In the heart of the Midwest, Ohio stands as a beacon of educational opportunities with a rich array of universities and colleges. However, as the student debt crisis deepens nationwide, the need for scholarships has never been more critical. Ohio offers numerous scholarships to help students mitigate the costs associated with higher education and reduce their need for student loans.
13 Scholarships Available to Ohio Students
For students in Ohio, navigating the rising costs of higher education is a significant challenge. Fortunately, a variety of scholarships are available to help offset these costs. These scholarships cater to a range of disciplines and demographics, providing vital financial support to students at different stages of their educational journey. Below are thirteen scholarships specifically designed to assist Ohio students in achieving their academic goals without the burden of excessive debt:
1) Sharen and Mila Kohute Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to honor Sharen and Mila Kohute by supporting first-generation female students who are committed to pursuing higher education. This scholarship is funded by the Kohute Family. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 14 Oct 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| Education Level | High school senior or undergraduate |
| State | Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Virginia |
| Gender | Female |
| Background | First-generation |
2 winners, $1,000 each
Apply Now2) Little Miami Brewing Native American Scholarship Award
This scholarship aims to honor and preserve Native American history by helping the next generation of Native students pursue their dreams of higher education. This scholarship is funded by the Little Miami Brewing Company. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 28 Jul 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| Education Level | High school senior or undergraduate |
| Race | Native American |
2500$ to 1 Winner
Apply Now3) Women in STEM Scholarship Fund
This scholarship seeks to empower the next generation of exceptional women in STEM as they pursue their academic and professional journeys. This scholarship is funded by Tisch Environmental, Inc. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1 Jul 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| Education Level | High school senior |
| State | Ohio |
| Gender | Female-identifying |
| Field of Study | STEM |
2 winners, $1,250 each
Apply Now4) Mark Caldwell Memorial STEM/STEAM Scholarship
This scholarship is intended to honor the memory of Mark Caldwell by encouraging students with financial needs to work toward STEM or STEAM careers. This scholarship is funded by Rick Caldwell. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 May 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| ✅ All students are Eligible |
1000$ to 1 Winner
Apply Now5) A Heroes Family Scholarship
As one small way to help the families of first responders, the A Heroes Family Scholarship exists to provide financial support for a student who has lost a parent or spouse to an on-duty tragedy of a first responder. This scholarship is funded by the First Responders Family Foundation. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 20 Jun 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| ✅ All students are Eligible |
1000$ to 1 Winner
Apply Now6) Bob Thompson Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to give back to Bob Thompson’s community by supporting students who share his love for education. This scholarship is funded by the Thompson. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 May 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| Education Level | High school or four-year undergraduate student |
| State | Ohio |
| GPA | 3.0 or higher |
| Field of Study | Education |
2 winners, $2,000 each
Apply Now7) Raquel Merlini Pay it Forward Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to support one divorced woman or a single mother with an opportunity to pursue the education she deserves. This scholarship is funded by Raquel Merlini. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 24 Jun 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| Marital Status | Single Mother and/or divorced |
| Pending major | Pursuing or considering pursuing a degree in the medical field |
1000$ to 1 Winner
Apply Now8) WiseGeek Nursing No-Essay Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to support students dedicated to providing equitable healthcare opportunities for all people across the nation. This scholarship is funded by wiseGEEK. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 Jul 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| Desired Career | Nurse |
500$ to 1 Winner
Apply Now9) Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support college students who face the dual challenges of academic pursuit and familial responsibilities during a difficult time. This scholarship is funded by the West Family. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 May 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| Education Level | Current or prospective college student |
| Financial Status | Family facing financial hardship |
| Background | Child of a parent with ALS |
1st winner $8,208, 2nd winner $8,207
Apply Now10) Samantha S. Roberts Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship aims to honor the life of Samantha S. Roberts by supporting students from the Midwest who are passionate about art. This scholarship is funded by the Roberts family. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 Jul 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| Education Level | High school or undergraduate student |
| State | WI, IL, IA, MI, MN, KS, NE, or OH |
| Field of Study | Art |
2 winners, $1,000 each
Apply Now11) Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to one high school or undergraduate student who is fighting through the loss of a close family member, legal guardian, or loved one, and needs financial support for their education as they move forward. This scholarship is funded by Cat Zingano. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 20 Jul 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| ✅ All students are Eligible |
10000$ to 1 Winner
Apply Now12) Mark Neiswander “110” Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support students from small towns in Ohio so they can pursue a college education. This scholarship is funded by The Neiswander Family. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1 Jun 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| Education Level | High school senior or undergraduate student |
| State | Ohio |
| Background | Leadership in school and/or community service or volunteering experience |
5000$ to 1 Winner
Apply Now13) Matthew J. Kauffman Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will support a healthcare major in Ohio. This scholarship is funded by the Kauffman Family. (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 May 2024)
Eligibility Requirements
| Education Level | Undergraduate or graduate |
| State | Ohio |
| Major/Field | Healthcare |
1500$ to 1 Winner
Apply NowEducation in Ohio
With a vast selection of higher education institutions, Ohio is well-equipped to support a diverse student body. However, the increasing cost of college education and the associated student loan debt can deter many potential students from pursuing their academic goals. Scholarships play a vital role in enabling these students to continue their education without financial burden.
Ohio Colleges
Ohio boasts 14 public universities with multiple regional campuses and 23 community colleges, making it a hub of academic activity. The Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati, and Kent State University are among the largest and most recognized institutions in the state.
Costs of College in Ohio
The average cost of undergraduate tuition in Ohio stands at $20,177, with more affordable in-state rates at $6,791. Living expenses, books, and other costs add up, making scholarships an essential resource for students to manage these expenses effectively.
Ohio Students and Student Debt
With 62% of Ohio graduates carrying an average debt of $30,629, the financial challenges are significant. Scholarships provide a crucial way for students to reduce or avoid this debt, making them a key component of financial planning for college.
The Best Ohio Scholarships
Ohio offers a plethora of scholarships that cater to a wide range of fields and demographics. From high school scholarships aimed at preparing the next generation for college to specific awards for graduate studies, the opportunities are abundant.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Ohio
Applying for scholarships involves several steps:
- Research: Identify scholarships that align with your academic and career goals.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria before applying.
- Prepare Application Materials: Gather necessary documents, such as transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation.
- Submit Applications: Follow the instructions carefully and submit your applications by the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Scholarships
- When can I start applying for scholarships?
- You can begin applying as early as high school. The sooner you start, the better your chances of securing funding.
- How do I know if I’m eligible for a scholarship?
- Read the eligibility requirements carefully for each scholarship. These are usually listed in the scholarship description.
- Are scholarships counted as income?
- No, scholarships for educational costs like tuition and books are not taxable.
Ohio’s diverse scholarship landscape provides many opportunities for students to pursue their academic and career aspirations without the burden of significant debt. By utilizing these scholarships, Ohio students can invest in their futures and contribute to the growth and innovation of their state.