TULSA, Okla., Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The University of Tulsa has launched the Access to Excellence Scholarship Fund, a philanthropic initiative to help more students pursue a UTulsa education, with an additional $4 million commitment from the Asbjornson Foundation providing significant early support.
The fund builds on the university’s Access to Excellence tuition initiative and its commitment to put an exceptional private education within reach. In August, the university announced it would cap undergraduate tuition and required fees at $25,000 a year in fall 2027, making UTulsa the most affordable private research university in America’s heartland.
“This extraordinary investment by the Asbjornson family embodies what Access to Excellence means at a Top 75 private research institution and exemplifies the commitment of the Golden Hurricane community to pay it forward,” said President Stacy Leeds. “We are removing financial barriers while preserving everything that makes a University of Tulsa education exceptional. The Asbjornsons understand that unlocking higher education can transform not only a student’s future but also the future of Tulsa and our region. We are deeply grateful for their continued leadership.”
The Asbjornson Foundation’s generous gift will focus on transfer student aid:
- A $1.3 million expendable fund will immediately provide scholarships for current transfer students whose annual tuition and fees exceed $25,000.
- A $2.7 million endowed fund will support undergraduate transfers studying engineering, computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, finance and entrepreneurship. Preference will be given to Tulsa Community College Honors Scholars, followed by other TCC transfer students and then qualified Tulsa-area students transferring from other accredited institutions.
“If students are concerned about taking on too much debt, they will be reluctant to pursue rigorous studies and challenging career paths. To ensure Tulsa’s economic success, we need Tulsa students to fulfill their potential,” said Scott Asbjornson (B.S.B.A. ’91, MBA ’95). “I hope others in our philanthropic community will join my family in supporting these deserving students.”
The scholarships are designed to cover recipients’ remaining tuition, fees, books and course materials after other aid is applied, eliminating the need for student loans to attend the university – excluding room, board and other non-mandatory fees.
“Our hope is that this investment removes barriers for talented students and creates opportunities for them to learn, explore and grow in ways that prepare them to lead with purpose,” Asbjornson said.
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SOURCE The University of Tulsa
