The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have approved about $74.3 million to fund the state's scholarship program in 2017-18.
The Oklahoman reports that the funding for an expected 18,000 recipients as part of the Oklahoma's Promise program was approved Thursday.
Chancellor Glen Johnson says the increase is a result of more students completing college and tuition hikes.
Oklahoma's Promise has paid tuition for eligible students for 20 years. The program wasn't affected by the 16 percent cut to state education funding for 2016-17 because scholarship funding is set aside before the Legislature approves appropriations to agencies.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com