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Going to college can be expensive, but Ohio State University (OSU) offers a bunch of scholarships to make education more affordable. The Ohio State University offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
These scholarships can be based on various factors, including academic merit and other factors. In this blog, we will give a detailed description of the types of Ohio State University Scholarships and how to apply for them.
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Ohio State University Scholarships 2025: Quick Highlights
The Ohio State University (OSU) is one of the top public research universities in the United States, known for its strong academic program, diverse student community, and excellent financial aid opportunities. Each year, OSU awards millions of dollars in scholarships to recognise academic excellence, leadership, diversity, and financial need. Whether you are an in-state, out-of-state, or international student, there are various scholarship options available to make your education at Ohio State more affordable.
| Particulars | Details |
| Institution Name | Ohio State University |
| Established on | 1870 |
| Location | Columbus, Ohio, United States |
| Accreditation | AAU, CUMU, ORAU, URA, USA |
| Scholarship Portal | ScholarshipUniverse |
| Key Merit Scholarships | Eminence Fellows, Morrill, Provost, Trustees, National Buckeye |
| Need-Based Grants | Buckeye Opportunity Grant, President’s Affordability Grant |
| Application Deadline (FAFSA & ScholarshipUniverse) | February 15, 2025 |
| Website | osu.edu |
List of Ohio State University Scholarships
OSU offers many well-known scholarships for undergraduate students. These awards are based on academic performance, leadership, and financial need. Here is a list of key scholarships and their approximate coverage:
| Scholarship Name | Type | Coverage Amount (approx.) |
| Eminence Fellows Program | Full-ride merit | Full cost of attendance and USD 3,000 enrichment grant ( USD 220,000 over four years) |
| Morrill Scholarship Program (MSP) | Merit-based | Offers three tiers: Excellence covers in-state tuition, Prominence includes tuition plus the nonresident fee, and Distinction covers the full cost of attendance |
| National Buckeye Scholarship | Merit-based (non‑Ohio residents) | Up to USD 13,500 per year (USD 54,000 total) |
| Maximus / Provost / Trustees Scholarships | Merit-based | USD 1,000–USD 3,000 per year (total USD 4,000–USD 12,000) |
| Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship | Merit + Need-based | Full cost of attendance for eligible Ohio residents |
| International Merit Awards | Merit-based (international students) | Typically USD 5,000–USD 7,500 per year, depending on academic strength |
Also Read: Harvard University Scholarships for Indian Students
Top 5 OSU Scholarships You Should Know
The Ohio State University offers several high-value scholarships that can greatly reduce the cost of your studies. These awards are mostly given automatically based on your academic record, while some require an additional application or essay. Let’s find the top 5 scholarships you should definitely explore!
1. Eminence Fellows Program
This is OSU’s most prestigious merit scholarship. It’s awarded to a small group of high-achieving students who are accepted into the University Honors Program. It covers the full cost of attendance and includes a USD 3,000 enrichment grant for study abroad or research.
| Particulars | Details |
| Type | Full-ride merit-based |
| Coverage | Full tuition, fees, housing + USD 3,000 grant |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens applying to the Honors Program |
| Deadline | November 1, 2024 (Early Action recommended) |
2. Morrill Scholarship Program (MSP)
The Morrill Scholarship supports students who show strong leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion. It offers three award tiers and is part of OSU’s Diversity and Inclusion-based scholarship initiative.
| Particulars | Details |
| Type | Merit-based with a diversity component |
| Coverage | Partial to full cost of attendance (3 award tiers) |
| Eligibility | U.S. high school seniors: commitment to diversity |
| Deadline | November 1, 2025 (Early Action required) |
3. National Buckeye Scholarship
This scholarship is for academically strong students from outside Ohio. It helps reduce out-of-state tuition significantly, making OSU more affordable for non-residents.
| Particulars | Details |
| Type | Merit-based (for non-Ohio residents) |
| Coverage | Up to USD 13,500 per year |
| Eligibility | U.S. non-resident applicants |
| Deadline | November 1, 2025 (Early Action) |
4. Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship
Designed to make college accessible for underserved Ohio students, this scholarship covers the full cost of attendance. Up to 176 students receive this scholarship each year.
| Particulars | Details |
| Type | Merit + need-based |
| Coverage | Full cost of attendance |
| Eligibility | Ohio residents from underrepresented areas |
| Deadline | February 15, 2026 |
5. Provost / Trustees / Maximus Scholarships
These three are traditional merit-based awards given automatically based on academic strength. They’re available to both Ohio and out-of-state students and vary in amount.
