The Best Scholarships in Ohio

The public and the students alike very much adore Ohio colleges and universities. It is to no surprise, however, that this adoration justifies a pretty big price tag. In Ohio, around 62% of the student population leaves university in debt, averaging at approximately $30,600. Snagging some of the best scholarships in Ohio can help alleviate this financial burden.

Fortunately, there are many full-ride scholarships in Ohio waiting specifically for Ohio residents. Ohio financial aid is tremendously generous when it comes to students wanting to choose Ohio first. Scholarships are here to save the day! We’ve compiled a list of the best scholarships in Ohio available to talented individuals planning on attending college in-state.

Looking for scholarships in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

This post is part of our Ultimate FAQ for Applying to Scholarships.

Best Scholarships for High-Achieving Students in Ohio

1. Forever Buckeyes

• Description: Looking to make amends with Ohio after moving out-of-state after graduating high school? Thanks to the Forever Buckeye Program, graduates from Ohio high schools are still eligible for in-state tuition rates, even if they’re no longer permanent residents. There’s no waiting period to re-establish residency either – enroll at a college or university in the Buckeye state. This Ohio financial aid program is also applicable to graduate schools!
• Amount: Provides in-state tuition rates
• Requirements: Students must have graduated from a public or private Ohio high school
• How to Apply: More information available through the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s website.

2. Lloyd A. Chacey Scholarship

• Description: The Chacey Scholarship designates awards to high-achieving students planning on pursuing engineering studies. s
• Amount: $2,000 annually. Renewable for one year.
• Requirements: Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Have SAT and ACT minimum Math scores of 600 or 29, respectively. Students must be an immediate relative to a current member of the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers.
• How to Apply: Applications are available on the organization’s website.

Best Scholarships for Minorities and Disadvantaged Groups in Ohio

1. Ohio College Opportunity Grant

• Description: This Ohio financial aid grant helps students who demonstrate high financial need.
• Amount: Varies based on enrollment status, college, and demonstrated financial need. See Ohio Department of Higher Education’s website for more detail.
• Requirements: All Ohio residents in either an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or nursing diploma program at either an Ohio or Pennsylvania college are eligible.
• How to Apply: Students must submit a FAFSA and meet financial aid requirements.

2. Department President’s Scholarship

• Description: Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Ohio, these two scholarships support rising freshmen who are either veterans or a direct descendant of a veteran.
• Amount: $1,000 (1) and $1,500 (1)
• Requirements: Students must be college freshmen who are veterans or directly related to an honorably discharged veteran.
• How to Apply: Application materials available on the funding organization’s website.

3. Ohio War Orphans Scholarship

• Description: Similar to the Department President’s Scholarship of the American Legion Auxiliary Department, this scholarship also supports students directly affected by war.
• Amount: Varies based on institution.
• Requirements: Students must be under the age of 25 and the child of a deceased or severely disabled Ohio veteran. Students must also be enrolled at an eligible Ohio college or university.
• How to Apply: Application materials are available on the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s website. Application deadline is typically July 1st.

4. Wilma A. Chapman Scholarship Fund

• Description: The Wilma A. Chapman Fund provides additional support for students afflicted with mental illness and are planning on pursuing higher education.
• Amount: $750 annually
•  Requirements: Applicants must be residents of Northeast Ohio and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a Pell grant-eligible college or university. They must be able to provide a physician’s endorsement of treatment for a mental disorder from one of the following categories: schizophrenia, mood disorders, or anxiety disorders. Applicants must have a household income of less than $100,000. Finally, students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• How to Apply: Students must submit a general application through the Cleveland Foundation’s scholarship gateway portal.

5. Association of Asian Indian Women in Ohio Scholarship

• Description: Another Cleveland Foundation scholarship, this program reaches out to Asian Indian women, youth, and children to further fund their education.
• Amount: Varies
•  Requirements: Be a female Ohio resident of Asian Indian descent. Additional scholarships may also be available for male high school seniors of Asian Indian descent.
• How to Apply: Students must submit a general application through the Cleveland Foundation’s scholarship gateway portal.

