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✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

Ohio is known for being the first to break boundaries in higher education, establishing Oberlin College as the first interracial and coeducational college in the U.S. The Buckeye State has continued to encourage and inspire its residents on the importance of a higher education, especially with these scholarships for Ohio residents.

List of Ohio Scholarships in 2024

Check out our list of 90,321 Ohio Scholarships in 2024 worth $281M.

AIST Ohio Valley Member Chapter

$4,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Mar 31 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students in the Ohio Valley Region (Southern Indiana, Kentucky, Western Tennessee and Southern Ohio) who are planning to major in engineering and pursue a career in iron and steel technology. Applicants must be AIST members or dependents of AIST members.

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NTA Ohio Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate students who reside or are students in Ohio and are enrolled in a travel and tourism- or hospitality-related program of study. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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William K. Schubert Scholarship

$8,250 Award Amount

10 Awards

Apr 30 Deadline

This award is for nursing students who are attending a professional registered nurse program and seeking initial licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Ohio. Applicants must be a member of an underrepresented group in the registered nursing profession and maintain a grade point average of 2.75.

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Energize Your Education Scholarship

$500 Award Amount

1 Award

May 1 Deadline

The Energize Your Education Scholarship is available for high school seniors in Connecticut, Ohio, and Texas who have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher. To apply, applicants must submit an essay on the listed topic.

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Frank and Thu Triplett Study Abroad Scholarship (France)

$4,000 Award Amount

4 Awards

Oct 15 Deadline

Dr. Frank Triplett is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Mount Union and a USAC Visiting Professor in Pau, France. Students with a 2.5 GPA or higher attending the Lyon or Pau, France programs are eligible. Awards go out each fall and spring semester. Preference will be given to students with high financial need.

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Horatio Alger Ohio Scholarship

$10,000 Award Amount

16 Awards

Oct 25 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who demonstrate critical financial need and are residents of Ohio.

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Nancy Penn Lyons Scholarship Fund

$20,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 22 Deadline

This scholarship is available to Georgia high school seniors with demonstrated financial need who have been accepted for enrollment at selective private or out-of-state institutions (students attending public Georgia institutions ineligible). Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and an SAT score of 1000 or higher or an ACT score of 22 or higher.

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Ohio University Women's Club Freshman Scholarship

$10,216 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. high school senior women who attend a high school in the greater Cleveland, OH area. Students must plan to attend Ohio University and have an unweighted grade point average of 3.5 or higher and an SAT score of 1140 or higher or an ACT score of 25 or higher.

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John A. McCluskey and Helen McCluskey Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 14 Deadline

The John A. McCluskey and Helen McCluskey Scholarship scholarship is available for graduating African American seniors at Middleton High School in Middletown, Ohio who display a passion for athletics. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to community service.

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Arthur Harvey Scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Feb 14 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Middletown Ohio area high school seniors who are in the top 25% of their class by grade point average and score above average on the SAT or ACT. Applicants must be accepted to or planning to enroll in a public college or university in Ohio.

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American Electric Power Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 18 Deadline

U.S. college sophomores or juniors enrolled in an mechanical engineering or related program are eligible for this award. Preference will be given to students who are interested in power engineering and/or who reside or attend school in the American Electric Power service area of Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

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MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge

$20,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 21 Deadline

This award is for U.S. high school juniors and seniors who participate in a mathematical modeling challenge as part of a school-based group.

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Western Reserve Herb Society Scholarship

$10,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 28 Deadline

This award is available for Ohio college sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are majoring in horticulture or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants whose career goals involve teaching/research or work in the public or nonprofit sector, such as public gardens, botanical gardens, parks, arboreta, city planning, or public education and awareness.

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West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship

$4,699 Award Amount

10,036 Awards

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for West Virginia high school seniors who are planning to attend an eligible West Virginia public or private college or university. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and have a composite ACT score of 22 or higher or a combined SAT score of 1020 or higher.

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D. Fred and Marian L. Bovie Scholarship

$3,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The D. Fred and Marian L. Bovie Scholarship is available for U.S. students who are majoring in welding sciences at Ohio State University. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Click here to learn more and apply today!

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Cargill Global Scholars Program for U.S. Students

$7,500 Award Amount

10 Awards

Mar 1 Deadline

U.S. first- and second-year college students who are attending select universities and demonstrate high academic achievement are eligible for this award.

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William A. & Ann M. Brothers Scholarship

$6,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing a career in welding. Students must also have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Priority will be given to those individuals residing or attending school in the state of Ohio. (A resident is defined as having lived in the specific area for a minimum of one year.)

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John C. Lincoln Memorial Scholarship

$3,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing a career in welding engineering. Students must also have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Priority will be given to those individuals residing or attending school in the states of Ohio or Arizona. (A resident is defined as having lived in the specific area for a minimum of one year.)

