Awarding state merit-based financial aid programs: Evaluating Oklahoma's Academic Scholars Program

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study:

The purpose of this study was to examine selected variables and their ability to predict academic success in students who participate in the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Academic Scholars Program. In this study, academic success was defined by maintaining the renewal requirements of a 3.25 cumulative grade point average and completing 24 credit hours annually. The selected variables included qualifying status, ethnicity, and gender. Qualifying status was divided into two populations, Automatic Qualifiers and Institutional Nominees. Students automatically qualified for the Academic Scholars Program by achieving National Merit Scholar/Finalist Awards, US Presidential Scholars Award, or scoring within 99.5% of Oklahoma ACT or SAT test takers. Institutional Nominees were nominated by Oklahoma public institutions using a combination of ACT scores, high school grade point average, and class rank.

Findings and Conclusions:

The results suggested that no statistical significance was found in the performance among the qualifying groups. The success rates for both groups were remarkably high, ranging from 88% to 95% over the three year period. However, the research did suggest the program lacks diversity and found women less likely to receive the scholarship award, a common concern in state merit based financial aid programs.