The State Regents for Higher Education approve the largest Oklahoma's Promise Scholarship budget in history

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education have approved the largest budget in history for the Oklahoma Promise Scholarship.

On Thursday, the board approved the $88.2 million budget estimate for the scholarship program that serves students and families whose annual income falls below a certain amount.

"It's the largest we've seen ever because of the success of the program," said the Chancellor for the Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education, Sean Burrage. "More students are going to college because of this program."

The funding increase for fiscal year 2027 is roughly $5 million more than last year's budget. Burrage says this is due in part to a deadline extension for applications and the opportunity for more college-bound students to be eligible to apply.

"The program is going to apply to teachers' children. So, teachers at kids that have been teachers, that teach more than ten years. They're now eligible for the program as well, starting the fall of 2026," Burrage explained.

He also estimates enrollment numbers to see a rise as well. "More students are going to college because of this program. This is about not just education, it's about economic development, it's about creating jobs," said Burrage.