| Particulars | Details |
| Type | Merit-based |
| Coverage | USD 1,000 to USD 3,000 per year |
| Eligibility | First-year applicants with strong GPA/SAT |
| Deadline | November 1, 2025 (for best consideration) |
Also Read: Dubai Medical College of Girls Scholarship 2025
6. Departmental and College Scholarships
Each college within Ohio State University offers additional scholarships for students enrolled in specific programs. For example:
- College of Engineering Scholarships for STEM excellence
- Fisher College of Business Awards for top business majors
- College of Arts and Sciences Scholarships for humanities and science students
- College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Scholarships for agricultural studies
Most departmental scholarships are available through ScholarshipUniverse, the university’s online scholarship matching system.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for scholarships at Ohio State University, students must meet specific academic, residency, and application-related conditions. Most scholarships are awarded based on merit, while a few also consider financial need or background.
- You must be applying as a first-year undergraduate student.
- A strong academic record is essential. This usually means a high GPA, strong SAT or ACT scores, and overall academic excellence in high school.
- You should submit your complete admission application by November 1 (Early Action) for maximum scholarship consideration.
- Most major scholarships are only available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, though some awards are also open to international students.
Also Read: How To Study in Ireland for Free?
Application and Selection Process
The application process for Ohio State University scholarships is mostly automatic for merit-based awards, but some programs, especially competitive ones, may require extra steps.
How to Apply
- Apply for Admission to OSU
Submit your undergraduate application through the Common App by the Early Action deadline to be considered for most scholarships. - Submit Required Documents
Along with your application, you must submit your high school transcripts, test scores (if applicable), and other required materials. - Apply for Financial Aid (if eligible)
Complete the FAFSA if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and want to be considered for need-based scholarships like the Land Grant Opportunity Grant. - Use ScholarshipUniverse
After admission, students can log in to ScholarshipUniverse, Ohio State’s internal portal, to explore and apply for additional scholarships that may require essays, recommendations, or questionnaires. - Additional Applications (if required)
Some scholarships, such as the Eminence Fellows Program or the Morrill Scholarship Program, may require additional essays or participation in the Honours Program.
Selection Process
- Scholarships are awarded based on academic strength, leadership qualities, community involvement, and, in some cases, financial need.
- Competitive awards like the Eminence Fellows undergo a committee review, and shortlisted students may be invited for interviews.
- The university prioritises early applicants, so meeting the November 1 deadline significantly increases your chances.
Also Read: UNICEF Scholarship For Nigerian Students
Important Deadlines for OSU Scholarships 2025
Meeting key deadlines is crucial for both admission and scholarship consideration at Ohio State University. Here is the list of the most important dates:
| Event | Deadline |
| Early Action Admission Deadline | November 1, 2025 |
| Regular Decision Admission Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| FAFSA & ScholarshipUniverse Priority Date | February 15, 2026 |
Also Read: Top 5 Law Scholarships in the UK
Make sure to keep updated on the schedule from the university.
The Ohio State University stands out for its strong commitment to supporting students financially through a wide range of scholarships. Whether you are a high-achieving student competing for the Eminence Fellows or Morrill Scholarship, an out-of-state applicant eligible for the National Buckeye Award, or an international student seeking merit-based funding, OSU ensures that financial limitations don’t hold back talented learners.
In short, Ohio State University’s scholarship programs reflect its mission of recognising talent, promoting diversity, and empowering students to achieve their fullest potential—without financial barriers standing in the way.
FAQs
Yes, Ohio State offers full-ride scholarships like the Eminence Fellows Program and the Morrill Scholarship (Distinction level). These cover tuition, fees, housing, and even offer enrichment grants to a select number of highly qualified students.
To be considered for most scholarships, you must apply to OSU by the Early Action deadline. Strong academic performance, leadership, and in some cases, financial need or diversity commitment can increase your chances.
Yes, Ohio State University welcomes international students and offers several merit-based scholarships. It also provides strong academic support, research opportunities, and a large, diverse campus community.
Merit scholarships are automatically considered with your admission application if submitted by the early deadline. For other scholarships, you can apply through ScholarshipUniverse after receiving your OSU login details.
Relatable Reads
This was everything you needed to know about the Ohio State University Scholarships 2025, from the types of awards and who can apply, to key deadlines, selection steps, and how to submit your application. If you’re a high-achieving student aiming to study at one of the top public universities in the U.S., these scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden. For more such updates on global scholarships, check the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay one step ahead in your study abroad journey.
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