SCHOLARSHIPS IN OHIO

If you are interested in earning a college degree from one of the excellent universities in the "Heart of It All," it is essential that you become aware of the endless supply of scholarships in Ohio that can help significantly lower the costs of tuition.

As the seventh most populous and tenth most densely populated state in the nation, Ohio attracts college students from around the world to study at its 66 public and 68 private universities offering nearly every degree program imaginable. Since Ohio is also a goldmine when it comes to financial aid, below you will find 25 of the most generous scholarships available to residents and students from the "Buckeye State."

1. A. Grace Lee Mims Vocal Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

Through the Cleveland Foundation, the A. Grace Lee Mims Vocal Scholarship is granted annually for $10,000 to an extraordinary graduate student residing in Ohio who is pursuing an advanced degree in vocal performance or music education with an emphasis on voice. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution, be pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, and be committed to preserving the art form of Negro spiritual singing.

Contact

A. Grace Lee Mims Vocal Scholarship
1422 Euclid Avenue Suite 1300
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 861-3810

Scholarship Link

2. Benjamin E. Moody Scholarship Fund

Deadline: April 26th

For students who have graduated from a high school in Wayne County or have resided in the county for at least five years, the Benjamin E. Moody Scholarship Fund is sponsored by the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) to provide $1,000 each year to cover the costs of pursuing a degree related to law enforcement. Recipients will be chosen based on academic achievement, good citizenship, financial need, community service, and extra-curricular activities.

Contact

Benjamin E. Moody Scholarship Fund
517 North Market St.
Wooster, OH 44691
(330) 262-3877

3. Bill McCarthy Boy Scout Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 1st

Administered through the Stark Community Foundation (SCF), the Bill McCarthy Boy Scout Scholarship Program presents non-renewable $2,000 awards annually for male students from Stark County who are or have been a Boy Scout and are entering their first year at an accredited institution within Ohio. Qualified applicants must have attained at least the rank of a First Class Scout and rank among the highest ten boys in his graduating high school class.

Contact

Bill McCarthy Boy Scout Scholarship Program
400 Market Avenue N. Suite 200
Canton, OH 44702
(330) 454-3426

4. Choose Ohio First Scholarship

Deadline: Varies

As part of the state's strategic effort to significantly strength Ohio's position in world markets, the Choose Ohio First Scholarship is designed to provide up to $5,200 each academic year to full-time students enrolled in an Ohio institution who are pursuing a degree in engineering, medicine, science, dentistry, veterinary science, computer design, pharmacy, technology, and related STEM fields. In order to renew the scholarship for up to four years, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and make sufficient degree progress.

Contact

Choose Ohio First Scholarship
25 South Front St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-6000

5. Cleveland Associated General Contractors Scholarship

Deadline: February 15th

For students from Cuyahoga, Portage, Lake, Summit, Medina, Lorain, Erie, Huron, and Sandusky counties in Ohio, the Cleveland Associated General Contractors Scholarship will provide $1,000 annually for undergraduate students pursuing a construction-related degree in construction management, engineering, business, or accounting. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be pursuing a career in construction.

Contact

Cleveland Associated General Contractors Scholarship
1755 Northwest Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 486-6446

6. Darwin R. Bryan Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 28th

Sponsored by the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation (OFBF), the Darwin R. Bryan Scholarship Program offers $1,500 annually to assist students who have been active in the Farm Bureau Youth program and/or whose parents are members to continue their post-secondary education. Qualified applicants must be residents of rural Ohio, be pursuing an accredited degree from a two or four-year college, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater in their chosen field.

Contact

Darwin R. Bryan Scholarship Program
280 North High St. 6th Floor
Columbus, OH 43218
(614) 249-2400

Scholarship Link

7. Dr. James F. Mercer Leadership Scholarship

Deadline: July 8th

In honor of the former Distinguished Dentist Award winner who left behind a legacy of commitment to serving others, the Dr. James F. Mercer Leadership Scholarship is awarded annually for $7,500 by the Ohio Dental Association to deserving students entering their fourth year of dental school. Eligible candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher, demonstrate leadership during the first three years of dental school, and have been an Ohio resident for at least five years.

Contact

Dr. James F. Mercer Leadership Scholarship
1370 Dublin Rd.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 486-2700

8. Edith W. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Through the Delaware County Foundation, the Edith W. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship is presented each year for $1,000 to graduating high school seniors, college sophomores, juniors, and seniors residing in Delaware County of Ohio who demonstrate financial need. For consideration, eligible applicants must submit an online application, proof of residency, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a two-page personal statement on career goals.

