Merit-based scholarships
Incoming class of 2025: Rewarding your academic achievement
In recognition of outstanding academic achievements, the university offers several merit scholarships for incoming first-year students entering the university fall semester of 2025.
A merit-scholarship is financial aid that does not have to be paid back.
- Incoming first-year students to the Columbus campus compete for university-funded merit-based scholarships. International students are not eligible.
- These scholarships cannot be combined, except for the National Buckeye Scholarship. Award amounts and criteria are subject to change without notice.
- Scholarships have differing eligibility criteria and deadlines, so it is important that you read scholarship descriptions carefully.
How do I apply?
Apply for admission by the November 1 early action deadline to be automatically considered for most merit awards. Keep in mind, three scholarships require additional steps or have different deadlines (see details in the scholarship descriptions below).
Should I file the FAFSA?
Yes. All students are highly encouraged to file the FAFSA by Ohio State's priority date to receive consideration for the widest range of need-based scholarships, loans, grants and Federal Work-Study. (Priority consideration means you will be considered before those who don't meet the deadline.) Visit Student Financial Aid for more information.
If I submit multiple test scores, which do you consider?
Ohio State has adopted a test-optional policy for 2025 applicants. Please read the Testing FAQs.
When considering students for admission, scholarships, or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests or adjust scholarship values for higher test scores received after the scholarship’s published deadline (for most, this is November 1).
Are transfer students eligible for merit awards?
No, transfer students are not eligible for merit award consideration.
Do you offer scholarships for National Merit Scholars?
Ohio State does not participate in the Merit Scholarship Program (administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation), though many applicants who are National Merit Finalists prove to be strong candidates for the university-administered scholarships described on this page. The university will honor Corporate National Merit scholarships for students who accept admission to Ohio State.
List of university merit scholarships
Read more about eligibility and renewal requirements for merit scholarships.
Students awarded the
Stamps Eminence Scholarship are part of a select group of undergraduate Honors students that embark on a unique, four-year journey of academic rigor, service and leadership.
Award amount: Full cost of attendance at Ohio State for eight semesters of full-time enrollment, plus an enrichment grant valued at up to $5,000 accessible after the first year of successful study.
Criteria: U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. All applicants must indicate interest in the University Honors Program or Ohio State Scholars Program. Finalists are selected based on the strength of their Common Application, a separate Stamps Eminence Scholarship essay and a video introduction. Selections are based on outstanding academic potential, demonstrated commitment to service, and character. All majors are encouraged to apply. There is no “typical” Stamps Eminence Scholar.
How to apply for Stamps Eminence
Three required steps:
- Apply for admission to Ohio State by the early action deadline of November 1.
- Indicate interest in consideration for Honors or Scholars on the Common Application.
- Complete the separate Stamps Eminence Scholarship Application by November 12.
The
Morrill Scholarship Program (MSP) offers scholarships and educational enrichment opportunities to academically talented students who are actively engaged in diversity-based leadership, social justice and service.
Criteria: The Morrill Scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to students admitted to the Columbus campus for the autumn semester following high school graduation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States. MSP seeks academically talented high school seniors who will contribute to campus diversity and actively engage as advocates and champions of diversity, inclusion, social justice and academic excellence on campus.
Award levels: Distinction (the value of the cost of attendance), Prominence (the value of in-state tuition plus the nonresident surcharge for nonresidents), and Excellence (the value of in-state tuition for Ohio residents).
How to apply for MSP
On your admission application, indicate interest in MSP and complete the MSP essay. Be sure to include leadership and diversity involvement on the Activity List.
We strongly recommend that applicants meet our November 1 early action deadline.
Learn more.
The Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship is awarded to students who are Pell-eligible and demonstrate signficant need and academic merit. 176 Ohio students are awarded each year, with an attempt made to award two students from each county.
Award amount: Full cost of attendance.
How to apply for Land Grant
Ohio residents who apply to the university, complete the FAFSA and are Pell-eligible will automatically be considered. We strongly recommend that applicants meet our November 1 early action deadline.
Award amount: Up to $13,500 ($54,000 four-year value); can be combined with the Maximus, Provost or Trustees Scholarship.
Criteria: Those considered are non-Ohio residents (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) who are highly competitive as demonstrated through grade point average, class rank (if available), rigor of high school curriculum, and ACT or SAT scores (if available).
How to apply for National Buckeye
Applicants who apply to the university by November 1 will automatically be considered.
Award amount: $1,000–$3,000 ($4,000–$12,000 four-year value).
Criteria: Those considered are Ohio and non-Ohio residents (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) who are highly competitive as demonstrated through grade point average, class rank (if available), rigor of high school curriculum, and ACT or SAT scores (if available).
How to apply for Maximus, Provost and Trustees
Applicants who apply to the university by November 1 will automatically be considered.
More about scholarships
For a description of all types of scholarships, and to learn about ScholarshipUniverse: