Published: October 22, 2009 10:13 am      

Rose extends tuition free program to Choctaw High

A recent article on cnnmoney.com claims that “college costs are higher than ever.”

Well, that’s not the case for many EOC students, thanks to the Ticket to Rose program at Rose State College.

The Ticket to Rose program began a couple years ago and it allowed graduating seniors of Midwest City, Del City and Carl Albert High School to attend the college, tuition free. After realizing the feasibility of the program and the impact it was making with local students, the ticket was extended to Choctaw High School.

“We’re just thrilled to death. Every year we have students that would love to continue their education and just can’t afford it,” said Dr. Jim McCharen, superintendent of Choctaw/Nicoma Park Schools.

On average, Choctaw High School graduates between 315 and 330 students each year and Rose State is expecting a significant number of grads to take advantage of the free schooling.

According to Dr. Terry Britton, Rose State has experienced a 20 percent increase in first time students since the program first began. Some of this is due to an overall poor economy, but the free tuition to local students is undoubtedly factoring in as well.

“It is a fulfilling and important mission for Rose State to extend a helping hand to students in need of a solid college education,” Britton said in a statement.

Another side effect of the program is that it entices people to move to EOC in order to take advantage of tuition free higher education. Britton said many real estate agents have inquired about the program and have begun including it in information given out to potential buyers.

Students wishing to enroll in the program must have a 2.5 weighted grade point average or better to be considered. Ticket seekers must then complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and enroll in at least six credit hours at Rose State College.

For more information on Ticket to Rose, call the student welcome center at 733-7372.