Tuition and financial aid for Blended learning students

Established in 2004, Orange Lutheran Online (OLO) continues to ensure that students around the country have the opportunity to access our flexible and Christian-led education via our online learning platform. 

If you’re looking to learn more about online learning options, check out the Ultimate Guide to Flexible Learning in High School here.

OLu offers a range of learning options in an environment that is supportive and inspiring while empowering students with the resources they need to discover and nurture their God-given talents. The different learning options carry different requirements and tuition structures, and are designed to meet a range of different academic needs and preferences.

At OLu, we’ve made it our mission to share the message of Christ by providing financial support for our Blended learning program, with help from our Financial Aid Committee. This way, we can meet each family where they are so that OLu can be a part of their story. 

“Our mission is to share the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Choosing to do that for only people who have the means to arrive at our school seems to be counterintuitive to Christ's message,” says MaryKate Marconi, Director of Finance and Accounting at OLu. 

“I feel for us as a Christian institution, that we have an obligation, I would say biblically, to extend our reach beyond those who have the means. We want to make this school's education and mission available to all who want to be here,” says Marconi.

You’ve heard plenty about OLu, but are you still unsure if OLu is the right fit for your family? Discover 7 reasons why OLu is a top private school here. 

Let’s start by looking at the tuition and fees across the different learning options at OLu.

Types of financial support at OLu

OLu offers over $3.5 million in financial aid, plus limited scholarships awarded annually, and the financial aid application becomes available beginning September 1 of each year.

Funding of scholarships is contingent upon acceptance and students must maintain good attendance and remain in good academic and disciplinary standing to remain eligible. The two types of scholarships offered at OLu include:

1. Partner in Ministry Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students whose parent or legal guardian works at least 30 hours per week for a qualified Bible-based Christian church and/or school that shares OLu's educational and spiritual values. 

Employment status must be verified annually in order to qualify for this scholarship. You can find more details about this scholarship here.

1. Lancer Alumni Scholarship: This scholarship is for students whose parent or legal guardian is an alumnus of OLu. Families are required to submit a diploma verification form. 

A one-time scholarship of $500 will be awarded for the first year of attendance. Lancer Alumni Scholarship may be combined with financial aid and other scholarship awards.

As a requirement for receiving financial aid, each student or a representing family member must volunteer at least 12 hours at the OLu Thrift Shop annually. Net proceeds from the Thrift Shop directly support the financial aid program at OLu.

As an educational institution founded by an association of Lutheran churches and governed by delegates from the association (which also elects OLu’s Board of Directors), students who attend Association Churches may also be eligible for additional scholarships. 

Students verified as members by one of our association churches receive discounted tuition, which is partially subsidized by the association and re-verified annually. 

The annual verification process is initiated by OLu based on students enrolling and indicating that they are members of one of our association churches. Each association church has different criteria for verifying members, but the criteria generally include regular worship, involvement and service, and regular tithing.

Helping out those in need

At OLu, we are committed to providing a comprehensive need-based program of financial aid along with a limited number of scholarships which make it possible for any and all admitted students to attend. 

“If we have demand that exceeds our available funds, we choose to budget in our operational dollars to make sure that we can extend that aid to families who need it, even if there isn't money left. We choose to do that as part of our mission,” explains MaryKate Marconi, Director of Finance and Accounting at OLu.

When considering an OLu education, our Financial Aid Committee is here to help make it a reality. At OLu, we are committed to our mission and vision of raising up extraordinary young men and women for a Christian life of purpose, service, and leadership.

Tuition for the different learning options at OLu

We’ve drawn up tables below for each of the various learning options at OLu, their features, their different tuition requirements, and payment formats so that you can compare and decide which learning option and tuition structure is the best match for you.

Full Time On-Campus

In this learning option, students will take up to 8 courses on campus and also have the option to take online coursework through OLO.

These students have full access to counselors, college planning resources, extra-curricular activities, student life, Missions, and much more.

This particular learning option does offer families the financial aid option. Members of Association Churches get discounted tuition rates, and this membership concept is explained further in the next section. The different payment structures can be seen in the table below.

Blended Learning

OLu’s Blended learning option includes a combination of on-campus courses (1, 2, or 4 courses) which is paired with coursework through OLO.

This option provides students with flexibility and independence in addition to the perks and enjoyment that come from an on-campus high school experience, all while receiving personalized on-campus support.

All Blended learners receive full access to all on-campus services like counseling, college planning, student life, extra-curricular activities, and Missions. 

This particular learning option does offer families the financial aid option. Members of association churches get discounted tuition rates, this membership concept is explained further in the next section. The different payment structures can be seen in the table below.

Full-Time Online

Full-Time Online offers a completely online schedule for students looking for a robust, faith-based online experience. All courses are delivered through OLO in an asynchronous format.

All classes are available worldwide in either 8 or 16-week formats. This option includes AP classes. This option does not include any on-campus activities or services.

This particular learning option does not offer financial aid. Students that live in proximity to campus are strongly recommended to pursue one of the Blended options which include all on-campus activities and services which are eligible for financial aid.

The following table of this learning options tuition structure is an estimate based on schedule including 7 courses.

International students

OLu’s International Student Program delivers comprehensive resources to a diverse population of learners. Students who enroll as international students by way of status, application, interview, and records, will retain their status as “international students” for the duration of their tenure.

If permanent residency is obtained at any time during the student’s tenure at OLu, students may petition or challenge for placement into the Permanent Resident Program. You can find more details here.

The international student tuition and fees policies apply for all years at OLu. International students study up to 8 courses on campus with options for online coursework through OLO. 

OLu also offers additional English language support along with expanded counseling services. This learning option does not offer financial aid. The table below draws out the tuition structure.

Permanent Residents

This program is offered by OLu to those who are permanent residents of the United States and currently hold a valid green card. 

Although not directly affiliated with our International Student Program, those who hold valid permanent residency must apply as international students to allow our team to effectively evaluate and determine the need for additional support. 

Students holding a valid green card may be eligible for our Permanent Resident Program by meeting our minimum requirement for one of our accepted English Proficiency exams. You can learn more about the English Proficiency Score Qualifications here.

This program includes up to 8 courses on campus with options for online coursework through OLO. Students also gain access to expanded counseling services. This program does not offer financial aid.

Tuition and financial aid are just one of the ways OLu supports our Blended learning students. Learn more about how OLu supports Blended learning students here.