Scholarships are gift aid typically based on academic merit, special talents, leadership accomplishments, and/or financial need. Scholarships are also awarded to facilitate access for underserved populations. Learn more at undergrad.osu.edu/scholarships.

• Repayment is not required.
• Read descriptions carefully: some scholarships require a separate application, have an earlier admissions application deadline, and/or are for Columbus campus applicants only.
• The FAFSA is recommended but not required (unless otherwise noted).
• To be considered for the full range of merit scholarships, your application for admission and all supporting materials (including official test scores) must be received by December 1.

Federal loans allow students or their families to borrow money at low interest rates.

• Repayment is required.
• To be considered, file the FAFSA by your priority date.

The Federal Work-Study program provides funds for jobs for eligible students.

• Students are awarded the dollar amount that they may earn over the course of the academic year.
• Student Financial Aid refers students to jobs on or off campus.
• To be considered, submit the FAFSA, requesting work-study, by your priority date.

General

• Submit your application for admission by your priority date.
  
  
• Check your e-mail regularly for official correspondence from Ohio State regarding financial aid.
  
  
• Transfer students are required to complete the Transfer Student Aid Report (pdf) to determine aid received for the current academic year at the previous institution. The form must be submitted even if no aid was received.
  
  
• Check your financial aid status regularly for outstanding To Do List items and for your financial aid award, which will be posted there when available. To check, go to sfa.osu.edu/status (this link takes you to the Student Center).

• Supply your Social Security Number on your application for admission if you plan to file a FAFSA and want Ohio State to receive it. If you have already applied for admission and have not reported your SSN on your application, please contact Undergraduate Admissions if you would like to report it now.
  
  
• Submit the FAFSA by your priority date. The FAFSA website provides helpful steps to guide you through the process. One of the first steps is to apply for a PIN. Indicate The Ohio State University code #003090 in step 6 on the FAFSA.
  
  
• Verification: Many applicants will be asked to submit tax forms and W-2s as part of “verification.” This is the process by which Ohio State confirms the accuracy of information supplied on a percentage of FAFSAs each year, as required by federal regulation. If you and your family are selected, be prepared to supply additional information and copies of documents.

• Pay attention to early deadlines and additional applications required by some merit scholarships. Note that some require application for admission by December 1.
  
  
• To apply for special-eligibility scholarships and cooperative scholarship housing, complete the Application for Special Scholarships, available at sfa.osu.edu/scholarships, by the priority date.
  
  
• If you’re interested in departmental scholarships, contact your college of interest for scholarship availability and deadline dates. See Ohio State’s colleges and departments.
  
  
• If you plan to attend a regional campus or ATI, contact the financial aid office at your campus of interest for information about scholarships. See contact information for all campuses.

• Accept any Office of Diversity and Inclusion scholarships, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Work-Study, or Federal Perkins Loan you have been awarded online.
  
  
• Complete any promissory notes or entrance counseling requirements for any Federal Direct Loans or Federal Perkins Loans you have been awarded.
  
  
• Print and submit a completed PLUS Loan Application every year your parent wishes to be considered for this loan. Make sure your parent borrower completes the online Master Promissory Note (MPN) as needed.
  
  
• Keep your address current with the Office of the Registrar online via the Student Center (buckeyelink.osu.edu). Be sure that your university e-mail account is active and that all messages get properly forwarded to you.
  
  
• Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy. Make changes as needed. If you change income, asset, or household size information, you need to submit necessary documentation to our office for verification. Contact the Student Service Center if you have questions.
  
  
• If you receive any scholarships, loans, or tuition reimbursement not listed on your Award Notification from donors outside the university, complete the online Report Your Changes form or notify the Student Service Center by e-mail at sfa-reportyourchange@osu.edu.