Find Ohio Scholarships

Home
scholarships
by state
ohio scholarships

✔️ 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

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

$1,371 Award Amount

77,928 Awards

Oct 1 Deadline

This award is available to Ohio resident undergraduate students who are planning to attend an eligible postsecondary institution in Ohio or Pennsylvania. The student must demonstrate financial need and must not have a family income over $75,000 or a calculated EFC of more than $2,190.

View Scholarship

Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship

$26,512 Award Amount

812 Awards

May 15 Deadline

This award is available to Ohio residents who are children of deceased or severely disabled veterans that served during a time of declared war or conflict. Students must be under the age of 25 and be enrolled full-time at an eligible postsecondary institution in Ohio.

View Scholarship

Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP) for Future Nurses

$1,620 Award Amount

1 Award

Jul 15 Deadline

This award is for Ohio undergraduate students who are pursuing a career in nursing. The student must serve as a registered nurse in Ohio after graduation for loan forgiveness.

View Scholarship

Roothbert Fund Scholarship

$3,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate or graduate students who have a current or permanent address that is located in one of the following states or plan to move to one of these states prior to March 1 of the year in which the application is made: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, or North Carolina.

View Scholarship

Ohio Occupational Therapy Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Feb 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. college sophomores and/or graduate students who are residents of Ohio and who are currently attending a college/university in Ohio. Students must be members of the American Occupational Therapy Association and be pursing a career in occupational therapy.

View Scholarship

Rosa Hartsook Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. occupational therapists who are residents of Ohio and who plan on attending a college/university in Ohio. Students must be members of the American Occupational Therapy Association, must already have an entry-level degree, and must be pursuing a graduate degree in occupational therapy.

View Scholarship

Becca's Closet Spirit of Generosity Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 29 Deadline

Rebecca was a passionate, bright, fun-loving young woman who loved being with her friends and felt that no one should miss a high school event because they couldn’t afford to be there. She saw the inequity in the situation and sought to change things. During the Spring of her sophomore year, Becca singlehandedly collected and donated over 250 formal dresses and helped hundreds of girls across South Florida attend their High School proms in style. To keep Becca's dream alive, countless dedicated people throughout the United States have joined forces to provide opportunities for those who seek them. Although the core mission of Becca's Closet, located in the Festival Marketplace in Pompano Beach, FL, was to collect and distribute dresses to high school girls with financial need, our goals have expanded to offer additional opportunities for deserving young people. In the spirit of Rebecca's visions and aspirations, our foundation raises funds to award post-secondary educational scholarships recognizing the exemplary efforts of young men and women nationwide who demonstrate Becca's spirit of generosity in their own communities.

View Scholarship

William B. Howell Memorial Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 15 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 states of Florida, Michigan and Ohio. (A resident is defined as having lived in the specific area for a minimum of one year.)

View Scholarship

Parr Family Memorial Endowment Scholarship

$700 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of an eligible Midwestern state. Applicant must have a grade point average of 2.5 to 3.0.

View Scholarship

KASF Midwestern Region Scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jun 30 Deadline

This scholarship is offered to Korean-American undergraduate or graduate students who are currently enrolled in college and are residents of the midwestern region of the United States as defined by the Korean American Scholarship Fund. The following states are eligible: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

View Scholarship

Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Midwestern Regional Chapter

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jun 30 Deadline

KASF scholarships (which range from $500 to $5,000) are offered to the qualified Korean American students (including foreign students from Korea). All applicants must be enrolled in a full time program in the U.S during the scholarship application year. If extra funds are available, other students (non Koreans) may qualify for scholarships. Specifically, descendants of American veterans served during the Korean War may qualify for scholarships (applicable to selective regions). To apply for KASF scholarships, it is very important to follow the specific requirements and instructions of the region where the applicant’s school is/will be located during the scholarship application year as the type and amount of available scholarships may differ from region to region.

View Scholarship

Crofton Cares $25,000 Scholarship

$25,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 15 Deadline

Eligible students must: Reside in either the Tampa (FL) Metropolitan Area or Cleveland (OH) Metropolitan Area Be a high school senior or older Have a minimum, unweighted high school GPA of 3.5 and a minimum 1280 SAT (or 28 ACT) Be a leader or actively engaged in their school and/or community Demonstrate financial need

View Scholarship

Mamie Earl Sells Scholarship Fund

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 18 Deadline

Mamie Earl Sells was committed to young people, promoting programs that encouraged them to expand and improve their personal lives and career opportunities. This scholarship is dedicated to her memory, honoring her loyalty and service to the community through her volunteer work in the arts, education, racial justice programs and social services. Personally dedicated to the YWCA during the last decade of her life, Mamie played a leadership role in developing the Career Women of Achievement event and served as board member, vice president of membership and overall friend to the YWCA. This scholarship award honors Mamie’s philosophy that we must “lift as we climb,” meaning that we must act as role models and mentors to the young women of today and tomorrow.

View Scholarship

Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation

$10,000 Award Amount

130 Awards

May 31 Deadline

Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation has been in Cincinnati, OH since 1918. We are a 501(c)3 public charity that establishes and awards higher education scholarships to students who have financial needs. We believe that if a student wants to go to college or get a trade certification that financial need should not be a barrier. We have over 130 scholarships available for students from the Greater Cincinnati region (OH-Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren Counties; KY- Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties; IN-Dearborn County). Scholarships are primarily for students seeking a higher education through trade/certification programs, associates and bachelor degrees.

View Scholarship

Thomas J. Seefred Trust Scholarship

$3,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jun 1 Deadline

The Thomas J. Seefred Scholarship awards college students ages of 18-25 who suffer from Juvenile Diabetes and are pursuing a bachelors degrees, scholarships. Each recipient may be awarded up to $3,000 per year. Preference will be given to residents of Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana counties.

View Scholarship

David J. Clarke Memorial Scholarship

$3,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 30 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. or international undergraduate and/or graduate students who attend a college or university within the designated market area of stations serving the Ohio Valley Chapter region (this includes some schools in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia). Students must major in broadcasting.

View Scholarship

Epilepsy Foundation of Northwest Ohio

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

May 15 Deadline

The Epilepsy Foundation of Northwest Ohio offers an annual scholarship to a student who shows courage when dealing with epilepsy and seizures, a strong commitment to their education, and perseverance in eliminating the obstacles epilepsy and seizures may present.

View Scholarship

CITe Incoming Student Tuition Scholarship

$6,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 14 Deadline

The CITe Incoming Student Tuition Scholarship was established to recruit outstanding students to the college’s Information Systems program. Applicant must be an incoming freshman with a high school GPA of at least 3.0 and an ACT score of at least 22 or SAT score of at least 1010. Must be an Information Systems major. Recipients of the scholarship will be selected by the CITe Scholarship Committee, on the basis of academic merit. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.

View Scholarship

« 1 2 3

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!