)
- Interest adjusted when and how
Fees
- Origination fees and other charges
- Prepayment
- Late fees
Borrower benefits
- Direct Debit
- Co-borrower release
- Graduation reward
Repayment terms
- When does repayment begin?
- Can principal and interest be deferred?
- When is interest capitalized?
- Maximum repayment period
Loan limits
- Minimum loan amount
- Annual and aggregate loan limits
- Allow loans for past balances (if applicable)
Service
- Responsive customer service
- Student focused
Consolidation loans combine several loans, with various repayment schedules, into one loan, requiring you to make only one monthly payment. The interest rate on a consolidation loan also may be lower than what you're currently paying on one or more of your loans. Student borrowers with at least one Federal Direct Loan may wish to consider a
Direct Consolidation Loan.