How to win Ohio scholarships
Ohio has a rich history, especially in regard to education. Let’s just say that Ohio knows a thing or two about supporting students as they move on up in the world (think seven presidents and the first human on the moon!). So, it’s no surprise that you are a proactive student looking to win Ohio scholarships!
In order to win Ohio scholarships, you should connect the unique aspects of Ohio to your own personal passions. While responding to Ohio scholarship essay prompts, you should be connecting back to Ohio as a state and how it has helped you to reach your goals. Whatever your passion may be, be sure to connect it back to Ohio! Doing so will reveal how much Ohio means to you and demonstrate that you are a great candidate for winning an Ohio scholarship!
Writing resources for acing Ohio scholarship essays
Many Ohio scholarships may require you to write an essay about yourself which can range anywhere from a 250 word essay to a 500 word essay. Therefore, read over our Scholarships360 guide to finding and winning scholarships. Additionally, check out how to start and how to end a scholarship essay to ensure your scholarship essay will be perfect from beginning to end!
Ohio student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, Ohio residents owe $62.3 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $34,721 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 51.2% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35.
As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!
Merit scholarships at Ohio colleges and universities
Ohio State University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen with a 3.0 to 3.5+ GPA
- Amount: Up to the full cost of tuition
- Deadline: November 1
Ohio University
- Eligibility: First year students based on academic merit as demonstrated by strength of curriculum and cumulative high school grade point average
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: November 15
University of Cincinnati
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen based on overall admission application (including response to the personal statement), transcript and test scores
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to University of Cincinnati
Bowling Green State University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and 20 ACT or 3.0 GPA and 1040 SAT
- Amount: $1,000 up to $9,500
- Deadline: February 1
Kent State University
- Eligibility: First year students based on GPA, rigor of courses, and overall achievement and talents
- Amount: Up to $6,000
- Deadline: March 1
Kenyon College
- Eligibility: First year students who display academic excellence (usually in the top 10% of their class) and spirited involvement in school or community activities
- Amount: $10,000 up to $25,000
- Deadline: Admission to Kenyon College
Miami University-Oxford
- Eligibility: Qualified incoming first year students who have a 3.5+ GPA
- Amount: $1,000 up to $4,000
- Deadline: December 1
Oberlin College
- Eligibility: All admitted students are considered for merit scholarships, which are based on academic achievement
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: Admission to Oberlin College
University of Dayton
- Eligibility: Merit scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen based on a variety of criteria including GPA, test scores (if submitted) and academic rigor
- Amount: Up to $31,000
- Deadline: Admission to the University of Dayton
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known Ohio universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
Ohio State University
- In-state tuition: $12,859
- Out-of-state tuition: $38,365
Ohio University
- In-state tuition: $13,376
- Out-of-state tuition: $24,114
University of Cincinnati
- In-state tuition: $13,570
- Out-of-state tuition: $28,904
How do you get in-state tuition?
The above comparisons show that being an Ohio resident reduces the cost of tuition for Ohio universities and colleges. In order to become an Ohio resident for tuition purposes, you will need to live in Ohio for a full 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the term for which you are applying for residency. In addition, you will need to demonstrate your intent to become an Ohio resident. This includes obtaining an Ohio’s driver’s license, automobile registration, and voting registration. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate that during this 12 month period, you earned a sufficient amount of income to meet all expenses without the need of financial assistance from outside of the state of Ohio. Most importantly, you should check with your intended Ohio institution what their requirements are for Ohio resident tuition.
Does Ohio offer tuition reciprocity?
Yes, Ohio is a member of the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) which is a tuition reciprocity program for Midwest states. In this program, students from participating MSEP states will pay no more than 150 percent in-state resident tuition to attend participating institutions in select Midwestern states.
Additional Ohio resources
Ohio Higher Education “Prepare for College”
One-stop shopping to learn about the different types of schools that offer certificates, degrees and programs to help you achieve your career goals
Ohio Means Jobs
OhioMeansJobs is the online place to plan your future and develop your career goals in Ohio. It includes career exploration, how to gain experience and finance literacy tips.
FAFSA guide
On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. Ohio students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.
Frequently asked questions about Ohio scholarships
Who is eligible to apply for Choose Ohio First Scholarships?
Does Ohio offer tuition-free college?
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.