Miami University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Miami University in Oxford is one of Ohio’s most recognized public universities, and for families it can feel like a private school experience at a public price. This guide breaks down Miami’s scholarships in plain English—from the automatic awards based on GPA to the selective full-ride Presidential Fellows—so you can see what’s realistic for your student. If you’re an Ohio parent, also check our Ohio state aid guide alongside the full CRP scholarship hub to make sure you don’t miss extra funding.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Miami University
| Category | Ohio Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $18,162 | $40,822 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,750 | $16,750 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,290 | $1,290 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,415 | $3,415 |
| Total (before aid) | $39,617 | $62,277 |
FAQ: Miami COA
Does Miami’s tuition rate include 12–18 credits?
Yes, the published tuition assumes a full-time course load (12–18 credit hours per semester).
Are transportation costs included?
Miami’s published COA does not list a standard travel allowance. Families should budget separately for travel.
Is the cost the same across all majors?
Some majors may have additional course or lab fees, but the base tuition and fees above apply across most programs.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Miami University automatically considers every applicant for merit scholarships based on weighted high school GPA. No separate application is required—just apply for admission by the priority deadline of December 1. Awards are renewable for up to four years as long as students meet Miami’s ongoing eligibility requirements.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarship Tier 1 | $8,000 (Ohio) $20,000 (Non-Resident) |
Weighted GPA ≥ 4.30 | No | Yes, 4 years | Top students with near-perfect transcripts; AP/IB rigor expected. |
| Merit Scholarship Tier 2 | $5,000 (Ohio) $13,000 (Non-Resident) |
Weighted GPA 3.95–4.29 | No | Yes, 4 years | Students mostly earning A’s with several advanced courses. |
| Merit Scholarship Tier 3 | $4,000 (Ohio) $11,000 (Non-Resident) |
Weighted GPA 3.75–3.94 | No | Yes, 4 years | Strong B+/A- students; solid honors/AP mix, but not top tier. |
| Merit Scholarship Tier 4 | $3,000 (Ohio) $6,000 (Non-Resident) |
Weighted GPA 3.50–3.74 | No | Yes, 4 years | Students with solid B+/A- average; still competitive regionally. |
Note: GPA cutoffs are based on Miami’s published weighted GPA bands. Actual cutoffs may shift slightly year to year depending on the applicant pool and available funding.
FAQ: Automatic Merit at Miami
Do you have to apply separately?
No. All students who apply by December 1 are automatically considered.
Does Miami superscore ACT or SAT?
Yes, Miami will superscore both the ACT and SAT if scores are submitted. Students can also apply test-optional.
Can merit stack with other aid?
Yes, but not always fully—some full-tuition awards or need-based aid may reduce the merit amount. Families should confirm with financial aid if their student is awarded multiple scholarships.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Miami’s top competitive scholarships go beyond GPA—they’re limited in number and look at essays, leadership, service, and (if submitted) test scores. These awards have strict deadlines and are among the most generous at the university.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Fellows Program (PFP) | Full tuition, fees, housing & meals + $5,000 enrichment stipend |
Incoming first-years; highest academic and leadership profiles | No (apply for admission by Dec 1) | Yes, 4 years | About 15 students selected; typically 4.3 GPA, AP/IB rigor, standout leadership, often with strong test scores. |
| Benjamin Harrison Scholarship | Full tuition & fees or tuition + room & board |
Top 5% of class, leadership, extracurricular distinction; ACT 33+/SAT 1400+ helpful* | Yes (supplemental process) | Yes, 4 years | A handful of exceptional admits; national awards or state-level recognition are common. |
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship | $750–$2,000 based on financial need | National Merit Finalists who designate Miami as first choice | No (through NMSC process) | Not specified | Students officially named National Merit Finalists; amount varies by need. |
*Test scores are optional for admission and automatic merit. For selective competitive scholarships like Benjamin Harrison or PFP, a strong ACT/SAT can still strengthen a student’s profile if submitted.
FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at Miami
Are these awards automatic?
No. Students must apply by December 1, and selection is limited to a small group of top applicants.
Do test scores matter here?