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Jack R. Barckhoff Welding Management Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

2 Awards

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. college juniors who are 18 years of age or older and are pursuing a career in welding engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and attend Ohio State University.

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Donald and Shirley Hastings Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursing a career in welding engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and be able to prove financial need. Priority will be given to those individuals residing or attending school in the states of Iowa, Ohio or California (a resident is defined as having lived in the specified area for a minimum of one year).

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Donald F. Hastings Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are 18 years of age or older and are pursing a career in welding engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and be able to prove financial need. Priority will be given to those individuals residing or attending school in the states of Ohio and California. (A resident is defined as having lived in the specific area for a minimum of one year.)

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NFMC/Irma Carey Wilson Music Therapy Award

$500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for currently enrolled U.S. college sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students. Students must be pursuing a degree in music therapy or interning for music therapy, and must attend a school accredited by the American Music Therapy Association.

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NEHA/AAS Scholarship

$1,250 Award Amount

4 Awards

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is for U.S. students majoring in environmental health who are enrolled in an approved college/university that is accredited by the Environmental Health Accreditation Council or is a NEHA Educational or Sustaining Member School. For a current list of accredited environmental health programs, please visit www.ehacoffice.org.

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Lewis-Clark State College Presidential Out-of-State Scholarship

$20,238 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

High school seniors and transfer students who are not residents of Idaho and are planning to enroll at Lewis-Clark State College for the first time are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must plan to enroll full time.

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Day Ketterer Business Excellence Scholarship Award

$2,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to Stark County (OH) high school seniors and current college/university students who demonstrate strong academic achievement. Students must submit an essay on the current year's business-related topic to apply.

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Over 600,000 students are enrolled in Ohio’s 87 colleges and universities including Ohio State University (OSU), Ohio University (OU), University of Cincinnati (UC), University of Akron, Kent State University, Bowling Green University, Miami University, Case Western University, Xavier University, and the University of Toledo. Whether you are a current Ohio resident or interested in attending school in Ohio, you could qualify for one of Ohio’s millions of dollars in scholarships!

Understanding Scholarships In Ohio

Cleveland skyline at twilight with colorful lights and historic architecture.

Before we take a look at scholarships in Ohio, it is important to understand the cost of attending college in the Buckeye State.

In-state tuition and fees at OU for 2024-25 is $ 14,158 or $ 13,244 if you are attending OSU’s main campus. In-state tuition and fees at other Ohio public universities are similar including $ 13,054 at Kent State University or $ 13,570 at UC. Public schools in Ohio offer a tuition guarantee that ensures your tuition will not increase for four years as an undergraduate student. If you are an out-of-state student, tuition will vary by campus. Out-of-state undergraduate tuition at OSU is $ 40,022 but only $ 24,838 at OU. Room and board at Ohio public universities is approximately $ 14,000, regardless of residency..

While many students attending either public or private colleges and universities in Ohio will receive financial aid including state, federal, and institutional grants, the majority of students will find at least a portion of their cost of attendance will not be covered by financial aid. This is where scholarships, especially private scholarship programs like the ones you can apply for on unigo.com play a very important role in keeping college costs affordable.

Ohio Scholarships for College

There are many opportunities for scholarships for Ohio residents and students wishing to study in ohio. Take a look at the list below.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is a need-based grant program that helps Ohio students from low- to moderate-income families afford college. OCOG grants can be used at public or eligible private colleges and universities in Ohio. If you are attending school on a full-time basis, the maximum OCOG award is $ 5,000.

Choose Ohio First Scholarship

The Choose Ohio First Scholarship program provides scholarships to students who are studying STEM fields, which include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Choose Ohio First Scholarship awards are available for students at both the undergraduate and graduate level for students pursuing certificates or degrees. Awards can be used at participating public and private colleges and universities in Ohio. In addition to scholarship awards, Choose Ohio First Scholarship recipients receive mentorship and internship opportunities.

By investing in STEM education, Ohio seeks to retain talented graduates within the state, fostering innovation and economic growth. Choose Ohio First Scholars receive financial assistance, mentorship, and opportunities for internships and research.

Governor’s Merit Scholarship

Ohio students who graduate in the top 5% of their high school class are eligible for the Governor’s Merit Scholarship (GMS), which provides awards of up to $ 5,000 per year for up to four years. GMS awards can be used at eligible Ohio colleges and universities.

Ohio State Grant & Scholarship Programs

The Ohio Department of Higher Education offers a number of special scholarship programs including Ohio Hidden Heroes, Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship (WOS), Ohio Work Ready Grant, the Second Chance Grant, and scholarships available for Ohio students who were adopted.

