Ohio Scholarships, Grants and Student Loans

Ohio Financial Aid

With over 350 colleges and universities in Ohio, most degree programs can be found at a postsecondary institution within the state. Regardless of what degree program a student chooses, she can find financial assistance to help pay for the costs of tuition. Ohio financial aid comes in the form of scholarships, grants and students loans.

Ohio Scholarships and Grants

Ohio scholarships and grants are an important part of the educational landscape for Ohio students. Use the Campus Explorer Scholarship Search to find find Ohio scholarships that will help you get the education you need.

The Grants & Scholarships SGS of the Ohio Board Of Regents administer several scholarship, grant and loan assistance programs to Ohio residents. All scholarships offered by SGS are funded by the state government. Here is a complete list of scholarships and other financial aid programs offered by SGS:

1. John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program (JRJ): Public defenders and prosecutors who commit to working in Ohio for least three more years are eligible to apply for this loan repayment assistance program.
2. Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP): Students must be enrolled at least half-time in a nursing degree program. The students may either be pursuing a career as a nurse, or a nurse instructor. The award amount is based on the students Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
3. Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG): Students pursing an associate or bachelors degree in nursing and have an EFC of $2,190 or less are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
4. Ohio War Orphans Scholarship: Children of military members who were killed in action, or who were permanently and totally disabled during to military service are eligible to receive 80% of the cost of tuition and fees at any public university or community college, or $4,650 if they choose to attend an private college.
5. Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund: Children or spouses of peace officers, fire fighters, and other safety officers who were killed in the line of duty anywhere in the US are eligible for this scholarship. The award pays for full instructional and general fees at any public college or university. However, if the student chooses to attend a private university, only a portion of the costs are covered.
6. Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program: Students who exhibit academic excellence based on standardized test scores, curricular activities, GPA and class rank can apply for this $1,500 scholarship. As this is a federal scholarship administered by the state, funds may be used toward any college in the US.
7. Ohio Instructional Grant (OIG) Program: Full-time students pursuing an associate degree for career training, associate transfer degree or bachelors degree who come from low and moderate income families may apply. The award amount is based on family income.

Scholarships from Ohio Colleges and Universities

Students should look for scholarships at the college they are or plan on attending. These scholarships are based off a number of criteria including financial need, merit, ethnicity, major, special talent, a combination of these criteria or more. The following colleges and universities have exclusive scholarship opportunities:

• University of Toledo, Health Science Campus Scholarships
• Shawnee State University Scholarships

Applications for scholarships can usually be found at your college's financial aid department, or on the Internet at your school's website. Many schools have a common application, so students only need to turn in one application for all scholarship opportunities. Other Ohio universities have separate applications for each scholarship.

Students may be able to find more scholarship opportunities in Ohio cities with a larger number of colleges. The top five cities in Ohio with the most colleges are Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton and Akron.

Other Scholarships in Ohio

If an Ohio student still needs help funding the cost of their tuition, they should consider private scholarships administered by community organizations, associations and foundations in the state. Often, these communities, especially professional associations, will establish scholarship funds to help make college more accessible to students.

1. The Community Foundation of Findlay-Hancock County: Over 50 scholarships are offered to students in the Findlay-Hancock area based on varying criteria.
2. Cleveland Association of Broadcasters: Scholarships are offered to students enrolled in a program leading to a communications degree, journalism degree, media degree, advertising degree, or broadcasting degree. Each scholarship is $1,000 and is nonrenewable.
3. Hamilton Community Foundation Scholarships: A database of scholarships offered to residents of Hamilton county in Ohio.

Ohio Student Loans

Ohio students still in need of financial assistance after applying to scholarships should look to student loans as their next option. For a comprehensive list of student loans administered at each Ohio school, visit the Student Loan Network.