When paying for college, students at Ohio public institutions of higher education have a number of ways to lower the cost of sticker price tuition. One way is to secure a financial aid package offered by the State of Ohio. Grants and scholarships are awards that directly lower students' out-of-pocket education costs, and generally do not have to be repaid. The State of Ohio invests significant resources in a wide array of these programs so that immediate cost-savings are available to students at Ohio public institutions. Many types of grants and scholarships are available and awarded based on a number of factors including: areas of study (such as teaching, science, engineering, technology, math and medicine), academic merit, financial need, military status, and more. Learn more by exploring the state programs listed below:
- Choose Ohio First
- Opportunities For Veterans
- John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program
- Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program
- Ohio College Opportunity Grant
- Ohio War Orphans & Severely Disabled Veterans' Scholarship
- Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund
- Forever Buckeyes
- Scholarship Search Tool (OhioMeansJobs)
- Geological Survey Grant Program (ODNR)
- 2021 Motorcycle Rider Education Grant (Ohio BMV)
College/University Grants & Scholarships
Individual colleges and universities provide students with institutional grants and scholarships, which lower tuition sticker price. Similar to grants from the State of Ohio, these can be based on areas of study, academic merit, financial need, and more. They vary by institution, with some requiring different obligations from grant recipients. For information on institutional grants and scholarships available at Ohio public campuses, contact the individual institution's financial aid office.
Federal Student Aid Programs
In addition to grants and scholarships provided by the State of Ohio and individual public colleges and universities in the state, students are eligible for federal grants that directly lower the tuition sticker price for students. Like grants from the State of Ohio, these generally do not need to be repaid by students. Several types of grants are offered, as are other financial aid programs including work-study and student loans. Loans differ from grants and work study programs insofar as repayment is required.
Learn More About Federal Grants, Loans and Work Study Programs
Additional Grants & Scholarships/Financial Aid Hotline
There are hundreds of additional grants and scholarship programs that exist in the U.S. today which don't fall under a state of Ohio, federal, or institutional umbrella. Call the OhioHigherEd College Access Information Hotline to learn more about these scholarship opportunities: 1-800-AFFORD-IT (233-6734).