Yes, while optional, high ACT/SAT scores can boost a student’s chances for Miami’s most selective awards.
How many Presidential Fellows are chosen?
Only about 15 students are selected each year, making it Miami’s most competitive award.
Can these scholarships stack with automatic merit?
No—full tuition or full-ride awards replace automatic merit rather than stack on top of it.
⭐ College Specialties
Miami University—known for its exceptional undergraduate teaching, tight-knit community, and meaningful student outcomes—is a regional powerhouse. Although not an R1 institution, it holds the Carnegie R2 classification as a doctoral university with high research activity. Still, it outperforms many R1s when it comes to return on investment, undergrad engagement, and leadership training.
Farmer School of Business (Undergraduate Business)
Miami’s business school is a nationally recognized leader: ranked 39th among all U.S. undergraduate business programs and 17th among public universities in Poets & Quants’ 2021 ranking.
- Public universities—Best Undergraduate Teaching (U.S. News): consistently in top-50; known for small classes and student engagement.
- Best Value—publics nationwide: ranked 35th in nation by Princeton Review’s “Best Value Colleges” for 2025.
- Education (Graduate): Ranked No. 2 in Ohio and around No. 93 overall among education schools (U.S. News 2025).
- Entrepreneurship & Game Design:
Entrepreneurship: No. 2 Midwest undergrad program (Princeton Review).
Game Design: No. 4 Midwest undergrad program. - Return on Investment: Highest ROI among public universities in Ohio (Payscale data).
🎖️ Honors College
Miami’s Honors College is designed for students who want more than just strong academics—it’s about small classes, leadership, and unique opportunities. Admission is by self-application on the regular Miami admission form, with a December 1 priority deadline for consideration. Selectivity is high, and some of Miami’s most generous scholarships are tied to Honors.
Weighted GPA above 4.0, multiple AP/IB or college-level classes, strong leadership roles (band, service orgs, student government), and meaningful community involvement. Test scores are optional, but high ACT/SAT scores can strengthen the profile for the most competitive awards.
- Priority course registration
- Special Honors housing options with built-in community
- Small, discussion-based Honors seminars
- Faculty mentorship and support for undergraduate research
- Access to top scholarships (Presidential Fellows, Benjamin Harrison, etc.)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Fellows Program (PFP) | Full tuition, fees, housing & meals + $5,000 enrichment stipend | Incoming first-years applying by Dec 1; considered within Honors | No (indicate Honors interest on app) | Yes, 4 years | Typically ~4.3+ weighted GPA, mostly A grades, AP/IB or dual enrollment rigor, state/national leadership or service recognition; ~15 selected annually. |
| Benjamin Harrison Scholarship | Full tuition & fees OR tuition + room & board | Top 5% of class, significant extracurriculars; strong test scores help but optional | Yes (through Honors process) | Yes, 4 years | Often 4.0+ weighted GPA, ACT 33+/SAT 1400+ if submitted, extensive leadership or service, and competitive extracurricular distinction. |
Disclaimer: GPA/test score ranges are based on published criteria where available and on profiles of past recipients when not. Actual selection varies year to year depending on applicant pool and available funding.
FAQ: Miami Honors College
Is admission automatic if you meet GPA requirements?
No. Students must indicate interest in Honors on their admission application and be selected—GPA alone is not enough.
Does joining Honors add time to a degree?
No. Honors courses are built into normal degree plans and do not extend graduation timelines.
Are there extra essays?
Yes. Applicants complete an additional essay or short response for Honors consideration.
Do all Honors students receive extra scholarships?
No. Only the most competitive students earn the major scholarships like PFP or Benjamin Harrison; other Honors admits benefit primarily from perks and community.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Miami University has a reputation for blending a classic college-town experience with strong academics and generous scholarships. Whether your student is counting on automatic GPA-based merit, aiming for selective full-rides like the Presidential Fellows, or tapping into hidden gems like STEM or study abroad funding, there are realistic paths to bring costs down. The key is applying by the December 1 deadline and knowing where your student’s profile fits best. For many families, that makes Miami a better value than the sticker price first suggests.
✅ Last updated: August 25, 2025