Future Cowboy Families
A family decision
Finding the best fit
Family Road MapTo help navigate the college selection process at OSU, we've outlined some important steps.
Research
Helping your student find the place where they'll thrive is extremely important. In addition to joining our mailing list, we highly suggest you and your student connect with their admissions counselor if they have any questions about what it means to be an OSU Cowboy!
Visit Campus
Visiting campus is a great way to learn more about OSU and experience the vibrant Cowboy family. OSU offers campus tours Monday through Friday and on select Saturdays. We also hold many special events throughout the year, including virtual events.
Take Official Tests
Students have the option to apply to OSU without a test score, however consideration for most university scholarships require an official test score from ACT or SAT. When your student signs up for a national test, they can list Oklahoma State University so we can receive their official score. OSU's ACT code is 3424, and our SAT code is 6546.
Apply Early to Maximize Scholarships
Encourage your student to apply as early as possible. Students can choose to apply using OSU's application which opens July 1 or the Common App which is available Aug. 1. We encourage students to complete their application before the Feb. 1 Priority Scholarship Deadline for maximum scholarship consideration.
Complete the FAFSA
The FAFSA will become fully available to all students and families by Oct. 1. Once available, you and your student should fill out the FAFSA using OSU's school code of 003170 to maximize scholarship and financial aid opportunities.
Check OSU Email
Once your student is admitted, they should set up their O-Key account and create an OSU email account. Incoming students should check their OSU email account at least once a week. We communicate important deadlines, housing steps and information about accepting scholarships and financial aid through this email account.
Submit Enrollment Deposit
Incoming freshmen are required to submit a $300 enrollment deposit before they can register for orientation and enrollment and housing. The deposit can be deferred for students who are eligible to receive a Pell Grant. A $250 refund will be given to students who cancel their admission by May 1. The enrollment deposit opens at 8 a.m. on Dec. 1.
Register for Orientation and Enrollment
Once your student has been admitted and the enrollment deposit has been paid, the next step is to register for orientation and enrollment. All new students are required to attend an orientation session before they can begin classes at OSU. During this program, your student will meet with an academic advisor, enroll in classes and learn about the many campus resources available to them. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Feb. 1.
Register for Housing
Registering for housing allows your student to indicate their housing preferences as well as find and select a roommate. We will begin making room assignments in the spring based upon your student's housing preferences. We highly encourage you and your student to review our step-by-step housing registration training course so you have all the information needed to get started.
Accept Scholarships and Financial Aid
We encourage students to complete these steps by May 1. Some scholarships and financial aid awards may be canceled if not accepted by May 1. Students can accept their aid using their OSU email address and O-Key password.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does OSU offer in-state tuition to out-of-state students from certain states?
No, but we do offer the Out-of-State Achievement Scholarship, reserved only for out-of-state students. The scholarship is based off of ACT/SAT score and requires a 3.0 GPA. Students can qualify for this scholarship by filling out our application and meeting the scholarship's criteria.
- Are the residential halls and campus safe?
OSU has a campus police agency of 30 sworn officers who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition, our campus features emergency blue lights, which are directly connected to the police department and will notify authorities should any student in need activate the light.
- Are there opportunities for students to work on campus?
There are many jobs available on campus for students! These jobs can provide students assistance in paying educational costs, practical experience in their job field and increased involvement on campus.
- Can freshmen bring cars on campus?
Yes, all students are allowed to bring cars to campus. Please note, each student must purchase a parking permit through OSU's Parking and Transit office to park on campus.
- What is the student population?
Our total student population, consisting of both undergraduate and graduate students, is over 26,000.
- My child is trying to raise their ACT score. Should we wait to apply to get a better
score?
No, we always recommend application as early as possible. Although the ACT/SAT is a required component of application to OSU, we offer several options for admission that do not require test scores. We continue to update student records throughout the year, so send any updated test scores as you receive them and we will update your student's record.
All updated scores must be submitted by July 1 for fall or summer-entering students, and Oct. 15 for spring-entering students.
Freshmen admission requirements
- Where can my student go in case they need help with their studies?
OSU has many resources for students, including the OSU Writing Center and the Mathematics Learning Success Center. OSU also offers the Learning and Student Success Opportunity Center where students can go for tutoring or academic advice. Each academic college also has an academic services office available.
- What can my student do to get involved?
OSU is home to more than 400 student organizations, so students have options. If there isn't an organization to fit your student, they can actually form a new one.
- What is the deadline for applying to the university and for scholarship opportunities?
We consider applications until the beginning of the semester for which the student is applying. However, Nov. 1 is the Early Opportunity Scholarship Deadline for fall-entering students and we encourage students to complete their application before this date to receive their scholarships and/or financial aid as early as possible. Students must complete their application by the Feb. 1 Priority Scholarship Deadline to be guaranteed full scholarship consideration, and July 1 for final consideration. Spring-entering students should complete the application by Oct. 15 for full scholarship consideration and the Friday before the Spring semester begins for final consideration.
- How will my child's concurrent work transfer to OSU?
If a student has taken college courses while in high school, they should submit a transcript to our office. To ensure that these courses will transfer to OSU, the student will need to work with an advisor for the academic college in which they are interested, to ensure the concurrent coursework will fulfill OSU degree requirements.
- Do freshmen have to live on campus?
In general, all freshmen must live in OSU housing. Living on campus is a great opportunity for new students to become involved in the university. Studies show that living on campus can result in significantly higher grades and make for a better all-around collegiate experience. Students may choose from community-style living, suite-style or apartments.
- When will my student meet their advisor and be able to enroll in classes?
Students have the opportunity to meet meet with their academic advisor, enroll in classes, make new friends and so much more during orientation and enrollment! Every incoming student must attend an orientation and enrollment program. Students may enroll in their desired program through their application portal.