Youngstown State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 3, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~81%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21
- Middle 50% SAT: 1040
- Average GPA: 3.51
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📌 Youngstown State University at a Glance
Average Net Price
$11,740/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$500–$5,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
17 opportunities
9 automatic · 6 hidden gem · 2 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 19+ / SAT 990+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Feb 15
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
Youngstown State is a classic “keep it affordable” school. The automatic merit isn’t huge on its own, but the starting cost is already low — and when you layer in state aid, Honors scholarships, and regional tuition breaks, the total price can land in a very manageable range for a lot of families.
This is a smart option for students who want a straightforward path without chasing competitive, lottery-style scholarships. If your student is a solid B/B+ student, this is the type of school where you can build a reliable financial plan instead of hoping something comes through at the last minute.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Youngstown State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21; SAT: 1040.
Average net price? About $11,740/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — institutional waivers available.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Youngstown State University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$11,113 |
$11,473 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$11,490 |
$11,490 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$22,603 |
$22,963 |
Average Federal Net Price: $11,740 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Western Pennsylvania Discount (Automatic): Graduates of eligible Western Pennsylvania high schools pay a reduced “PA Regional Non-Resident” rate.
- Resident tuition & fees: $11,113
- PA Regional tuition & fees: $12,240 (resident rate + $1,127 surcharge)
- Full out-of-state tuition & fees: $11,473
👉 Savings example: ~$1,127 per year vs. the standard nonresident surcharge, before housing and other expenses.
Cost & Regional Pricing FAQ
Who qualifies for the Western PA discount?
Students graduating from designated Western Pennsylvania high schools on YSU’s eligibility list automatically qualify for the reduced regional rate.
How much does it really save?
About $1,100 per year on tuition and fees compared with the standard out-of-state rate, depending on credit load and program.
Do I need to apply separately?
No — the PA Regional rate is applied automatically for eligible students once residency is confirmed.
Sources:
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: https://ysu.edu/university-bursar/tuition-and-fees
Cost of Attendance & Budgets: https://ysu.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/cost-of-attendance
Western Pennsylvania Regional Rate: https://ysu.edu/university-bursar/faqs/tuition-fee
College Scorecard (average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?206695-Youngstown-State-University
BigFuture Tuition & Cost profile: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/youngstown-state-university/tuition-and-costs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
These awards are granted based on your admission record (no separate application). YSU considers GPA and, where required, ACT/SAT scores. One “Scholarships for Excellence” award per student.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Academic Achievement Award
📅 Deadline: Varies
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 3 yrs)
$500–$1,500/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Not available to students currently receiving any Scholarships for Excellence award — students may only hold one award through the Scholarships for Excellence program.
💡
Strategic Detail
$500 per year, renewable for up to three years ($1,500 total). Available to current YSU students — not incoming freshmen — who have completed 24 credit hours at YSU with a 3.5 GPA. Students receiving any Scholarships for Excellence award are not eligible. Award is pro-rated for part-time enrollment (minimum 6 hours).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Current YSU students who have banked at least 24 credit hours on campus and are holding a 3.5 GPA but didn't enter with (or didn't qualify for) a Scholarships for Excellence award. Think of it as YSU rewarding students who proved themselves once they arrived — a second-chance merit pathway for those who hit their stride in college.
Automatic
First Opportunity
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~19 ACT✎ ~990 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Counts as one of the YSU Scholarships for Excellence; students may receive only one Excellence tier but may also receive other types of aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000 per year for up to four years ($4,000 total). A test-optional path is available for students with a 3.0–3.49 GPA. Renewal requires completing 24 credit hours per academic year (minimum 12 per term) and maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Solid B/B+ students who hit the 3.0 GPA floor and clear the ACT 19 or SAT 990 bar — or test-optional applicants with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.49. If your student is on the academic fence but committed to full-time enrollment, this is an accessible entry point to four years of guaranteed merit money.
Automatic
Red & White
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~22 ACT✎ ~1110 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
One of the Scholarships for Excellence tiers; students cannot receive multiple Excellence awards but can combine with some other scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
$2,000 per year for up to four years ($8,000 total). Test-optional route available for students with GPAs between 3.5 and 3.89. Renewal requires 24 credit hours per academic year (minimum 12 per term) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Mostly A- students with a 3.0+ GPA and ACT 22+/SAT 1110+, or test-optional applicants who've earned GPAs between 3.5 and 3.89. Two thousand dollars a year, no essay, no interview — just strong grades and a completed application by February 15.
Automatic
Deans'
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1220 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Part of Scholarships for Excellence; only one Excellence tier can be held, but may stack with other non-Excellence scholarships.
💡
Strategic Detail
$3,000 per year for up to four years ($12,000 total). Highest Excellence tier with a test-optional pathway (GPA 3.9+). Renewal requires 24 credit hours per academic year (minimum 12 per term) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Strong A-/A students with a 3.5+ GPA and ACT 25+/SAT 1220+, or test-optional applicants with GPAs of 3.9 or higher. This is the highest tier that still offers a test-optional path — making it a fantastic target for students who've excelled academically but haven't leaned on standardized testing.
Automatic
President's
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1290 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
A Scholarships for Excellence tier that requires test scores; cannot be combined with other Excellence awards but may stack with other scholarship types.
💡
Strategic Detail
$4,000 per year for up to four years ($16,000 total). Test scores required; no test-optional path available at this tier. Top-10% class rank is a contributing factor where available. Renewal requires 24 credit hours per academic year (minimum 12 per term) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top-of-class students with a 3.5+ GPA, ACT 27+/SAT 1290+, and generally a top-10% class rank. Test scores are required here — no test-optional path. Students who've invested in their standardized testing and rank near the top of their class will find this $4,000/year award lands in their offer letter automatically.
Automatic
Trustees'
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Highest Scholarships for Excellence tier, reserved for valedictorians; cannot be combined with other Excellence tiers.
💡
Strategic Detail
$5,000 per year for up to four years ($20,000 total). Award is tied exclusively to valedictorian status — no GPA/test matrix applies. No test-optional path. Renewal requires 24 credit hours per academic year (minimum 12 per term) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High school valedictorians who enroll full-time at YSU. No GPA floor or test score required beyond valedictorian status itself — the distinction does all the work. If your student finished #1 in their class, this $5,000/year award is theirs automatically.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Transfer Level 2
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 3 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, which adds $1,500/year on top — bringing the combined total to $2,500/year for eligible PTK members. Pro-rated for part-time enrollment (minimum 6 hours required).
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000 per year for up to three years ($3,000 total). Requires a minimum of 12 transferable college credit hours and a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Award is pro-rated for part-time enrollment (minimum 6 hours). Renewal requires 12 credit hours per academic year and a 3.0 GPA. Stackable with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship ($2,500/year combined).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students arriving with at least 12 college credits and a 3.0 GPA who apply by the February 15 priority deadline. No essays, no test scores — just a solid transcript. If your student is a Phi Theta Kappa member, this award gets even better when stacked with the PTK scholarship.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Transfer Level 1
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 3 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, which adds $1,500/year on top — bringing the combined total to $3,000/year for eligible PTK members. Pro-rated for part-time enrollment (minimum 6 hours required).
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,500 per year for up to three years ($4,500 total). Requires a minimum of 12 transferable college credit hours and a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Award is pro-rated for part-time enrollment (minimum 6 hours). Renewal requires 12 credit hours per academic year and a 3.0 GPA. Stackable with the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship ($3,000/year combined).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students with at least 12 college credits and a strong 3.5 GPA who apply by February 15. No essays, no interviews — a 3.5 transcript does the work. PTK members who stack this award with the PTK Scholarship walk away with $3,000/year in automatic merit funding.
Automatic
Martin Luther King Merit Award
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable on top of a Scholarships for Excellence award and other aid, subject to YSU's overall scholarship and aid policies. Renewal requires 24 credit hours per year and a 3.0 GPA.
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000 per year for up to four years ($4,000 total) for graduates of eligible inner-city high schools. Qualifying schools include Campbell Memorial, Cardinal Mooney, Chaney, East, Farrell, John F. Kennedy, Niles McKinley, New Castle, Sharon, Struthers, Summit Academy, Ursuline, Warren G. Harding, Valley Christian, and Youngstown Early College. Test-optional path available with 3.0 GPA. Renewal requires 24 credit hours per year and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Graduates of 15 specific inner-city high schools in the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley area — including Chaney, East, Ursuline, Warren G. Harding, and others — who maintain a 3.0 GPA and carry a full-time load. If your student's school is on the list, this $1,000/year bonus stacks right on top of whatever Excellence tier they've already earned.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Notes: Only one “Scholarships for Excellence” award can be received. Awards are based on admission credentials; full-time enrollment required. Priority consideration typically aligns with submitting the admission application and materials by Feb. 15.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. These are admission-based; apply to YSU and send required materials by the priority timeline.
Is test-optional allowed?
Yes for most tiers (see table). The President’s and Trustees’ awards specifically require test scores/valedictorian status.
What are the renewal rules?
Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, complete at least 24 credits per year with a minimum of 12 each term, and remain full-time.
Can I stack these with other aid?
You can’t stack multiple “Excellence” tiers; however, some students may also receive Honors, Foundation/departmental, or ROTC support. Always confirm stacking limits with Financial Aid.
How does the Western PA rate affect merit?
The regional rate adjusts tuition/fees; automatic merit can still apply on top. Your final price reflects both the rate category and any awarded scholarships.
Sources:
YSU Scholarships for Excellence — https://ysu.edu/finaid-scholarships/scholarships-for-excellence
YSU Foundation Scholarships — https://ysufoundation.org/scholarships/
YSU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office — https://ysu.edu/finaid-scholarships/
YSU Guide for Financial Aid — https://cfweb.cc.ysu.edu/finaid/guide.pdf
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike automatic merit, competitive scholarships at Youngstown State require extra steps — such as an application, essay, or interview — and have limited slots. These awards often look at leadership, service, or specific talents in addition to grades and test scores.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Why don’t I see named competitive awards here?
YSU primarily distributes competitive funding through the Honors College and the YSU Foundation’s donor-based application system. These are detailed in their own sections to avoid confusion.
Do I need to fill out the YSU Foundation application?
Yes, if you’d like to be considered for many donor-funded scholarships. The portal allows you to apply for multiple awards with one application.
Can competitive scholarships stack with automatic merit?
In most cases, yes. Automatic merit is awarded first, and competitive or donor scholarships may be added on top — but some restrictions can apply. Always confirm with Financial Aid.
Sources:
YSU Scholarships Overview — https://ysu.edu/finaid-scholarships/
YSU Foundation Scholarships — https://ysufoundation.org/scholarships/
YSU Guide for Financial Aid — https://cfweb.cc.ysu.edu/finaid/guide.pdf
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond automatic merit, YSU has several niche awards that can make a big difference — especially for Ohio STEM majors, ROTC cadets, and international students.
Automatic
International Housing Scholarship
📅 Deadline: August 1
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other scholarships and aid; applied as a housing credit, not tuition.
💡
Strategic Detail
$2,000 housing credit for the first year only; specific halls and terms may change.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: New international F-1 undergraduates who choose on-campus housing in eligible halls for their first year.
App Required
Marching Band Housing Excellence Award
📅 Deadline: First-come, rolling until funding is exhausted
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award is applied to housing costs and can stack with tuition scholarships and other aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to join the YSU Marching Pride and complete the Marching Band housing award application; commit to living in on-campus housing and participating in the band.
Selection criteria: Eligibility based on band participation and on-campus housing; not a high-stakes competitive selection.
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to $2,000 per year housing award; limited funding and awarded on a first-come basis.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: YSU Marching Pride members who live on campus and remain active in the band.
App Required⚠ Transfer Only
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 3 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Explicitly stackable on top of the Transfer Level 1 or Level 2 scholarship. Combined totals: $3,000/year with Transfer Level 1 (3.5 GPA), or $2,500/year with Transfer Level 2 (3.0 GPA). This is one of the most valuable stacking combinations in YSU's transfer aid package. Not available to incoming freshmen who are PTK members.
📄
How to Apply
Provide proof of active Phi Theta Kappa membership (membership card or certificate) to the YSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours. Award is automatically applied once membership is verified.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based; awarded automatically upon verification of active PTK membership.
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,500 per year (split between fall and spring semesters), renewable for up to three years. Must provide proof of active PTK membership to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Stacks on top of Transfer Level 1 or Level 2 for a combined $3,000 or $2,500/year respectively. Award is pro-rated for enrollment under full-time (minimum 6 hours required). Not available to incoming freshmen who happen to hold PTK membership.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students who are active members of Phi Theta Kappa — the honors society for community college students. Most PTK members transfer in without realizing YSU has a dedicated scholarship waiting for them on top of the standard transfer awards. Handing over a membership card is genuinely all it takes. At $1,500/year stacked on a transfer scholarship, this is a hidden gem that rewards students who already did the work to earn that PTK distinction.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
AVI Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 28
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with YSU merit and other aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the AVI Leadership Scholarship application highlighting campus leadership, service, and character by the stated deadline.
Selection criteria: Emphasis on demonstrated leadership, service, and personal character.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000 per year leadership-based scholarship sponsored by AVI Food Systems in partnership with YSU.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates who demonstrate strong leadership and character through campus or community involvement.
Full TuitionApp Required
Army ROTC Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Final national board deadline around February 4; boards typically meet October, January, and March.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition, fees, books, and stipend
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition and fees plus books and monthly stipend; YSU institutional aid may be adjusted so total tuition aid does not exceed tuition, but ROTC can stack with other aid for non-tuition costs.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the national Army ROTC scholarship process, list YSU as a school of choice, complete fitness and medical exams, and contract as a cadet upon enrollment.
Selection criteria: National ROTC boards consider academics, leadership, physical fitness, and officer potential.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Typical benefits include full tuition and fees, approximately $1,200 per year for books, and a monthly living stipend (often $420–$500) while contracted.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. citizens who meet Army ROTC academic, fitness, and medical standards and are selected by national ROTC boards.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ROTC Gold Bar Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 4 (final); campus-specific dates may vary
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 2 yrs)
$500–$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA👥 ~Approximately 20 awards per year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with ROTC tuition scholarships and other aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Military Science department as a freshman or sophomore Army ROTC cadet; must meet GPA and any stated test-score criteria.
Selection criteria: Based on academic performance and participation/standing in the ROTC battalion.
💡
Strategic Detail
Departmental ROTC award; YSU indicates about 20 awards of $500–$1,000 per year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Engaged freshman or sophomore Army ROTC cadets who maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and meet departmental standards.
App Required
Choose Ohio First (STEM)
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with YSU merit and other aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits and program rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to YSU in an approved STEM major, complete FAFSA if required, and submit the Choose Ohio First/STEM College scholarship application by the priority deadline.
Selection criteria: Program-based review of academic achievement, STEM major, and in some cases financial or demographic priorities.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
State-supported STEM scholarship; actual amounts vary by cohort and funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Ohio residents in qualifying STEM majors with solid grades and timely completion of the COF application.
Full TuitionApp Required
Air Force ROTC (via Kent State Det. 630)
📅 Deadline: Varies by AFROTC board, typically December–March.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition, books, and stipend
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can cover full or partial tuition plus books and monthly stipend; institutional tuition aid at YSU may be adjusted so total does not exceed tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for AFROTC scholarships through the U.S. Air Force/Space Force process and affiliate with Detachment 630 at Kent State while enrolled as a YSU student.
Selection criteria: AFROTC selection emphasizes academic performance, leadership, and physical fitness.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
YSU students participate in AFROTC through a crosstown agreement with Kent State University’s Detachment 630.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. citizens with strong academics, fitness, and leadership potential who participate in AFROTC via Det. 630.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Hirsch-Satrum Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 28
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with other YSU scholarships up to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a leadership scholarship application through YSU, documenting extensive service and contributions to campus life.
Selection criteria: Selection based on scope and impact of leadership roles and service activities.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Leadership-focused tuition scholarship recognizing service to campus life; specific criteria set by YSU leadership programs.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with an outstanding record of leadership and service in student organizations and campus initiatives.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Award amounts are based on the most recent published figures. Exact amounts and eligibility may vary year to year. Families should confirm details with YSU Financial Aid, STEM, and ROTC offices.
- YSU Pin Award: Honor (non-monetary) for graduating seniors with outstanding leadership, motivation, and creativity.
- Other Student Leadership Awards: Multicultural Leadership Award, Orion Award (student organization), Nova Award (new student organization), and others.
Hidden Gems FAQ
Are these awards stackable with automatic merit?
In most cases, yes. COF, ROTC, and international housing awards can be layered on top of your automatic scholarship, though tuition-specific ROTC awards may limit stacking. Always confirm with Financial Aid.
Do I need to submit extra applications?
Yes for programs like Choose Ohio First and ROTC. The International Housing award is automatic if you meet the housing requirement.
How competitive are ROTC scholarships?
ROTC awards are selective and depend on academic, fitness, and leadership standards. High school seniors applying by national deadlines have the best shot at 4-year awards, but campus-based 2- and 3-year options exist too.
Are international students eligible for other aid?
Aside from the International Housing Scholarship, most other institutional and state-funded awards are limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Sources:
YSU Choose Ohio First — https://ysu.edu/academics/choose-ohio-first-scholarship
Army ROTC at YSU — https://ysu.edu/academics/army-rotc/scholarships
AFROTC Det 630 — https://www.kent.edu/afrotc
YSU International Housing — https://ysu.edu/housing/housing-international-students
YSU AVI Leadership — https://ysu.edu/leadership/avi-leadership-scholarship
YSU Marching Pride — https://ysu.edu/marching-pride
YSU Student Awards — https://ysu.edu/student-experience/annual-awards
🎖️ Honors College
The Sokolov Honors College at Youngstown State is designed for motivated students who want smaller classes, one-on-one mentoring, and opportunities to take on research or creative projects early in their college career. It’s an application-based program that looks beyond grades to find students who are ready for deeper engagement and leadership on campus.
What a Typical YSU Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA of 3.5+, ACT scores in the mid-20s or SAT around 1240+, and strong involvement in leadership, service, or creative activities. Test-optional students with rigorous coursework and exceptional engagement are also encouraged to apply.
Honors Perks That Matter:
- Priority course registration
- Honors housing in Cafaro House or Courtyards
- Small seminar-style classes
- Access to dedicated Honors lounges and study spaces
- Capstone or thesis project with faculty mentoring
App Required
Honors Housing Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (2 yrs)
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~26 ACT✎ ~1240 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Housing award that stacks with the Honors Tuition Scholarship, Scholarships for Excellence, and other aid — applied toward housing costs. Renewable for one additional year (two total) as long as honors continuation requirements are met.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and be admitted to the Sokolov Honors College, then contract for Honors housing. Eligible Honors freshmen are considered for housing scholarships as part of the honors review.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based among admitted Honors students living in Honors housing; awards scaled based on strength of honors application and funding availability.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000–$3,000 per year toward housing for domestic first-year Honors students, renewable for one additional year (two years total). International first-year Honors students receive $2,000 per year for housing, also renewable for one additional year. Continuation requires meeting annual honors requirements.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming Honors freshmen who choose to live in Honors housing and maintain honors academic and engagement expectations. International first-year students receive $2,000/year for housing starting year one, renewable for one additional year. Domestic students are eligible for $1,000–$3,000 per year for up to two years. Combined with the tuition award, Honors students living on campus can layer meaningful scholarship dollars across both housing and tuition.
App Required
Honors Tuition Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~26 ACT✎ ~1240 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with a Scholarships for Excellence award and other YSU aid, subject to overall cost-of-attendance limits. Renewable for up to three additional years (four total) as long as annual honors continuation requirements are met.
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How to Apply
Submit a separate application to the Sokolov Honors College; scholarship consideration is automatic for incoming Honors freshmen who meet GPA and test score criteria. Test-optional applicants with a 3.5+ GPA are also encouraged to apply for 2026-27.
Selection criteria: Holistic Honors review emphasizing GPA, test scores where submitted, academic rigor, leadership, service, and engagement.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000–$3,000 per year in tuition for domestic first-year students, renewable for up to three additional years (four total) provided annual honors continuation requirements are met. For 2026-27, test-optional applicants with a 3.5+ GPA are encouraged to apply and may be considered for partial or full awards. Students meeting the full minimum criteria (ACT 26/SAT 1240 and 3.5 GPA) are considered for the full $3,000. International first-year students receive $1,000 tuition beginning year two, renewable up to four years total.
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Who Actually Wins
High-achieving incoming freshmen admitted to the Sokolov Honors College, typically with ACT 26+/SAT 1240+ and a 3.5+ GPA — though test-optional applicants with strong academics and engagement are welcomed for 2026-27. Students who meet the full minimum criteria are considered for up to $3,000; partial awards are available for those below the threshold. When stacked on top of a Scholarships for Excellence award, this tuition scholarship can meaningfully close the gap on cost.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Award ranges are based on the latest published YSU Honors College figures. Renewal requires continued Honors College participation and academic standing.
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA/test cutoff?
No — admission requires a separate Honors application that includes essays and holistic review.
Does the Honors program add time to a degree?
No. Honors courses fulfill general education and major requirements, so students graduate on the same timeline.
What are the deadlines?
Applications are typically due in the winter prior to fall enrollment; early submission (by Feb 15) improves chances for admission and housing.
Are there extra scholarships tied directly to Honors?
Yes, but these are listed separately in the scholarship sections to keep everything clear. Students admitted to Honors are automatically considered for those opportunities.
Sources:
Sokolov Honors College — https://ysu.edu/honors
Sokolov Honors Scholarships — https://ysu.edu/honors/scholarships
YSU Admissions — https://ysu.edu/admissions
YSU Financial Aid & Scholarships — https://ysu.edu/finaid-scholarships/
YSU Foundation Scholarships — https://ysufoundation.org/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Youngstown State has built its reputation on being a hands-on, career-focused university in Northeast Ohio. Families often know YSU for its strong engineering and business programs, but the campus has also earned national recognition in additive manufacturing and partnerships that put students directly in touch with real industries. For first-gen parents, this means your student can study close to home and still step into programs that employers recognize across the country.
Standout Program:
Center for Innovation in Additive Manufacturing (CIAM) — YSU is one of the first universities in the nation to have a center dedicated to 3D printing and additive manufacturing research. Students gain direct experience with technologies that connect to America Makes, the national additive manufacturing institute headquartered in Youngstown.
- Engineering (ABET-accredited): YSU’s Rayen School of Engineering offers multiple accredited programs, ensuring pathways to licensure and respected credentials statewide and nationally.
- Business (AACSB-accredited): The Williamson College of Business Administration holds AACSB accreditation — a distinction earned by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.
- Health & Human Services: Programs in social work, criminal justice, and allied health fields are well-regarded across Ohio for community impact and career pipelines.
- Music & Creative Arts: The Dana School of Music is one of the oldest music schools in the U.S., drawing statewide recognition for performance and teaching.
Final Thoughts
For families in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, Youngstown State offers a mix of affordability and opportunity that can really stretch your college dollars. Between automatic merit awards, hidden gems like STEM and ROTC scholarships, and the resources of the Sokolov Honors College, students have plenty of pathways to lower the cost while building a strong academic resume. If your student is ready to step into leadership, music, or high-demand majors, YSU has the support to make it possible without breaking the bank.
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