6. Stephanie Tubbs Jones Memorial Scholarship

• Description: This scholarship honors the memory of Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the first African-American woman to represent Ohio in Congress, by providing support to graduating seniors from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
• Amount: $1,000
•  Requirements: Applicants must have at least a 2.6 GPA and graduate from a Cleveland Metropolitan high school.
• How to Apply: Students must submit a general application through the Cleveland Foundation’s scholarship gateway portal.

Best Field-Specific Scholarships in Ohio

1. MGMA Midwest Section Scholarship

• Field: Public health and healthcare administration
• Description: The MGMA Midwest section sponsors a variety of scholarships intended for students enrolled in medical practice management studies.
• Amount: $2,500-$3,000
• Requirements: Be enrolled in a degree program in one of the following fields: public health, business administration, healthcare administration, and other related area. MGMA scholarships are not applicable to medicine, physical therapy, nursing, and other clinical professional programs.
• How to Apply: Applications available on the funding organization’s website.

2. SAE Scholarships

• Field: Engineering
• Description: The Midwest chapter of SAE provides scholarships for high-performing students entering the engineering profession. Scholarships are designated to individual universities and colleges, as listed on the website.
• Amount: Varies
• Requirements: Be enrolled in an engineering program at an appropriate college or university. Achieve the minimum SAT or ACT score.
• How to Apply: Applications available on the funding organization’s website.

3. Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program

• Field: Nursing
• Description: The Ohio Department of Higher Education assists students enrolled in an Ohio nurse education program. This loan can be fully forgiven, provided the student serves as a fulltime nurse in Ohio for five years following graduation.
• Amount: Approximately $1,600 per year, fully forgivable
• Requirements: Be enrolled at least halftime in a nursing program. Recipient must serve fulltime as a nurse in Ohio for a minimum of 5 years.
• How to Apply: More information available on the Ohio Department of Higher Education website.

4. John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program

• Field: Public service and law
• Description: This loan repayment program helps state and federal public defenders and prosecutors committing to remain employed in the field for at least three years following completion of a legal study program.
• Amount: Varies
• Requirements: Continue legal practice for a minimum of 3 years after completing law school
• How to Apply: Application available on the Ohio Department of Higher Education website.

5. Accountancy Board of Ohio Education Assistance Program

• Field: Accounting
• Description: This program reimburses fifth-year tuition expenses for students seeking CPA certification in Ohio.
• Amount: Varies based on financial need
• Requirements: Successfully complete the following application process
• How to Apply: Complete at least 60 semester college credits prior to fulfilling the Commitment Application, along with a FAFSA. Students approved for a commitment are then required to complete a Grant Application, requiring at least 120 semester college credits, an invoice of tuition expenses for the upcoming term, and a class schedule for said term. More information on the funding organization’s website.

6. Women’s Leadership in Agriculture Scholarship Program

• Field: Agriculture
• Description: Female Ohio residents interested in any aspect of agriculture are eligible for this Farm Bureau merit-based scholarship.
• Amount: Varies, minimum award of around $1,000
• Requirements: Be an Ohio resident at an accredited high school or GED program. Enrolled in a four-year college or university program or a two-year technical school following high school graduation. Maintain a 2.5 GPA in chosen course of study.
• How to Apply: Apply through the Ohio Farm Bureau website.

7. A. Grace Lee Mims Vocal Scholarship

• Field: Music
• Description: The Cleveland Foundation sponsors a generous scholarship for African-American vocal students pursuing graduate-level studying vocal performance or music education.
• Amount: Up to $10,000
• Requirements: Be enrolled full time in graduate-level course work in vocal performance or music education. Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
• How to Apply: Submit a General Application through the Cleveland Foundation’s website.

8. Terry M. Speth Service Professional Memorial Scholarship

• Field: Biomedical or Engineering
• Description: This memorial scholarship assists students enrolled in biomedical or electronic engineering programs in pursuit of a career in diagnostic imaging.
• Amount: $1,000
• Requirements: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Must be enrolled in a biomedical or electronic engineering program at an accredited institution. Program of study intended towards a career in diagnostic imaging.
• How to Apply: Submit a General Application through the Cleveland Foundation’s website.

Best Scholarships for Ohio-Based Colleges and Universities

1. Eminence Fellows Program

• Institution: Ohio State University
• Description: The Eminence Fellows Program is the most prestigious scholarship at the Ohio State University. Students receive a full scholarship along with a $3,000 grant for research and study abroad programs.
• Amount: Full tuition
• Requirements: Students must be in the top 10% in their graduating high school class, accompanied by high standardized test scores. Students are to write essays and submit a 2-minute video introduction illustrating their commitment to community service and leadership.
• How to Apply: Students must meet the November 1st early action deadline at OSU and declare their interest in the University Honors program. Students are then sent further instructions on completing the Eminence application individually. Finalists are required to interview and participate in the Finalist weekend. More information is available on the scholarship’s website.

2. Morrill Scholarship Program

• Institution: Ohio State University
• Description: Another prestigious scholarship program offered through the Ohio State University, the Morrill Scholarship Program places a particular emphasis on diversity and inclusion, rewarding student leaders from a variety of backgrounds.
• Amount: This scholarship has 3 award levels: 1) Distinction – complete tuition 2) Prominence – in-state tuition + the nonresident surcharge and 3) Excellence – in-state tuition
• Requirements: Students must demonstrate strong leadership ability and be willing to serve as student ambassadors for the program.
• How to Apply: Students must apply for admission to the university by November 1st and specify their interest in being considered for the Morrill Scholarship Program, accompanied by an essay prompt. For more information on the application process, visit the program’s website.

3. Rising Star Award

• Institution: Ohio State University
• Description: This scholarship honors talented College of Arts and Sciences students, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
• Amount: One-time awards of $500
• Requirements: Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who have served in the Program for Advancement in Scholarship and Service, along with active participation in community service, are also preferred by the selection committee.
• How to Apply: Applications are available on the scholarship’s website.

4. Kathryn Sullivan Scholarship

• Institution: Ohio State University
• Description: Another College of Arts and Sciences scholarship, the Kathryn Sullivan award supports undergraduates (with a preference towards junior and senior women) with a passion for aerospace.
• Amount: Funds research project of student’s choosing + travel to conference
• Requirements: Be an undergraduate in the College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio State University in good academic standing. Demonstrate an interest and/or aptitude in aerospace.
• How to Apply: Applications available on the scholarship’s website.

5. Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship for Ohio residents

• Institution: Ohio State University
• Description: This opportunity provides funds for Pell-eligible Ohio residents attending Ohio State University.
• Amount: Full tuition
• Requirements: Be a Pell-eligible Ohio resident.
• How to Apply: Apply to Ohio State University and file the FAFSA prior to February 1st. Eligible students will automatically be considered.

6. National Buckeye Scholarship for non-Ohio residents

• Institution: Ohio State University
• Description: This hefty scholarship is unique in that it rewards non-Ohio residents and can be combined with other Ohio State scholarships.
• Amount: $13,500
• Requirements: Students must have graduated in the top 25% of their graduating classes and have received an ACT score of at least 29 or an SAT score of 1330 or higher.
• How to Apply: Apply to Ohio State University by November 1st to be automatically considered.

7. Bolton Scholarship

• Institution: Case Western University
• Description: This scholarship awards undergraduate students who show promise in the field of nursing.
• Amount: Varies
• Requirements: Be an exceptional student in pursuit of a nursing program
• How to Apply: All first-time undergraduate applicants who meet the award criteria are considered.

8. Michelson-Morley STEM Scholarship

• Institution: Case Western University
• Description: First-time undergraduate applicants who demonstrate talent in any of the STEM fields can be considered for this ambitious scholarship.
• Amount: Varies
• Requirements: Be an incoming freshman planning on majoring in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematical field
• How to Apply: All first-time undergraduate applicants who meet the award criteria are considered.

