Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Ohio Department of Higher Education
The Ohio Department of Higher Education created the Choose Ohio First Scholarship program in an effort to boost Ohio’s economic strength by securing a ready workforce for STEM-related industries. The program was inaugurated in 2009, and since then, hundreds of non-traditional students including veterans, full-time workers, low-income, and first-generation students have been awarded scholarships.
The program is designed to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within STEM disciplines and impact the state’s position in world markets such as medicine, aerospace, and information technology. The Department of Higher Education funds higher institutions in Ohio to support students enrolled in innovative academic programs in the STEM field.
Annually, Ohio student residents may apply to the universities and colleges participating in this program and receive scholarships to study for a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, or graduate degree. The scholarship funds per student vary depending on the course of study, the type of degree, and the institution.
Scholarship Summary
The Ohio Department of Higher Education created the Choose Ohio First Scholarship program in an effort to boost Ohio’s economic strength by securing a ready workforce for STEM-related industries. The program was inaugurated in 2009, and since then, hundreds of non-traditional students including veterans, full-time workers, low-income, and first-generation students have been awarded scholarships.
The program is designed to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within STEM disciplines and impact the state’s position in world markets such as medicine, aerospace, and information technology. The Department of Higher Education funds higher institutions in Ohio to support students enrolled in innovative academic programs in the STEM field.
Annually, Ohio student residents may apply to the universities and colleges participating in this program and receive scholarships to study for a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, or graduate degree. The scholarship funds per student vary depending on the course of study, the type of degree, and the institution.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: High School Senior – Postgraduate
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: Ohio, United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Study Details
Area of Study
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Science
- Technology
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Financial Information
- Standardized Test Scores
- Short Answers
- Grade transcript
Choose Ohio First Scholarship Timeline
October 2024
Applications Opening Date
Applications open on October 1.
March 2025
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is on March 1.
How to ace the Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Complete FAFSA as soon as possible
Some universities request a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as proof of financial need. Fill out the application and have it ready for submission alongside your scholarship application.
Use a recent transcript
Submit a transcript that reflects your most recent grades, including college credits if you have any. Also, submit an official transcript with your school's logo or a school authority's signature, if you can.
Take on STEM courses
For high school student applicants, consider registering for AP STEM classes. Maintaining high grades in advanced-level STEM classes could give your application a boost.
Reach out to listed contacts
Each participating institution has a contact for students to reach out for additional information. If you are confused about applying or have any questions, visit the website of the university you are applying in, get the contact for COF scholarships, and reach out to them.
How the Choose Ohio First Scholarship is Judged
Recipients of this scholarship are selected based on need and merit. Some designated COF programs award scholarships to underrepresented groups in STEM, such as women and minorities.
Why We Love the Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Scholarships are renewable
Applicants may receive scholarships for multiple years, provided they keep meeting the eligibility requirements.
CCP students can apply
Students who are participating in the College Credit Plus program are also eligible to receive the scholarship.
Recipients may receive external funding
Scholarship recipients may receive additional financial aid from other sources, provided the financial aid does not come as a fully-funded scholarship.
5 Facts About The Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Deadlines and GPA requirements may vary
The application deadline and GPA requirements may differ; it's better to select your preferred institution and get its details on applying for a COF scholarship.
Students must be new to their programs
Students must be newly enrolled in the STEM course they choose to study and it includes those who change majors to a STEM program to be eligible.
Scholars must complete work-based learning experiences
All COF scholars are required to complete an internship, research, or other work-based learning experiences during their enrollment in the program.
Scholarship decisions are made by participating institutions
Annually, each participating college and university makes individual decisions on which scholarship applicants attending the institution will be awarded scholarships.
Available STEM programs vary by institution
While all participating institutions offer STEM courses, each institution's list of available STEM programs varies; visit the participating institutions xpage on the scholarship website for details.
