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Odessa College is growing, and we have more scholarships than ever to help you succeed. Starting in the MidWinter 2025, we are making an important change to the First Class Free Scholarship to better help NEW students START and FINISH STRONG at Odessa College:
First Class Free will only be available during the Fall and Spring semesters: Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, and Spring 2.
What is First Class Free?
It is a scholarship that covers the tuition and standard fees for your first, credit class (up to 3 credit hours) at Odessa College. (Continuing education and workforce non-credit classes are not eligible for First Class Free.)
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a first-time Odessa College student (no previous OC credit, including dual credit)
- Enroll in a credit class that begins in Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, or Spring 2
There is no separate application. If you qualify, the scholarship is applied automatically when you register.
When is it Available?
- Fall 1
- Fall 2
- Spring 1
- Spring 2
It is not available during Summer, MayMester, or MidWinter terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
It covers your first class (up to 3 credit hours), including tuition and standard fees. It does not include books, supplies, or special course fees.
If your class is more than 3 credit hours, you are responsible for the remainder, unless other aid covers it.
If your first class is less than 3 credit hours, the balance is not applied to another course or term. The First Class Free Scholarship has no cash value and the balance is not transferrable.
No. It is a one-time benefit for your first class only.
Yes. This scholarship can be combined with financial aid or other awards.
Any for-credit class offered by Odessa College. This includes online, in-person, and hybrid courses. Continuing Education (non-credit) classes are not eligible.
If you drop the class you lose the First Class Free Scholarship. The First Class Free Scholarship has no cash value and the balance is not transferrable.
Remember, if you do not plan to take the course and use the scholarship, it is your responsibility to ensure you have been withdrawn from the course. Because your first class was funded, it may be graded. Not attending the class is not the equivalent to withdrawing from the class.
No. Part-time students are eligible as long as it is their first OC class.
No. The scholarship is only for students with no prior Odessa College credit.
Yes, Continuing Education courses and programs are not considered prior OC credit.
Yes. Your account in Wrangler Portal and your printed registration statement will show a First Class Free Scholarship credit for your first class (up to 3 credit hours). You can also confirm with student accounts at studentaccounts@odessa.edu.
Yes. Completing the FAFSA may qualify you for additional aid for books, supplies, or more classes.
Yes. Residency does not affect eligibility. Out-of-state students are eligible and will receive the in-state portion of tuition and fees waived for your first class (up to 3 credit hours).
Only the first class (up to 3 credit hours) are covered. Any additional classes will be billed at the regular tuition rate. Financial aid or scholarships may help cover the cost. You may also consider setting up a payment plan.
The First Class Free Scholarship has no cash value and the balance is not transferrable.
No. Dual credit counts as prior OC credit and makes you ineligible.
Yes, as long as you have never taken a class at OC and register for a credit class that starts in Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, or Spring 2.
No. First Class Free is not available for Summer, MidWinter, or MayMester. However, you may be eligible for our STRONG START Scholarship if you are a first-time-in-college student (with no dual credit) and register the summer term immediately following your graduation.
No. First Class Free is not available for Summer, MidWinter, or MayMester courses.