ok-1260: State Regents for Higher Education — Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

Summary

During the 2022 session, the Oklahoma Legislature approved SB 1418 (now 70 O.S. §§ 3231 & 3232), which created the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Program. Subject to available funding, the bill authorized educational benefits equivalent to resident tuition, mandatory fees, and academic service fees, not to exceed 18 credit hours per semester at institutions in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education. In addition to a maximum of 120 credit hours of undergraduate coursework, the bill authorized benefits for up to 40 credit hours of graduate coursework toward a master's degree. SB 1418 also created the Oklahoma National Guard Educational Assistance Revolving Fund, a continuing fund not subject to fiscal year limitations consisting of state appropriations, from which the benefits are to be paid by the State Regents. The proposed emergency and permanent rule revisions focus on the inclusion of flight costs and fees. Initially, flight costs and fees for aviation degree programs were excluded from award coverage to maximize student support and align with the intent of SB 1418, as well as with the Oklahoma National Guard's regulations. However, the Oklahoma National Guard now wishes to transition away from this approach and allow funding for flight costs and fees for aviation programs. It is essential that our rules align with this new approach. The proposed rules will allow academic service fees that include flight costs and fees for aviation students.

The agency’s own summary, as published.