9. A.W. Smith Innovation Scholarship

• Institution: Case Western University
• Description:  This scholarship goes to two talented incoming freshmen interested in pursuing an engineering, physics, or mathematics major.
• Amount: Full-tuition
• Requirements: First-year undergraduate applicants in engineering, physics, and mathematics are eligible for this prestigious scholarship.
• How to Apply: Interested students are encouraged to share their project details through the Case Western University website.

10. Andrew & Eleanor Squire Scholarship

• Institution: Case Western University
• Description: Think Case is mostly science and technology? Think again. This scholarship awards incoming freshmen pursuing the arts, humanities, management and accountancy, along with the natural, social and behavioral sciences.
• Amount: Four years of full-tuition
• Requirements: First-year undergraduates majoring in any of the above listed fields are eligible.
• How to Apply: Applications available on the Case Western University website.

11. Branch Rickey Scholarship

• Institution: Ohio Wesleyan University
• Description: This scholarship awards outstanding first-year students with a 3.4 GPA and an accompanying 23 ACT or 1150 score.
• Amount: $30,000
• Requirements: Maintain the above listed GPA and have a standardized test score as listed.
• How to Apply: Awarded to first-year students at Ohio Wesleyan University.

12. Meek Community Service and Leadership Scholarship

• Institution: Ohio Wesleyan University
• Description: This scholarship awards two incoming first-year students that demonstrate an outstanding community service record.
• Amount: $10,000 per year
• Requirements: Be an incoming freshman at Ohio Wesleyan University with an excellent community service history.
• How to Apply: Apply for this scholarship before February 1st of the calendar year the student plans on entering Ohio Wesleyan. Applications available on the Ohio Wesleyan website.

13. OHIO Success Scholarship

• Institution: Ohio University
• Description: This merit scholarship awards admitted OU students with a minimum ACT score of 24 or a minimum SAT score of 1160.
• Amount: Between $1,000-$7,000. Renewable. Varies based on performance in high school
• Requirements: Be an incoming Ohio University student with the above test scores.
• How to Apply: Eligible student applicants to Ohio University are automatically considered.

14. OHIO Distinction Scholarship

• Institution: Ohio University
• Description: Another merit scholarship, this Ohio University scholarship awards admitted students who demonstrated excellent performance in high school. This scholarship can be awarded on top of the previously mentioned OHIO Success Scholarship.
• Amount: $1,000 annually (renewable for up to four years)
• Requirements: Admitted students with an excellent high school transcript are eligible.
• How to Apply: Be admitted to Ohio University and demonstrate the prior listed criteria.

15. OHIO Promise Scholarship

• Institution: Ohio University
• Description: This merit scholarship honors students from a variety of backgrounds and cultural experiences.
• Amount: $1,000-$4,000 annually (renewable for up to four years)
• Requirements: Admitted students from a variety of cultural backgrounds are eligible.
• How to Apply: Be admitted to Ohio University and demonstrate the prior listed criteria.

16. Presidential Fellows Program

• Institution: Miami University
• Description: This elite scholarship opportunity provides generous funding for incoming freshmen at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
• Amount: Four-year renewable scholarship (includes tuition, room & board) along with a one-time $5,000 academic enrichment stipend to be used at the student’s discretion.
• Requirements: Be an exceptional candidate to Miami University.
• How to Apply: Students are selected based on their overall application quality, along with their supplemental essay response.

From Pell grants to full ride scholarships in Ohio, there’s an abundance of funding opportunities to fuel your education. We hope that you’ve enjoyed our tentative list of the best scholarships in Ohio along with other financial aid options. Please don’t hesitate to inquire further at the financial aid office of your prospective schools. There’s a whole world of scholarships waiting out there for you. Best of luck!

In case you’re looking for more scholarships, we covered hundreds more of the top scholarships here.

Make sure to also read our post on the top scholarship sites to sign up for here.

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> The Best Scholarships in Virginia

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