Ohio Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Ohio Scholarships & Grants

Ohio offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Ohio more affordable.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) and Choose Ohio First (STEM) are worth review.

How to Get a Grant for College in Ohio?

To secure a grant for college in Ohio, follow these steps:

• Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required for most federal and state grants. Submit it early to maximize your eligibility.
• Apply for State-Specific Grants: Programs like the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) are available for eligible residents.
• Contact Your Institution: Many Ohio colleges and universities offer additional grants and scholarships.

Visit the Ohio Department of Higher Education website for more information on state programs.

What Is the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)?

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) provides need-based financial aid to Ohio residents attending eligible institutions. Key eligibility requirements include:

• Being an Ohio resident.
• Completing the FAFSA and demonstrating financial need.
• Enrolling at least half-time in an undergraduate degree program.

Award amounts vary based on financial need and the type of institution attended (public, private, or proprietary).

Does Ohio Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes, Ohio offers several full-ride scholarships. Examples include:

• Ohio State University Eminence Fellows Program: A full-ride scholarship that includes a stipend for academically exceptional students.
• University of Cincinnati Cincinnatus Scholarship: Provides full tuition and additional benefits for top-performing students.

These scholarships are highly competitive and require outstanding academic performance and leadership experience.

Scholarships in Ohio for High School Seniors

High school seniors in Ohio can apply for scholarships such as:

• Choose Ohio First Scholarship: A STEM-focused scholarship for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
• Ohio War Orphans Scholarship: Provides tuition assistance for children of deceased or disabled veterans.
• Community Foundation Scholarships: Local organizations across Ohio offer scholarships for graduating seniors.

Check with your high school counselor to learn about additional regional opportunities.

Scholarships in Ohio for Adults

Adults returning to college in Ohio can explore programs like:

• Second Chance Grant: Provides financial support for adult learners returning to complete their degree.
• Ohio Workforce Development Grant: Supports adults pursuing career-focused training in high-demand industries.

These programs aim to help non-traditional students advance their education and career prospects.

Ohio State University (OSU) Scholarships

Ohio State University offers numerous scholarships for students, including:

• Eminence Fellows Program: A full-ride scholarship for academically exceptional students.
• Maximus Scholarship: Merit-based funding for incoming freshmen with high academic achievements.
• Scarlet and Gray Grant: Need-based funding for low-income students.

Visit OSU’s financial aid portal for details on deadlines and eligibility requirements.

University of Cincinnati Scholarships

The University of Cincinnati provides scholarships such as:

• Cincinnatus Scholarship Program: Offers multiple award levels, including full-tuition scholarships for top students.
• Transfer Student Scholarships: Funding for students transferring from other institutions.
• Departmental Scholarships: Awards based on academic major or field of study.

Visit UC’s scholarship portal for more information and application details.

What Is the Ohio War Orphans Scholarship?

The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship provides tuition assistance to the children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio veterans. Eligibility includes:

• Being an Ohio resident.
• Enrolling full-time in an undergraduate program at an eligible institution.
• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

The scholarship covers a significant portion of tuition costs at public colleges and partial tuition at private institutions.

Grants for College in Ohio

Ohio provides several grants to support college students, including:

• Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG): Need-based aid for residents attending eligible institutions.
• Federal Pell Grant: A federal need-based grant available to students completing the FAFSA.
• Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund: Provides tuition assistance to children and spouses of public safety officers killed in the line of duty.

These grants help ensure access to higher education for Ohio residents.

How to Apply for Ohio Scholarships and Grants

To apply for scholarships and grants in Ohio:

• Complete the FAFSA: This is the first step for most state and federal financial aid programs.
• Explore State Programs: Research opportunities like OCOG, Ohio War Orphans Scholarship, and Choose Ohio First.
• Contact Your Institution: Reach out to your college’s financial aid office for additional scholarships and grants.