East Central University is firmly committed to ensuring that all students are able to attend college, regardless of their financial situation.

Our Mission


The mission of the ECU Office of Financial Aid is to enable students to pursue their educational goals through the application of appropriate financial resources relevant to each student’s eligibility and individual need. 

Financial aid is available through:

  • Grants
  • Scholarships 
  • Direct loans

The types and amounts of aid awarded are determined by financial need, available funds, level of study and academic performance. 

Grants

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The federal government regulates the application process for students seeking financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed in order to qualify for any financial assistance.

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Federal Pell Grants

A federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are typically awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added.

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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is designed to provide additional assistance to students. To be eligible, a student must complete the FAFSA, have the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) possible and be enrolled full time. Funding for FSEOG grants is limited, so apply as soon as possible.

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Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant

The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant is a state-sponsored program designed to help pay tuition costs. To be eligible, a student must be enrolled in at least six credit hours and be a resident of Oklahoma. Application is made by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).


Tribal Grants

These grants are made available to Native American students with a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card. Applicants are required by the various Native American Tribes to submit a FAFSA.

Need Help Paying for College?

Submit a free application for federal student aid. East Central University’s Title IV (federal) school code is 003154.

Start a New FAFSA

Scholarships

ECU offers a number of scholarships to qualified applicants. To be considered for scholarships, students must complete an application. All scholarship recipients must be full-time students. Below are just a few of the scholarships available.

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$1,000 Tuition Waiver for Transfer Students

If you earned an associate degree from an accredited Oklahoma college, you may be eligible for a tuition waiver providing $1,000 per semester (up to four semesters) when you transfer to ECU. See if you qualify for our transfer student waiver.


Foundation General Scholarship

Applicants must be admitted to East Central University, have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and achieved a minimum ACT score of 22 to 24 (ACT requirement for incoming freshmen only). Full-time enrollment at ECU is required and a GPA of 3.0 must be achieved during the fall semester in order to qualify for the second half of the scholarship in the spring semester. Other factors may be considered at the discretion of the foundation’s scholarship committee and the amount of the scholarship will also be determined by this committee.


Foundation Award of Excellence

Applicants must be admitted to East Central University, have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75 and achieved a minimum ACT score of 28 (ACT requirement for incoming freshmen only). Full-time enrollment at ECU is required and a GPA of 3.75 must be achieved during the fall semester in order to qualify for the second half of the scholarship in the spring semester. Other factors may be considered at the discretion of the foundation’s scholarship committee and the scholarship amount will also be determined by this committee.


George Nigh Award

This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior with the highest GPA and will also be based on contribution to ECU and to the community. Former Gov. George Nigh is an ECU alumnus, and this scholarship was established in his honor by Julian Rothbaum.

Find Scholarships

At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about the scholarships that ECU students can take advantage of.

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Direct Loans

Applying for a Loan

If you have been offered a student loan and are a first-time borrower, you will be required to complete the following steps. First-time borrowers must accept loans by returning the award letter or loan amount request form to ECU either by mail or in person.

  1. Entrance Counseling
  2. Master Promissory Note

Upon completion of these steps, your loan will be certified at the Office of Financial Aid. Please be aware that the loan will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system.

Amount You May Borrow

The amount you are eligible to receive is determined by many factors including the number of credit hours enrolled for the term. This amount will be outlined in your award letter. Consult with the financial aid office for additional information. The maximum amount you can borrow each year in direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans depends on your grade level and on whether you are a dependent student or an independent student. 

Learn More About Loans


How Do Direct Loans Work?


  • You borrow directly from the federal government and have a single contact—your loan servicer—for everything related to repayment, even if you receive direct loans at different schools.
  • You have online access to your direct loan account information via your servicer’s website.
  • You can choose from several repayment plans that are designed to meet the needs of almost any borrower and you can switch repayment plans if your needs change. Visit Federal Student Aid to learn about the available repayment plans.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program offers the following types of loans:


Subsidized

For students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by federal regulations. No interest is charged while a student is enrolled at least half-time and during deferment periods.

PLUS

Unsubsidized loans for the parents of dependent students. PLUS loans help pay for education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods.

Unsubsidized

Not based on financial need; interest is charged during all periods, even during the time a student is in school and during grace and deferment periods.

Consolidation

Eligible federal student loans can be combined into one direct consolidation loan. 

Student borrowers are not required to begin making payments until after they drop below half-time enrollment.

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