Southwestern Oklahoma State University
03/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/03/2026 15:49
Reach Higher Scholarships Help Adult Learners Finish Degrees at SWOSU
The Reach Higher degree-finishing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) awarded over $15,000 in Finish Line scholarships to 10 students enrolled in Reach Higher degree programs, with awards averaging just over $1,500 per student. The scholarships are funded through the Finish Line scholarship program, an ongoing initiative that provides financial support to students at Oklahoma State System colleges and universities participating in Reach Higher adult degree completion programs. The funding assists adult learners who are nearing completion of their degrees.
Reach Higher is designed for adults who previously completed college coursework but did not finish a degree. At SWOSU most students in this program will complete a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in one of four areas: business, education, psychology, or technology.
Several scholarship recipients said the program has created an opportunity to complete long-standing educational goals while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
"The Reach Higher program has allowed me to fulfill a goal that will help change my career trajectory." stated Bobbi Gray of Kingfisher. "The leadership courses I have and am currently taking are impacting me as a coach in the most beautiful way. I can complete this work solely because of the Reach Higher program."
Amanda Schwartz of Moore said returning to college once seemed unlikely after spending 15 years homeschooling her four children.
"Before finding this program, I didn't think that going back to finish my degree would ever be an option," Schwartz said. "Raising and educating my own four children have been my primary focus for all of those years. Now, with only my last two at home this is the perfect time to finish what I started 22 years ago and show my own children that it truly is never too late to finish."
Dr. Todd Wiggen, Coordinator of SWOSU's Organizational Leadership program, Reach Higher Flex Finish, said the adult-friendly degree completion options through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education allow students to progress toward graduation at a pace that fits their schedules.
"The program is geared to working adults by offering flexible enrollment and online coursework," Wiggen said. "Many of our students may only take a class or two a semester due to their other obligations, and others will take five to six courses to try and finish as rapidly as possible. It is truly up to the individual."
The Reach Higher program results in a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and provides concentration options that support career advancement across multiple professional fields to provide even greater flexibility for students.
The program is currently accepting students for the 2026 summer and fall semesters, and scholarship funding may still be available. Additional information is available by contacting Wiggen at [email protected].
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit https://www.swosu.edu.
Thinking about becoming a Bulldog?
Choosing the right university comes with plenty of questions about applications, costs, and campus life. At SWOSU, students benefit from strong programs, a supportive community, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. This FAQ highlights answers to some of the questions students most often ask when considering SWOSU.
FAQs
How to apply to SWOSU?Start your application process by visiting SWOSU's admissions page to choose the path that fits you to submit your application!
To learn more, visit the SWOSU Admissions page.
For graduate degrees, you submit your application through the Graduate Application Portal and include transcripts and immunization records. Deadlines vary by program.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Tuition rates for SWOSU vary based on residency status and credit hours. For the most accurate and current tuition information, please refer to the official SWOSU Tuition and Fees page.
SWOSU welcomes transfer students! Requirements depend on hours completed: if under 24 hours, submit an application, test scores, and transcripts. For more than 24 hours, submit your application, transcript(s), and immunization records. A GPA of 1.7 is required for up to 30 hours; 2.0 is required beyond that.
To learn more, visit the Transfer Students page.
SWOSU offers a range of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and loans. These can come from academic departments, foundations, or federal and state resources.
To learn more, visit the Scholarships & Grants page.
SWOSU's "In-State + $1 Tuition Program" allows non-resident (including transfer and international) students to pay the in-state tuition rate plus $1 per credit hour. No extra application is needed. Savings can exceed $3,450 per semester (based on 15 credit hours).
Note: This rate applies to tuition only, not fees, housing, meal plan, or books. To learn more, visit the In-State + $1 Tuition page.
Yes! SWOSU offers graduate programs in areas such as Education, Business, Nursing, Allied Health, and more.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Yes! SWOSU offers online courses and degree options across undergraduate and graduate levels to give students flexibility with their schedules.
To learn more, visit our SWOSU Online page.
On-campus housing includes traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. These options offer amenities like meal plans, laundry, and social spaces.
To learn more, visit our Residential Life page.
SWOSU hosts more than 80 student clubs and organizations-ranging from Chemistry Club, Scuba Club, Gaming Club, Honors Associations, Hispanic American Leadership Organization, to Faith-based, academic, and recreational groups.
To learn more, visit the Student Organizations page.
SWOSU offers services including academic advising, tutoring, writing support, health and counseling services, financial aid assistance, residence life, library, and more.
To learn more, visit the Student Services page.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University published this content on March 03, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 03, 2026 at 22:35 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]