College Specific Scholarship Programs in Ohio

Many colleges and universities in Ohio offer their own scholarship programs to attract and retain talented students. Ohio State University offers the merit-based Stamps Eminence Scholarship, which provides a full-ride scholarship as well as an enrichment grant of up to $ 5,000. Miami University offers similar awards through its Presidential Fellows Program. The University of Cincinnati provides the Cincinnatus Scholarship Program, which awards over $ 22 million in renewable scholarships annually based on financial need and academic performance.

Institutional Grants and Scholarships for Ohio Colleges

Many other Ohio colleges and universities offer institutional grants and scholarships to attract and support students. These awards may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both, helping to offset the cost of tuition and other expenses. Institutional awards often go a long way to meet any gaps between federal financial aid you may be eligible for and the actual cost of attendance.

Federal Grants

Ohio students, particularly those from low-income households, may qualify for federal grants like the Pell Grant. The maximum Pell Grant award for 2024-25 is $ 7,395. These grants are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment, making them an important resource for funding undergraduate education for many families.

Private Scholarships in Ohio

Dramatic view of the Ohio Statehouse at dusk, illuminated by golden lights.

Ohio has great scholarship and grant opportunities for its students but not all students are eligible. For those who are eligible, these programs will not always cover the full cost of your education and often will not cover room and board, books, transportation, and other substantial costs you will face as a college student. The same is true with federal grants and institutional grants and scholarships. This is why private scholarships are so important for students to consider.

Ohio students can access thousands of private scholarships including several offered by the Cleveland Foundation. Other prominent scholarship programs available for Ohio students include:

The Ohio State University Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
LEAF Scholarship
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships
Ohio Education Association Scholarships
Ohio Society of CPAs College Scholarships
Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges / Ohio Scholars Program
Erie County Community Foundation Scholarships
Greater Toledo Community Foundation Scholarships
Jewish Federal Foundation of Toledo Scholarships
Wooster-Orrville NAACP Scholarship
YCSCU Scholarship
Ohio Elks Association Scholarships
Akron Community Foundation Scholarships
Ohio Soybean Council
Richland County Foundation Scholarship
Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation Scholarships
OAPSE/AFSCME Memorial Scholarship Program
College Now of Greater Cleveland Scholarships
Ohio FFA Foundation Scholarships
Northwest Ohio Scholarship Fund
Dayton Foundation Scholarships

Private scholarships vary widely in criteria and eligibility, offering opportunities for students pursuing higher education at any accredited college or university nationwide. You should plan to apply broadly for as many private scholarships as you may qualify.

Websites like unigo.com provide comprehensive listings and application details for many private scholarships.

Scholarships for Adult and Graduate Students

Ornate interior of the historic Cleveland Arcade with a glass skylight.

Many scholarship and grant programs are focused on students pursuing an undergraduate degree and/or attending school on a full-time basis. If you are an adult going back to school or wanting to pursue graduate studies in Ohio, there are scholarships and grants available to you in order to keep the cost of your continuing education affordable. These include scholarship programs for STEM fields, school counseling, law, and many other areas of study. Many employers also offer tuition assistance for their employees wanting to go back to school..

Tips for Landing Scholarships and Grants in Ohio

Applying for scholarships and grants can be competitive, but with the right strategy, you can increase your chances of success:

Start Early: Begin your scholarship search and begin applying for scholarships as soon as possible. Many scholarships have deadlines well before the academic year starts.

Get Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and application requirements. Using a spreadsheet or calendar can help you manage your scholarship applications effectively.

Tailor Your Responses: Customize your essays and personal statements to align with the specific criteria and mission of each scholarship you apply for.

Asf for Recommendations: Strong letters of recommendation from your teachers, counselors, or community leaders can really help distinguish your scholarship application.

Highlight Your Achievements: Make sure to showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, and future goals.

Complete the FAFSA: Many grant and scholarship programs in Ohio require recipients to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be considered. You will also need to complete the FAFSA in order to be considered for any federal student aid programs including Pell and other grants. Most schools also use the FAFSA, in whole or in part, to determine the amount of institutional aid or grants they will award you.

How About Student Loans?

Iconic red brick university building with a clock tower, surrounded by green trees.

Although grants and scholarships are ideal because they do not require repayment, they may not take care of all expenses related to your education. Student loans at the Federal level offer favorable terms compared to the variety of private loans and can help bridge the financial gap. However, it’s important to consider your obligations regarding repayment when taking out any type of financial aid and student loan.

By leveraging the many scholarship and grant opportunities available, students attending college in Ohio can pursue their educational goals with greater financial ease and support. Whether your goal is to attend a public or private college or university, exploring your options early on can make a significant difference in funding your academic journey ahead!