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 Dec. 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?
- Are the residential halls and campus safe?
- Are there opportunities for students to work on campus?
- Can freshmen bring cars on campus?
- What is the student population?
- My child is trying to raise their ACT score. Should we wait to apply to get a better score?
- Where can my student go in case they need help with their studies?
- What can my student do to get involved?
- What is the deadline for applying to the university and for scholarship opportunities?
- How will my child's concurrent work transfer to OSU?
- Do freshmen have to live on campus?
- When will my student meet their advisor and be able to enroll in classes?