Contact

Edith W. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship
3954 North Hampton Drive
Powell, OH 43065
(614) 764-2332

9. Eva Kate Cowen Anderson Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

In memory of her 44-year career as a dedicated operating room nurse where she brought confidence to those recovering from surgery, the Eva Kate Cowen Anderson Scholarship is granted annually for $2,500 to an outstanding undergraduate nursing student from Findlay or Hancock County. Qualified students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, actively participate in community service, demonstrate leadership, and be enrolled full-time in any accredited undergraduate nursing program in Ohio.

Contact

Eva Kate Cowen Anderson Scholarship
101 West Sandusky St. Suite 207
Findlay, OH 45840
(419) 425-1100

10. Garden Club of Ohio Inc. Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

With a proud tradition of helping full-time college junior, senior, and graduate students achieve their fullest potential at an accredited university of their choice, the Garden Club of Ohio Inc. Scholarship is available annually for those majoring in horticulture, floriculture, landscape architecture, botany, agronomy, forestry, conservation, plant pathology, environmental sciences, and/or city planning. Applicants must submit a current academic transcript, financial aid form, two-page personal letter, and three letters of recommendation on scholastic abilities.

Contact

Garden Club of Ohio Inc. Scholarship
2440 State St. NE
Canton, OH 44721
(330) 608-0919

11. Glenn B. Hudson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: February 7th

Sponsored by the Central Ohio Golf Course Superintendents Association in honor of his unselfish dedication to the golf industry, the Glenn B. Hudson Memorial Scholarship Fund grants $4,000 annually to a deserving undergraduate student who is interested in following Hudson's legacy to become a golf course superintendent. Qualified recipients must have completed at least 10 credit hours in turfgrass management coursework in Ohio with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher before application.

Contact

Glenn B. Hudson Memorial Scholarship Fund
10391 Hollow Rd. SW
Pataskala, OH 43062

Sch olarship Link

12. Harold K. Douthit Regional Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

Annually, the Ohio Newspapers Foundation awards the Harold K. Douthit Regional Scholarship for $1,500 to an outstanding student from northern Ohio who is currently majoring in a field relevant to journalism, advertising, marketing, or communications at an approved state college. Applicants must have achieved at least sophomore-level standing, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate the ability to write clearly in a 1,000-word autobiography.

Contact

Harold K. Douthit Regional Scholarship
1335 Dublin Rd. Suite 216-B
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 486-6677

13. Jennifer Garrison Public Service Scholarships

Deadline: March 31st

Established by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio in honor of her time spent in the legislature to improve the lives of southeastern Ohioans for over 20 years, five Jennifer Garrison Public Service Scholarships are granted annually for $1,000 each to graduating high school seniors from Belmont, Guernsey, Jefferson, Monroe, Noble, and Washington counties. Applicants must have held an elected position in their school's student government, have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5, and exhibit passion for a career in public service.

Contact

Jennifer Garrison Public Service Scholarships
35 Public Square
Nelsonville, OH 45764
(740) 753-1111

14. Josh Smith Memorial Ohio Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

In order to present $1,000 to financially support higher education at an accredited university, college, or technical trade school, the Diabetes Scholars Foundation offers the Josh Smith Memorial Ohio Scholarship annually for deserving graduating high school seniors in Ohio who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Selection is based on involvement in the diabetes community, academic performance, community service, and ability to successfully manage the challenges of living with diabetes.

Contact

Josh Smith Memorial Ohio Scholarship
2118 Plum Grove Rd. Suite 356
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(312) 215-9861

15. Lloyd A. Chacey PE Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: December 15th

As a lasting tribute to the long-time executive secretary for the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) since its inception in 1964, the Lloyd A. Chacey PE Memorial Scholarship bestows $2,000 annually for a junior or senior-level undergraduate student who is enrolled full-time in an accredited engineering program in Ohio. While preference is given to relatives of current members, recipients are mostly chosen based on leadership, work experience, academic achievement, honorary recognitions, and financial need.

Contact

Lloyd A. Chacey PE Memorial Scholarship
400 South Fifth St. Suite 300
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 223-1177

16. Meyers Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

In memory of the long-time commissioner who served on the Litter Prevention advisory board of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Recycling, the Meyers Memorial Scholarship gives $1,000 to qualified college-bound high school seniors from Ohio who have declared a major in environmental sciences or environmental education. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, current GPA reference, resume of community involvement, and one-page essay describing their attitudes towards litter prevention.

Contact

Meyers Memorial Scholarship
1602 West Main St.
Springfield, OH 45504
(937) 521-2022

Scholarship Link

17. Ohio Business Teachers Association Scholarship

Deadline: October 11th

Each year, the Ohio Business Teachers Association (OBTA) awards a $1,000 scholarship to a full-time junior/senior undergraduate or graduate student who has enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in Ohio with a declared major in business education to pursue a career as a business education teacher. Applicants must attach a one-page resume, two letters of recommendation, an official college transcript, and a 500-word essay discussing why they have chosen the business education field.

