Ohio Scholarships

Ohio, located in the Midwest region of the country, ranks at #29 in Education overall by the U.S. News. The state offers great universities offering various research opportunities. It has a diverse culture and vibrant economy that many college students prefer. The Ohio State University is one of the best public institutions in the state and is an affordable option for in-state students. The cost of living here is also lower than the national average and students can take help from Ohio scholarships to cut down the education costs further.

Ohio has a huge student population of more than 600,000 and many students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, struggle to pay for college independently. Students opt for loans to complete their higher education. Ohio students owe around $34,721 on average in student debt. This debt creates a long-term financial burden on the students and their spending becomes limited until the loan is fully repaid. Student loans also create a burden on the governments and when they lend money to students, less money is available to spend on other projects that can improve the welfare and living standard of the state like infrastructure, schools, hospitals, etc. Therefore, it is best to take help from other types of financial aid that is not a form of credit or lending.

Scholarships and grants can help students get the money required to graduate. They are financial gifts that do not require repayments. There are many options available of different amounts to students from all backgrounds in Ohio to take advantage of. We have listed around 40 Ohio scholarships to choose from and have mentioned tips and tricks to get a better chance at winning them too.

Ohio is home to 288 active higher educational institutes, and around 108 of them are public institutions – whereas, the rest are private. Around 44% of these schools are 4-year colleges offering a variety of degrees. Students can find approximately 73 community colleges and almost 90 trade schools among the total too.

The variety of tertiary institutions and the quantity of them in Ohio provide students with many choices to pursue higher education easily. The three best universities within the state include The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, and Miami University – Oxford. Out of the three, Case Western Reserve University is private.

The Ohio State University is the most sought-after university in Ohio. It is a public institution located in the capital city of Columbus and it houses more than 45,000 undergraduate students. The total enrolment here reaches around 60,000. The Ohio State University charges $12,485 for tuition and fees; however, out-of-state students have to pay around $36,722. On-campus housing is also available here and costs $13,966 for the academic year ending 2024.

Case Western Reserve University is located in the city of Cleveland, OH. Being a private institution, it charges a much higher tuition and fees of around $62,234. It is also more selective with new admissions and has an acceptance rate of around 27%. It is home to around 6,000 undergraduate students. It also costs relatively much more to stay on campus at this university as it charges more than $17,000 for room and board.

Miami University-Oxford is another public institution within the state of Ohio with a total student enrolment of around 19,000. It has an acceptance rate of 88% and tuition and fees here are $17,055 for in-state students and $38,127 for out-of-state students. The room and board at the university are available at the cost of $15,558 at present. The majority of the students here opt for majors in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.

Various Ohio Colleges accept students with an average GPA of 3.0. Some main options include Central State University, University of Northwestern Ohio, and Notre Dame College.

Central State University is a public university located in Wilberforce, Ohio. It has a high acceptance rate of around 88% and the average GPA of students accepted is 2.8 or better. Submission of SATs/ACTs is not compulsory here but those who do usually have a score ranging between 770-950 for SATs and 14-18 for ACTs. The Central State University, however, charges a small fee of $35 for application.

The University of Northwestern Ohio is located in Lima and it is a 4-year private university. The university has an ‘Open Admission Policy’ where it accepts all students who apply as long as they meet the minimum requirements set by the institution for admission. Students coming here generally have an average GPA of 2.86. Therefore, those with a high school grade of ‘B-’ may have a good chance at getting accepted here. However, students applying here are charged an application fee of $20.

Notre Dame College is another private college in the state of Ohio. It is located in the city of Cleveland and has an admission rate of 78.5%. Students getting admission to Notre Dame College have an average GPA of around 3.09 and higher. Moreover, this institution has a ‘test blind’ policy as SAT or ACT scores are not required nor considered if submitted. There is also no application fee to apply at the college.

The average cost of in-state tuition in Ohio is about $10,049 which is around 7% higher than the national average level of in-state tuition at public universities. For out-of-state students, the average tuition is around $26,213 which is slightly lower than the national average of $27,023.

The most expensive private college in Ohio is located in the city of Cleveland. It is Case Western Reserve University and it charges around $62,234 for tuition and fees, and the room and board at this institution costs more than $17,000. Xavier University is another expensive university charging $48,125 for tuition and fees and around $13,820 for room and board. The third most expensive institute in the state is the University of Dayton, which is also a private university, and it charges around $47,600 for tuition and fees. The most expensive public institution in Ohio is the Miami University – Oxford which charges around $17,055 from in-state students and $38,127 from out-of-state students for tuition and fees.

Students looking for more affordable options in Ohio can consider The University of Akron, Cleveland State University, and Wright State University. All of these three institutes are publicly owned and charge tuition and fees that range from $10,076 to $12,799 from in-state students. Out-of-state students also pay more reasonable amounts comparatively as tuition for them ranges between $17,239 and $19,494 approximately. The room and board also cost under $12,800 for the three options mentioned.

Students, regardless of the institution, can also apply for scholarships to make the cost of education in Ohio more affordable. There are many Ohio scholarships that can help cover the full cost of tuition and related expenses like Choose Ohio First Scholarship, E.B Miller Memorial Scholarship, Ohio Northern University Merit Scholarship, Fund Your Future Scholarship for Hospitality Students, and Evans Scholars Program. These full-ride scholarships can help pay for tuition at private institutions also.

Ohio has a tertiary student enrolment of approximately 627,882 students and more than 86% of them are undergraduates. The student population in Ohio is dominated by women as almost 60% of the total enrolment consists of the female population. This trend of more women students is observed across both the graduate and undergraduate levels and also across all major ethnicities.

In Ohio, white students dominate the student population as around 410,728 white students are studying within the state. Next is the Black student population with around 71,520 students. Hispanics and Asians follow with 35,401 and 22,806 students respectively. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders contribute the lowest percentage to the total student population which is even less than 0.10%.

Ohio contributes a big chunk of student debt to the country’s total. The state’s total debt equals around $62.3 billion and on average students owe about $34,721 per person. This per-student average debt is around 19.9% higher than the national average student debt. Most of the total student borrowers owe less than $40,000 in student loans. Very few have debt exceeding $100,000.

The high student debt in the state creates a financial burden on the students and the state government too. Students have the long-term financial responsibility of repaying the loan on a monthly basis causing their living standards to decrease comparatively. Getting scholarships instead is a much better option to pay for college as they do not require any sort of repayment. Ohio scholarships like Eli Lilly & Company Make Life Better Scholarship Program, Ohio EPA Scholarship, and Choose Ohio First Scholarship are just a few of the many options available.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to following when applying for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many Ohio scholarships, whether merit-based or need-based, usually require school transcripts that show an individual’s academic performance. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to ensure you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or family member to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships in Ohio. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in the state offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

There are various scholarships in Ohio for seniors in high school. Applying early for these scholarships can help increase the chances of getting one. Moreover, applying to more than one can help students collect enough amount independently for their college education.

1. Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships
2. King’s Daughters Health Foundation Scholarships
3. Ohio News Media Foundation Minority Scholarship
4. Evans Scholars Program
5. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program
6. AAC Scholarship for Ohio Governor’s Exhibition

Undergraduate students across all year levels can apply for the following scholarships to help pay for college.

1. Shumaker Diversity Scholarships
2. Integra Foundation, Inc. Scholarship
3. Ashbrook Scholar Program
4. Ohio Northern University Merit Scholarship
5. OPRA Foundation Scholarship
6. Edin B.Hogan Memorial Scholarship
7. Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

A lot of students pursue graduate degrees with the help of loans. Graduate students can apply for the following scholarships instead to pay for their education without having to take on more debt.

1. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
2. Ohio Minority Engineering Student Scholarships
3. Oncology Practice Alliance Scholarship
4. ITE Ohio Section Scholarship
5. Choose Ohio First Scholarship
6. KASF Midwestern Regional Chapter Scholarships

Students studying to become teachers can apply for all scholarships that are not major-specific. Some such options include:

1. KASF Midwestern Regional Chapter Scholarships
2. Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
3. Evans Scholars Program
4. Study.com November Scholarships

King’s Daughters Health Foundation Scholarships are provided by the King’s Daughters organization and they are for high school students in Ohio who are enrolled or planning to enroll in healthcare academic courses. The scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $2,000 and require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to qualify.

Most scholarships in Ohio are not limited by gender and everyone is welcome to apply. Following are some of the scholarships that women can apply to to help pay for their education.

