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Scholarships

Upon admission to Ottawa University, you are automatically considered for institutional scholarships. You must be a full-time student to be eligible for the following scholarships and awards.

Varsity Sport Students may or may not qualify for academic scholarships.  Final determination of varsity sport scholarships are determined by the coaching staff.

Contact your Enrollment Advisor or call 855-546-1342 for more information about any of these scholarships.

 

Academic

Academic Scholarships

Presidential Elite Scholars: Competitive scholarship awarded to selected first-year students who seek to be agents of change in their college careers and beyond. The award amount will be up to the full cost of tuition each academic year for up to four years. Unless specifically designated, institutional aid can be used to cover any direct cost (e.g., tuition, fees, room, board, etc.).

Surprise Elite Scholar: Scholarship reserved and awarded to first year students that are recent graduate of a Surprise High school.  The award is 100% of the cost of tuition each academic year for up to four years.  Applicants must have a 3.75 unweighted (4 point scale) GPA and a minimum 27 ACT or a minimum 1260 SAT.  In order to receive the full tuition scholarships, recipients must reside in university sponsored housing and must be willing to assist the university as a spokesperson representing the student body  Varsity Sport eligible.  Awarded for Fall start only.

Academic Excellence Scholarship: Awarded to students, first year and transfers, with a minimum 3.5 unweighted (4 point scale) GPA and a 23 ACT or 1130 SAT (test score not required for transfer students with a minimum 24 college credits).  The award is $15,000 and has a requirement of assisting the university as a spokesperson representing the student body.  NOT varsity sport eligible.

Academic Dean Scholarship: Awarded to students, first year and transfers, with a minimum 3.25 unweighted (4 point scale) GPA.  The award is $13,000 and has a requirement of of assisting the university as a spokesperson representing the student body.  NOT varsity sport eligible.

Academic Merit Scholarship: Awarded to students, first year and transfers, with a minimum 3.0 unweighted (4 point scale) GPA.  The award is $11,000.  NOT varsity sport eligible.

Presidential Scholar

The Presidential Scholarship is an intensive and comprehensive four-year scholarship program reserved for current high-achieving high school seniors who are interested in self-empowerment and cultivating change; scholars will experience a multi-facted program incorporating academic coursework, service projects, and much more.

This is a competive scholarship that offers 100% of tuition.

A select group of students will be invited to compete for the awarding of the Presidential Scholarship. The competition consists of an advanced portfolio submission and judging, followed by the on-campus elements of writing of an essay and interviews with Ottawa University’s president, administrators, faculty, and students.

Scholars Program Competition

To be considered to compete in this elite competition, current high school seniors must have:

  • a minimum ACT composite score of 25 or SAT score of 1200, AND
  • a minimum cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 3.5 (out of 4.0).

The competition begins with the submission of a portfolios which shall include:

  • official high school transcript that includes final grades for all courses completed by March 1, 2024 and lists all courses that student are currently enrolled in;
  • single-page outline of extra-curricular activities that includes years and level(s) of involvement, be sure to include both high school and civic involvements;
  • list of honors, awards and recognitions received;
  • two (2) letters of reference; and
    • one (1)from a school official, teacher, activity director, etc. that, at a minimum addresses your excellence in academics, intellectual and creative work
    • one (1) from an individual that addresses your civic involvement;
  • maximum of three (3) samples of creative or intellectual work (e.g graded school work, music recital, theatrical performance, fine arts display, etc.)

Based upon an evaluation of the portfolios, selected students will advance to the final round of competition which will be conducted on the Ottawa University Arizona campus on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Deadlines

Deadlines for entering the OUAZ Presidential Scholars Competition for 2024 are as follows:

  • Portfolio Submission Deadline — Friday, April 5, 2024
  • Competition Day — Saturday, April 13, 2024

Notification of Membership

Competitors will be notified via phone no later than the end of business on the Monday following the competition. Award and acceptance letters will be mailed out and recipients will have seven (7) calendar days from the date of notification to accept the offer or the scholarship offer will be revoked. Deadline date for acceptance will be included on the mailed letter for easy reference.

Scholar Program Member Requirements

In order to maintain scholarship and status within the OUAZ Presidential Scholars Program members are required to:

  • reside in University housing;
  • maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.0;
  • impact the OUAZ student body in a positive manner through active participation in student organizations;
  • assist University administration in activities, such as recruitment, planning, guest speaker/conference events, Board of Trustee meetings, fundraising, community and alumni relations, etc.;
  • represent self and the University in a positive manner at all times; and
  • remain in good standing with Ottawa University Arizona

Activity Awards

Ottawa University’s activity awards are available to students who have demonstrated significant skill or potential in an extra-curricular or co-curricular activity.  A student may receive only one activity award, although they are encouraged to participate in other activities if they wish.  Amounts vary and continued participation in the activity is required to keep the award; award amount may also be reduced. Unless specifically designated, institutional aid can be used to cover any direct cost (e.g., tuition, fees, room, board, etc.).

Students seeking activity awards at Ottawa University Arizona should contact their Enrollment Advisor or Financial Advisor to learn more. Clubs include but are not limited to the:   E-Sports, Wrestling, Marching Band, Theatre, and Leadership.

 

Athletic Management Program

Put your passion for sports to work with real-world experience in the athletic management field.

With this program, you will go behind the scenes with the OUAZ athletic department and learn more about athletic operations, marketing, facilities management and more.

  • Event Management
  • Facility Management
  • Promotions
  • Game Day Experiences
  • Broadcasting and Video Streaming
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Athlete/Team Stats

OUAZ Esports offers students the opportunity to play competitively or recreationally while working towards their degree. This model allows students of all skill levels the ability to receive an Esports scholarship. Our gaming arena offers dual screen PC’s, a dedicated streaming station, and the tools needed to be successful in whatever game they play!

If you want to take part in the OUAZ Esports program, connect here:  OUAZ ESports Interest Form

 

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PROGRAM INFORMATION:

Scope:
1. To help students learn about different leadership styles through discussion and activities.
2. Students get exposure to leadership by hearing from local, campus, and community leaders.
3. Students will build a portfolio of demonstrated leadership experience through their involvement in volunteer and paid work opportunities.

Student Responsibilities:
1. Participate in on and off campus activities, volunteer opportunities, Fall – new student check-in, sporting events, Spirit Life, Ambassador work, or other opportunities presented.
2. Attend all Leadership Program pre-scheduled meetings.
3. Dedicate a minimum of 12 hours per month, to include: Leadership Meeting time, Volunteer Activity time, or any other trackable Leadership opportunity participated in. It is the students responsibility to keep track of activity and document participation thoroughly.
4. Students are encouraged to continually seek mentorship from someone they look up to or admire.
5. Additionally, the Leadership students are encouraged to consistently try and help others, their peers, and community.

By the end of the program, students will be able to:
1. Clearly articulate the experience in the program and describe key takeaways learned.
2. Have a much better understanding of their own Leadership capabilities.
3. Be confident in applying for, and successfully gaining employment when the time comes.
4. Continually be inspired, seek mentoring, and help others on their journey.

 

Doug Doran is excited to be joining the OUAZ family as the Coordinator of Leadership Development.

He began his career and education with the goal of learning business. Doug has both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Business Administration, and has been leading teams as a Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management this past ten years at both private and public higher education institutions. After studying, developing, and honing his leadership skills for much of his career he is happy to bring his knowledge and experience to the Leadership students of OUAZ. When he is not working, Doug spends his time traveling, exploring the mountains, wilderness, camping, fishing, and playing guitar.

OUAZ Leadership on AZTV!

Interested in Leadership at OUAZ?  Connect with Doug here:  OUAZ Leadership Interest Form

The OUAZ Theater Program allows students to hone their skills in the performing arts, both onstage and off, and prepares them for a professional career in the entertainment industry. Our inclusive program encourages personal self-growth and branding, understanding the ins and outs of the industry, introduction to a multitude of departments (costuming, directing, producing, public relations, distribution, etc.) across the breadth of the entertainment industry, and mastery of performance. By partnering with local theaters, and mentorship with industry professionals, our musical theater program creates the future of Hollywood, Broadway, and beyond.

Connect with Lauren Frazier here:   OUAZ Theatre Interest Form

 

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Led by 2019 Conference Coach of the Year, Ed Cruz, the OUAZ wrestling teams are looking for wrestlers who are serious about continuing their wrestling careers. Student-athletes must be prepared for the demands of academics, practice, and competition. Both the men’s and the women’s teams are members of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association and compete at events alongside NAIA and NCAA athletes as well. Home matches are held in Faith Arena; this state-of-the-art facility is fully equipped with the latest in sound, video, and wireless technology. The OUAZ wrestling teams typically travel to matches and tournaments in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and Utah.

Spirit Awards

 

Surprise Spirit Award                   Student Scholarship of $22,600 at Current Pricing

For students who are accepted to OUAZ and a 2023 graduate from the following high schools:  Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Willow Canyon High School, Valley Vista High School, Imagine Prep High School, Paradise Honors High School, Highland Prep High School, and ALA West Foothills High School.  After scholarship is applied, net cost to student is $15,000 per year, includes tuition, AZ 100 meal plan (100 swipes per semester and $75 Spirit Bucks) and fees.  No charge increases each year if student maintains continuous, full-time enrollment, and 2.5 GPA.  Students that fall below a 2.5 will be charged $1000 to every tenth of a GPA point.  Students choose to live on campus will be adjusted for all access meal plan and board.  Varsity sports students are not eligible for this scholarship. Click here to connect.

West Valley Spirit Award               Student Scholarship of $20,600 at Current Pricing

For students who are accepted to OUAZ and a 2023 graduate from a West Valley High - All high schools in the following cities: Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Tolleson, and Youngtown.  After scholarship is applied, net cost to student is $17,000 per year, includes tuition, AZ 100 meal plan (100 swipes per semester and $75 Spirit Bucks) and fees.  No charge increases each year if student maintains continuous, full-time enrollment, and 2.5 GPA.  Students that fall below a 2.5 will be charged $1000 to every tenth of a GPA point.  Students choose to live on campus will be adjusted for all access meal plan and board.  Varsity sports students are not eligible for this scholarship.  Click here to connect.

 

University-Wide Scholarships

 

Ottawa Indian Award - Full Tuition and requried fees.Room and board if on campus

This scholarship is awarded to documented members of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma.  Double occupancy room and board charges are covered if the student resides on-campus.  Reduced meal plan charge is covered if student resides off-campus.  Students residing in university-owned off-campus housing should see the Tribal Agreement for full details.  Incoming tribal students must complete and submit the BIA Higher Education Scholarship application.

Tuition Waiver Award - Full tuition

Full tuition to faculty/staff and their dependents.  These students are not eligible for SEOG & KCG unless all other eligible students have been awarded.  See Employee Policy Handbook for eligibility details.

Tuition Exchange - Reciprocal agreement schools

Full tuition award for students whose parent (s) are employed by a university with a reciprocal agreement with Ottawa University.  OU reserves the right to limit the number of these awards.  These students are not eligible for SEOG & KCG unless all other eligible students have been awarded.

Outside Scholarships

These resources can help you apply for scholarships.

These links are provided as resources for you and will take you to outside websites. Ottawa University is not affiliated with any of the websites listed and is not responsible for content accuracy.

NOTE:  AZ ETV Program and AZ Tuition Waiver for COVID

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