Contact

Ohio Business Teachers Association Scholarship
592 Valley Brooke Lane
Macedonia, OH 44056
(330) 832-9856

18. Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

Deadline: October 1st

Designed to distribute grant money to Ohio residents who exhibit the highest levels of financial need as determined by the FAFSA, the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is offered by the Ohio Board of Regents for up to $2,080 annually. In order to remain eligible for funding for a maximum of 10 semesters, candidates must be enrolled full-time at a public or private university in Ohio with good academic standing and have a maximum household income of $75,000.

Contact

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
25 South Front St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-6000

19. Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund

Deadline: Varies

Also administered through the Ohio Board of Regents, the Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund provides annual scholarships for up to $6,600 to Ohio residents who are the children or spouses of peace officers, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and military service members who were killed in the line-of-duty anywhere in the United States. Recipients must enroll full or part-time at any participating Ohio post-secondary institution to receive funding for a maximum of ten semesters.

Contact

Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund
25 South Front St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-6000

Scholarship Link

20. Patricia Parrish Everhart Excellence in Education Scholarship

Deadline: June 13th

Through the Hamilton Community Foundation, the Patricia Parrish Everhart Excellence in Education Scholarship was established in honor of a beloved friend who served as a scholarship coordinator for more than 15 years before retirement. The $1,000 scholarship will be granted annually to a resident of Hamilton County in Ohio who wishes to continue their post-secondary education after their freshman year, but is in financial need for assistance to do so.

Contact

Patricia Parrish Everhart Excellence in Education Scholarship
319 North Third St.
Hamilton, OH 45011
(513) 863-1717

21. Richard R. Heagin Memorial Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 7th

Created by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) in memory of a devoted fire safety educator and investigator in the Ohio Fire Marshal's office, the Richard R. Heagin Memorial Scholarship Program is available for deserving graduating high school seniors from Belmont, Jefferson, Harrison, Guernsey, Noble, or Monroe Counties of southeastern Ohio. In order to qualify for up to $1,000 in funding, applicants must be pursuing an accredited program that will lead to certification as a paramedic, firefighter, or emergency medical technician.

Contact

Richard R. Heagin Memorial Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 670
Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 242-3144

22. Roy W. and Wilma Cade Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

With preference given to inner-city applicants, the Cleveland Foundation presents the Roy W. and Wilma Cade Scholarship annually for $1,000 to graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students residing in the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area who are pursuing a major in Christian ministry. Qualified candidates must exhibit financial need, be accepted at a four-year university, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, be in good standing with no criminal record, and demonstrate involvement in a church community.

Contact

Roy W. and Wilma Cade Scholarship
1422 Euclid Avenue Suite 1300
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 861-3810

23. Steve R. Rauch Inc. Benchmark of Excellence Scholarship

Deadline: October 31st

Established by the Ohio Cattlemen's Association to set the "benchmark for excellence" in agriculture, the Steve R. Rauch Inc. Scholarship provides $5,000 over three years to an outstanding undergraduate sophomore-level student currently enrolled in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences at the Ohio State University. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and exhibit promise for a career in the beef industry.

Contact

Steve R. Rauch Inc. Benchmark of Excellence Scholarship
10600 Highway 42
Marysville, OH 43040
(614) 873-6736

Scholarship Link

24. Tiney and Helena McComb Family 4-H Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

Annually, the Tiney and Helena McComb Family 4-H Scholarship is granted for $1,500 to a deserving current or former 4-H member who is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in agribusiness, finance, or economics at an accredited Ohio institution full-time. Eligible candidates must have participated at least two years in 4-H activities, demonstrate financial need, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and submit a one-page essay discussing how 4-H has contributed to their personal and/or professional skill development.

Contact

Tiney and Helena McComb Family 4-H Scholarship
2201 Fred Taylor Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 247-8148

25. William D. Squires Educational Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: April 5th

Established in honor of his dream to help qualified financially needy students in his home state of Ohio to receive the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education, the William D. Squires Educational Foundation Scholarships are provided each year for up to $3,000 apiece to Ohio residents attending school within or outside of the state. Although a primarily financial need-based program, the ideal applicants should have already selected a career objective and be highly motivated for reaching these goals.

Contact

William D. Squires Educational Foundation Scholarship
(302) East Buchtel Avenue
Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-7111

While attending college is undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects in a young person's life, some aspiring students may be held back from reaching their college dreams simply due to a lack of financial support to cover expensive tuition costs. Thankfully, students can utilize various different methods of financial aid to help enroll in college without accumulating mountains of student loan debt for later on. If you are a native or student Buckeye, be sure to check out these 25 excellent scholarships in Ohio for reaching your fullest potential.