Top 8 Ohio Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Ohio Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

How to Get a Grant for College in Ohio?

Getting a college grant in Ohio begins with completing the FAFSA, which determines your eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs. Once submitted, Ohio residents can explore several grant opportunities, including need-based programs such as the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG). Many colleges and universities across the state also offer their own grants, which may be based on financial need, academic performance, or specific fields of study. Students are encouraged to apply early, as funding for certain programs is limited. Speaking with a financial aid advisor or reviewing the Ohio Department of Higher Education website can help students identify additional state, institutional, and local grant opportunities.

• Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and state grants.
• Apply for Ohio-specific grants such as the Ohio College Opportunity Grant.
• Contact your college for institutional grants and scholarships.
• Review residency and financial need requirements for each program.
• Apply early to maximize available funding.

What Is the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)?

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is the state’s primary need-based aid program for low-income students pursuing undergraduate degrees. It provides financial support to eligible Ohio residents attending public, private, or proprietary institutions. Award amounts vary depending on financial need, the type of institution, and the student’s expected family contribution as determined by the FAFSA. OCOG funding can help cover tuition, fees, and educational expenses, reducing reliance on loans. Students must remain enrolled at least half-time and meet satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the grant.

• Available to Ohio residents with demonstrated financial need.
• Requires FAFSA completion for eligibility determination.
• Must enroll at least half-time in an undergraduate program.
• Awards vary based on institution type and financial need.
• Renewable with satisfactory academic progress.

Does Ohio Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes, several Ohio institutions offer full-ride or near full-ride scholarships to academically outstanding students. These highly competitive awards typically cover tuition, fees, housing, and additional benefits such as research stipends or study-abroad funding. Programs like the Ohio State University Eminence Fellows Program and the University of Cincinnati Cincinnatus Scholarship recognize exceptional academic performance, leadership, and community involvement. Students applying for these awards should expect rigorous selection processes, including essays, interviews, and strong academic requirements.

• Ohio State University Eminence Fellows full-ride scholarship.
• University of Cincinnati Cincinnatus full-tuition awards.
• Additional full-ride programs at major Ohio universities.
• Competitive selections based on academics and leadership.
• Often include stipends, enrichment, or research funding.

Scholarships in Ohio for High School Seniors

Ohio high school seniors can take advantage of a wide variety of local, statewide, and institutional scholarships. STEM-focused awards such as the Choose Ohio First Scholarship fund students entering science, engineering, and technology fields. The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship provides tuition assistance to the children of fallen or disabled veterans. Many community foundations throughout Ohio offer scholarships tailored to graduating seniors based on academic achievement, financial need, or intended career paths. Students should consult their high school guidance counselors to ensure they don’t miss local or regional opportunities.

• Choose Ohio First Scholarship for STEM majors.
• Ohio War Orphans Scholarship for eligible dependents of veterans.
• Community foundation scholarships across Ohio.
• Local awards from civic groups and nonprofits.
• School district scholarships for graduating seniors.

Scholarships in Ohio for Adults

Adults returning to college in Ohio have access to several grant and scholarship programs designed to support career advancement and degree completion. The Second Chance Grant helps adult learners reenter college and complete unfinished degrees, while the Ohio Workforce Development Grant supports training in high-demand fields such as healthcare, IT, and advanced manufacturing. Many community colleges and technical institutions also offer scholarships for part-time and adult learners, making it easier for working adults to balance education with personal responsibilities.

• Second Chance Grant for adults returning to school.
• Workforce Development Grant for high-demand career training.
• Institutional scholarships at community and technical colleges.
• Programs available for part-time or working students.
• Opportunities to upskill or change careers affordably.

Ohio State University (OSU) Scholarships

Ohio State University offers a broad range of scholarships designed to support incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current undergraduates. The Eminence Fellows Program is the university’s most prestigious award, offering a full ride plus enrichment benefits. OSU also offers merit-based awards such as the Maximus Scholarship for high-achieving freshmen and need-based programs like the Scarlet and Gray Grant. Many of OSU’s individual colleges also provide departmental scholarships for students pursuing specific majors, leadership roles, or research involvement.

• Eminence Fellows Program offering a full ride.
• Maximus Scholarship for high-achieving freshmen.
• Scarlet and Gray Grant for need-based support.
• Departmental scholarships by major or program.
• Additional awards through OSU’s scholarship portal.

University of Cincinnati Scholarships

The University of Cincinnati (UC) provides a variety of scholarships for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current undergraduates. The prestigious Cincinnatus Scholarship Program offers multiple award levels, including full-tuition scholarships for exceptional students. UC also provides transfer scholarships for students entering from community colleges or four-year institutions. Academic departments across the university offer additional merit- and need-based awards for students pursuing specialized majors in fields such as engineering, business, and health sciences.

• Cincinnatus Scholarship Program with full-tuition awards.
• Scholarships for incoming transfer students.
• Departmental scholarships for specific majors.
• Need-based and merit-based funding available.
• Additional opportunities through UC’s scholarship portal.

What Is the Ohio War Orphans Scholarship?

The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship provides financial assistance to the children of Ohio service members who were killed in action, declared missing in action, or disabled as a result of military service. The scholarship helps reduce tuition expenses for eligible dependents enrolled full-time in undergraduate programs at public or private institutions. The award typically covers a significant portion of tuition at public universities and partial tuition at private institutions. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving funding.

• Available to Ohio residents who are children of deceased or disabled veterans.
• Requires full-time enrollment in an eligible undergraduate program.
• Covers most tuition at public institutions.
• Provides partial tuition at private colleges.
• Requires satisfactory academic progress for renewal.

Grants for College in Ohio

Ohio students may qualify for several grants that reduce the cost of attending college. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant is the state’s primary need-based program, helping low-income students afford tuition and educational expenses. The Federal Pell Grant remains a major source of aid for financially eligible students. Ohio also offers specialized programs such as the Safety Officers College Memorial Fund, which supports the spouses and children of public safety officers who died in the line of duty. These grants do not require repayment and help minimize student loan debt.

• Ohio College Opportunity Grant for need-based aid.
• Federal Pell Grant for low-income undergraduate students.
• Safety Officers College Memorial Fund for eligible families.
• Institutional grants offered by Ohio colleges.
• Funding available for both full-time and part-time enrollment.

How to Apply for Ohio Scholarships and Grants

To apply for scholarships and grants in Ohio, students should begin by completing the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for most state and federal programs. Once the FAFSA is submitted, students should explore Ohio-specific programs such as OCOG, the War Orphans Scholarship, and the Choose Ohio First Scholarship for STEM majors. Colleges and universities also offer institutional scholarships that may be awarded automatically or require separate applications. Applying early, tracking deadlines, and consulting with financial aid advisors can help students maximize their available funding.

• Complete the FAFSA as early as possible.
• Explore Ohio programs such as OCOG and War Orphans Scholarship.
• Research institutional scholarships at your college.
• Monitor application deadlines closely.
• Work with financial aid advisors to maximize available aid.