For college students, $5,000 can mean less financial stress, fewer education expenses and more freedom to focus on the future. This fall, five students are getting that extra help after winning TFCU’s 2026 Back to Campus College Cash sweepstakes. Each year, TFCU randomly selects five students from thousands of entrants from Oklahoma and Texas to win $5,000 to use toward costs for college and other living expenses.
Drawn at random from nearly 4,000 entrants, the lucky 2026 winners are Benjamin Boling, Anthony Cantrell, Dylan Clipson, Parker Haller and Ryan Hensley. For this year’s recipients, the money comes at an important time in their educational journeys.
Ryan Hensley | University of Oklahoma
For University of Oklahoma aviation major Ryan Hensley, the goal is clear: become a commercial airline pilot. Hensley became a TFCU member when he was just 3 years old – starting him down a solid money path.
“My family opened the account so I can put money aside so I can have it when I need it,” Hensley said.
Dylan Clipson | Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City
Just beginning his college journey at OSU-OKC, Dylan Clipson is exploring two potential career paths: becoming a physician assistant or a land surveyor.
Dylan’s family introduced him to TFCU when he was young.
“My grandma opened up a savings account for me when I was just a kid,” Clipson said. “My whole family has always been involved with TFCU.”
The SaveAbles Kids Club account helps children develop healthy saving habits and learn the value of managing money from an early age.
Benjamin Boling | East Central University
An accounting major at East Central University, Benjamin Boling is considering a future in the United States military after graduation. The College Cash award will help him take care of school expenses as he prepares for his next chapter.
“This is going to help me a lot. I’m going to be able to pay off the rest of my school,” Boling said.
Anthony Cantrell | Tulsa Community College
Anthony Cantrell is studying criminal justice at Tulsa Community College, with plans to earn his bachelor’s degree and eventually become a detective.
When Anthony received the call from TFCU announcing he had won, the news caught him completely by surprise.
“I was heading to class, got the call and I just couldn’t believe it,” Cantrell said. “I was just sitting in the parking lot in disbelief.”
Parker Haller | University of Central Oklahoma
Parker Haller is studying public health with a minor in outdoor recreation and management at the University of Central Oklahoma. With college expenses adding up and a recent move into his own place, the $5,000 award offers welcome financial relief.
“School is really expensive, and I just moved into my own place. It really takes a weight off and makes me feel really excited about being in school,” Haller said.
Helping students move toward their goals
The TFCU College Cash contest is just one way the credit union gives back to its members and the communities it serves. Look for opportunities to win all year long from Tinker Federal Credit Union.