1. Norman J. Crabtree Memorial Aviation Scholarship
2. Eli Lilly & Company Make Life Better Scholarship Program
3. Choose Ohio First Scholarship
4. The Ohio Means Science (OHMS) STEM Scholars Program
5. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
6. Believe in Ohio Statewide STEM Scholarship

Many universities and colleges offer merit-based awards to their students. A few examples of such Ohio Colleges and Universities include Miami University, University of Dayton, Ohio Northern University, and Ohio State University.

Miami University offers merit-based scholarships to its incoming freshmen based on their high school GPA. Students who are Ohio residents with 4.30+ weighted high school GPAs are eligible for starting $4,000 every year. Those with GPAs between 3.95-4.29 get $3,000, 3.75-3.94 GPAs are awarded $2,000, and GPAs between 3.50-3.74 get $1,000 yearly. Non-residents get amounts between $4,000 to $15,000 depending on their GPA levels. They also have the Ohio Governor’s Scholarship that covers full tuition and general fees for a top student from each of Ohio’s 88 counties.

Incoming freshmen are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the University of Dayton which are worth up to $31,000 per year for four years. These awards consider GPA, test scores (if submitted), and academic rigor. The scholarship awards include the Father Chaminade Award ranging between $17,000 to $19,000 per year, the Dean’s Merit Scholarship which awards $21,000 to $23,000 per year, the President’s Merit Scholarship awarding $25,000 to $27,000 per year to selected students, and the Trustees’ Merit Scholarship which gives $29,000 to $31,000 per year.

Ohio Northern University, or ONU, awards four types of merit scholarships to its deserving new admissions. These scholarships include Presidential awards($25,000-$28,000), Trustees Scholarship ($24,000-$27,000), Deans Scholarship ($22,000-$25,000), and Faculty Scholarship ($19,000-$22,000). The level of a student’s scholarship amount depends on their high school GPA, high school weighted GPA, intended college of enrollment at ONU, and standardized test scores. Other merit-based scholarships like the Mathile Scholarship and James F. Dicke Scholarship cover the full cost of tuition but they require separate applications by the students.

Ohio State University also has such awards for their students some of which require a separate application. The main scholarships for high-achieving students include the Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program, the Morrill Scholarship Program, the Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship, the National Buckeye Scholarship for non-Ohio residents, and the Maximus, Provost, and Trustees Scholarship. These awards range from awarding $1,000 per year to covering the full cost of attendance at the university.

The Ohio Department of Education provides many state-based scholarships to Ohio students pursuing higher education within the state. Most of their scholarships are need-based or special circumstances scholarships, and some consider merit alongside need. Choose Ohio First Scholarship is one of the main state-based scholarships that award scholarship amounts that can cover the full cost of tuition and related expenses. Students can also look at other scholarships offered by private institutions.

Ohio Reach is an organization that works in alliance with the state’s Department of Education to help former foster youth on their higher education journey by providing scholarships and financial assistance. Their Ohio Reach Scholarship is a renewable $1,000 renewable award for each semester.

Ohio students majoring in recreation, parks, and leisure studies can refer to the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association website for their scholarships including Academic Scholarships, Continuing Education Scholarships, and Small Agency Forum Scholarships. Aviation students can get scholarships offered by the
Ohio Aviation Association. Students majoring in aviation-related majors can get up to $2,500 in scholarship awards.

Some other organizations providing Ohio scholarships to students pursuing various degrees include the Ohio Conference of Community Development, CT Consultants, Inc., and Ohio News Media Association. Many universities also offer in-house scholarships for their students and students can contact their school’s financial aid office to inquire about such opportunities.

The Ohio government and the Ohio Department of Education provide many state-based grants to students who are residents of the state. These grants are primarily need-based and require students to submit FAFSA for eligibility.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant is one of the state grants offered to college students with demonstrated financial need. This grant provides a maximum of $3,200 for Ohio public universities, $4,700 for Ohio private, non-profit colleges and universities, and $1,850 for Ohio private, proprietary (for-profit) colleges yearly.

There is also a Second Chance Grant Program that offers grants worth $3,000 to eligible students re-enrolling at a qualifying institution for a degree. This particular grant is specifically for those students who have some college credit but did not earn a degree. Some other grants offered by Ohio State include the Great Minds Fellowship and the Ohio Work Ready Grant.