OU to offer $9,500 education scholarships starting in fall 2027

NORMAN - The University of Oklahoma will start a scholarship for future teachers in fall 2027, according to a university news article posted Nov. 11. The Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education Scholars Program, supported by a $5 million gift from Gene and Jeannine Rainbolt, will pay eligible Oklahoma residents pursuing undergraduate education degrees $9,500 over four years.

Awards will be $2,000 in each of the first two years, $2,500 in the third year and $3,000 in the fourth year if students continue to meet program requirements, according to the college's program page and the news article. The college expects about 20 students in the first group, OU News reported. Incoming freshmen who are Oklahoma residents, enroll full time in an eligible education major and have a family adjusted gross income of $135,000 or less, documented through the FAFSA, may qualify. Students eligible for Oklahoma's Promise are not eligible.

"Few investments are more important to Oklahoma's future than preparing the next generation of teachers," said Stacy Reeder, dean of the college. The application for fall 2027 is open at apply.ou.edu, and OU's final scholarship admissions deadline is Dec. 15, the news article says.

Source: OU News, Nov. 11, 2026 and Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education Scholars Program page.