Are you planning to attend the University of Oklahoma (OU) and seeking financial assistance? The Centralized Academic Scholarship Hub (CASH) is the essential online system where current and prospective students apply for hundreds of university scholarships using a single application.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the OU CASH system, the types of financial aid available, and how international students can maximize their chances of securing significant awards for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Scholarship Overview: Accessing Hundreds of OU Awards
CASH simplifies the application process, allowing students to be considered for both general university scholarships and specific departmental or college-level awards.
| Feature | Details |
| Host University | University of Oklahoma (OU) 🇺🇸 |
| Program Name | Centralized Academic Scholarship Hub (CASH) |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Graduate, Liberal Studies |
| Financial Coverage | Varies (Merit-based awards up to $17,000/year for Freshmen) |
| Target Audience | Current & Prospective Students (including International) |
| Application Cycle | Typically October 1st – February 1st |
Financial Benefits: High-Value Awards for Incoming Freshmen
While CASH houses numerous smaller awards, the University of Oklahoma offers several high-value, guaranteed scholarships for incoming international freshmen based on academic merit:
- Award of Excellence: Up to $68,000 total ($17,000 per year for 4 years).
- Eligibility: 31 ACT / 1390 SAT score or greater.
- Distinguished Scholar: Up to $60,000 total ($15,000 per year for 4 years).
- Eligibility: 29-30 ACT / 1330-1380 SAT scores.
- University Scholarship: Up to $52,000 total ($13,000 per year for 4 years).
- Eligibility: 28 ACT / 1300-1320 SAT scores.
Eligibility & Application: Current vs. Prospective Students
The application process differs based on your enrollment status:
A. Incoming Freshman/Transfer Students (Prospective)
- Requirement: Simply submitting your application for admission to OU by the priority deadline automatically considers you for most merit-based scholarships.
- Action: Ensure your official high school or university transcripts and standardized test scores (ACT/SAT, if applicable) are submitted.
- Deadline: December 15th is the priority deadline for automatic scholarship consideration.
B. Current/Continuing Students (Enrolled)
- Requirement: You must complete the CASH General Application online.
- Action: Log in to the CASH portal and complete the required General Application first. You will then be prompted to complete any subsequent college-level or departmental applications for which you are eligible.
- Deadline: The CASH application window is typically open from October 1st through February 1st for the following academic year.
Available Scholarship Types via CASH
By completing the centralized application, you open the door to hundreds of specialized awards:
- Departmental & College Awards: Scholarships specific to your major (e.g., Art, Economics, Liberal Studies).
- Study Abroad Awards: Specific financial aid for students participating in OU’s Education Abroad programs.
- General University Awards: Awards open to many students across campus.
How to Apply through the CASH Portal (For Current Students)
- Access the Portal: Log in to the OU CASH portal using your OUNet ID and password.
- Complete General Application: Fill out the mandatory General Application (GPA, involvement, etc.).
- Review Opportunities: After submitting the General Application, review the recommended scholarships for which you are prompted to submit additional information.
- Submit Departmental Forms: Complete any supplemental applications required by your specific college or department.
Deadline & Official Link
The priority deadline for new students to be considered for the largest automatic awards is December 15th. For current students using the CASH portal, the deadline is typically February 1st.
Start your application process today to maximize your funding at the University of Oklahoma:
