Prospective Students Could Go to Rose State College Free

By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Students at a metro high school who need financial help getting into college now have a way of going for free.

Rose State College is offering its "Ticket to Rose" program to students at Choctaw High School.

Students at Midwest City, Del City and Carl Albert high schools have access to the program.

One student participating in the program said it's great to focus on his school work and not worry about the cost.

Josh Reed is in his freshman year at Rose State College studying business. He graduated from Carl Albert High School and took advantage of the Rose State free tuition program.

“It just helps us out. With the economy, it's just so much easier,” said Rose State freshman Josh Reed.

Rose State started the program last year. The schools that can participate are in the eastern part of Oklahoma County. Rose State collects tax money from this area, so the offer of free tuition is the college's way of giving back to the community.

To qualify, students have to graduate high school with a 2.5 GPA, fill out a student aid form and take at least six credit hours while at Rose State.

“In addition to those who receive financial aid, and some of them also receive Oklahoma Promise, in addition to that, Ticket to Rose will pay any remaining tuition and fees. So the students can attend college here at Rose State tuition free and fee free,” said Keith Ogans, Rose State College VP of Business Affairs.

Ninety-three students are already enrolled in the program, and the college just added Choctaw High School to the list of schools that can participate. The class of 2010 will be the first Choctaw students eligible for the program.

“The possibilities for our students to continue their life-long learning at Rose State and other higher education opportunities, it's a big plus,” said Choctaw High School Principal Donny Black.

And it’s a plus for parents too.

“My sister is in college somewhere else, so it just really helps us out because two kids in college is expensive,” Reed said.

Oklahoma Community College and Tulsa Community College have similar programs in place.

Learn more about the Ticket to Rose program.