On Wednesday the University Center announced new scholarships for concurrent students for the 2025-2026 school year. Even though tuition for concurrent students is waived by the State of Oklahoma, the cost of fees is the responsibility of students and their families.
Because the fees are approximately $100 per credit hour, some students are unable to take concurrent classes because of the cost. In recent years the University Center has awarded scholarships of $100 per class to concurrent students, which covers about one-third of the fees.
At a kickoff event on Wednesday, the University Center announced that for the 2025-2026 school year, they will award full fee scholarships to 25 students. Recipients will be awarded approximately $100 per credit hour up to nine hours per semester. University Center CEO Tim Williams said, “This new scholarship doubles the UC Foundations’ investment in the education of concurrent students. We are thrilled to make this available to the concurrent students of the Ponca City area.” Funding for the new scholarships will come from current UCF funds, a $15,000 grant from Phillips 66 and a $10,000 gift from Carl and Brenda Renfro.
At the kickoff event, several spoke about the value of concurrent enrollment helping high school students get an early start on college and helping prepare them for the new challenges students face when beginning their college careers. Speakers included PCPS Superintendent Adam Leaming, Po-Hi Principal Sean Taglialatela, Po-Hi senior and UC concurrent student Charlie Wells, NOC Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Rick Edgington, Phillips 66 Public Affairs Director and UC Trustee Chair Erin Liberton, and UC Foundation Chair Brooke, Jones.
Dr. Edginton told the story of a conversation he overheard a few years ago between a student and her parent following a local concurrent enrollment information event. “The student was so excited about concurrent enrollment, but the mom said, ‘I’m so sorry, but we can’t afford it.’ It broke my heart. This new scholarship will help make it possible for students to take concurrent classes that otherwise could not afford it.”
To qualify for the scholarship students must take NOC concurrent classes at the University Center and submit an application. Priority is given to students with financial need.
For more information, to apply for the scholarship or to donate to this project, visit www.UCPoncaCity.com or contact the University Center at 580.718.5600 or [email protected]. The University Center at Ponca City partners with accredited colleges and universities to make college degrees accessible in Ponca City and Northern Oklahoma. Their current educational partners are Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) and Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU). Courses are available for concurrent students as well as associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. They offer degrees in a wide range of disciplines including nursing, psychology, business, education, and computer science. The public is always welcome to drop by for a visit at 2800 N. 14th in Ponca City.
