🎓 Ohio State 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
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~53% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 26–32
- Middle 50% SAT: 1210–1420
- Average HS GPA: 3.8
Source: Ohio State University Common Data Set 2024–25 and Undergraduate Admissions.
Ohio State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 7, 2025
Ohio State University blends competitive academics with a strong record of merit-based aid, especially for out-of-state students who apply early. The National Buckeye and Trustees Awards automatically reduce costs for top applicants, while elite programs like the Morrill and Eminence Fellowships provide full tuition—or more.
For in-state families, the combination of Ohio state grants and OSU’s automatic merit often brings the total cost close to that of regional public universities, with far greater resources and opportunities.
FAQ
Does Ohio State offer automatic merit scholarships? Yes — top students are automatically considered for the National Buckeye and Trustees Awards based on GPA and test scores.
Are there full-ride scholarships? Yes — the Eminence Fellows Program covers full cost of attendance plus a stipend for a small group of exceptional applicants.
What’s the average net price? About $19,582 after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2025).
What’s the deadline for top awards? Students must apply by November 1 to be considered for the Eminence and Morrill Scholarships.
💰 Cost of Attendance at The Ohio State University (Columbus Campus, 2025–26)
Below is Ohio State’s estimated cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate living on campus in Columbus. These numbers reflect typical tuition and housing charges before scholarships, grants, or aid are applied.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $13,641 | $42,423 |
| Housing & Meals (on campus) | $15,252 | $15,252 |
| Estimated Total (Direct/Billed) | $28,893 | $57,675 |
Note: Additional indirect expenses such as books, personal items, and transportation typically add $3,000–$4,000 per year.
📉 Average Net Price (after scholarships and grants)
Federal data (College Scorecard 2025) shows that the average net price for full-time undergraduates at Ohio State is about $19,582 per year after scholarships and grants. Individual net prices vary based on income, merit aid, and timing. Families can estimate personalized costs with OSU’s Net Price Calculator.
While Ohio participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), Ohio State’s Columbus campus is not currently an MSEP participant. OSU does not provide a blanket out-of-state tuition match for nonresidents attending the Columbus campus.
- Some regional campuses (e.g., OSU Lima) offer limited reciprocity with Indiana and nearby states.
- Merit scholarships can offset the difference between in-state and nonresident tuition for top out-of-state applicants.
- Plan for the full nonresident rate unless otherwise specified in your aid offer.
❓ Cost & Reciprocity FAQs
Does OSU participate in MSEP?
Ohio participates in MSEP, but Ohio State’s Columbus campus does not currently offer that discount.
Are there any regional tuition breaks?
Yes, select regional campuses like Lima or Mansfield offer limited reciprocity with neighboring states.
How can out-of-state students lower their cost?
High-achieving students can earn substantial merit scholarships, including the National Buckeye Scholarship, which helps offset nonresident costs.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Buckeye Scholarship (Nonresident) | $13,500/year | Nonresidents; typically 29+ ACT / 1330+ SAT and ~3.5+ GPA; superscore considered | No (automatic review) | Yes (up to 4 years; maintain GPA/progress) | Out-of-state students with strong academics; often stacks with smaller awards, but not with other full-tuition packages | Nov 1 (Early Action) |
| Maximus Scholarship (Ohio residents) | $3,000/year | Ohio residents; typically 30+ ACT / 1360+ SAT and ~3.6+ GPA; superscore considered | No (automatic review) | Yes (up to 4 years; maintain GPA/progress) | Top in-state applicants; pairs with need-based aid and smaller departmental awards | Nov 1 (Early Action) |
| Provost Scholarship (Ohio residents) | $2,500/year | Ohio residents; typically 28–29 ACT / 1300–1350 SAT and ~3.5+ GPA; superscore considered | No (automatic review) | Yes (up to 4 years; maintain GPA/progress) | Strong in-state students just below Maximus band; often combined with grants | Nov 1 (Early Action) |
Note: GPA and test score cutoffs above are approximate when not explicitly stated by OSU. They reflect a mix of official descriptions, past recipient data, and published student profile statistics. Cutoffs can shift based on the year’s applicant pool and funding.
❓ Automatic Scholarship FAQs
Do we need a separate application?
No. As long as your student applies to OSU by November 1, they’re automatically reviewed for these scholarships.
Does OSU really superscore for scholarships?
Yes—OSU considers superscored ACT/SAT results for merit awarding. Send all test dates so your student’s best section scores count.
Are test scores required if OSU is test-optional?
Test scores aren’t required for admission, but strong ACT/SAT results help for automatic merit awards—especially for nonresidents targeting National Buckeye.
Can National Buckeye stack with other awards?
Often it can stack with smaller OSU or departmental awards, but not with another full-tuition or full-ride package. OSU typically gives the single best offer rather than stacking multiple big awards.
Is the amount locked for four years?
Most automatic merit awards are renewable up to 4 years if GPA and credit progress are maintained. Always check your specific award letter for renewal GPA and credit requirements.
What if my student is close to a cutoff?
Since OSU superscores, an extra section retake can push a student over the line. Also shore up GPA senior fall—final transcripts can matter for renewal, even if the initial award is based on earlier data.
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morrill Scholarship Program (MSP) | Full tuition (some tiers include housing/meal support) | OSU app by Nov 1; MSP essay on diversity, equity, and inclusion | Yes (portal unlocks after OSU app) | Yes (program participation + good standing) | Academically strong (≈3.7+ GPA typical) with sustained DEI leadership and advocacy | Nov 1 (Early Action) |
| Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship (Ohio residents) | Full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, meals, books) | Pell-eligible Ohio residents; selection aims to cover all 88 counties | No separate app (OSU app + FAFSA) | Yes (maintain eligibility and academic progress) | Low-income in-state students with solid academics; two per county target | Nov 1 (OSU app) + FAFSA ASAP |
| Distinguished University Scholarship (invite-only) | Up to full tuition (no direct application) | Top applicants identified in holistic review; early action strongly recommended | No (awarded at OSU’s discretion) | Yes (good standing) | National-caliber academics (often Honors-level; 34+ ACT / 1500+ SAT common) | Nov 1 (recommended) |
Heads up: Criteria above reflect OSU language and typical recipient profiles; thresholds vary by year and funding.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Do we need a separate application for Morrill?
Yes. Submit the OSU application by Nov 1 to access and complete the MSP essay by the posted deadline.
Can these stack?
OSU usually offers the single best package rather than stacking multiple large awards. Small stipends may combine, but not multiple full rides.
Is Land Grant only for rural counties?
No. OSU selects two Pell-eligible students from each of Ohio’s 88 counties.
Do test scores help?
OSU is test-optional, but strong ACT/SAT scores can boost competitiveness for top awards.
When are decisions released?
Typically between late January and mid-March; watch email and the applicant portal.
Honors & Scholars at The Ohio State University
Ohio State’s Honors & Scholars Center is one of the largest and most recognized in the country—a “university within a university” offering smaller classes, personalized advising, themed communities, and access to exclusive scholarships like Eminence Fellows. High-achieving students should always check the Honors or Scholars box on their OSU application to be considered.
- Honors Program: Academically focused with priority registration, Honors coursework, and research opportunities. Most successful candidates hold a 3.9+ GPA and 30+ ACT (or SAT equivalent).
- Scholars Program: Themed learning communities (leadership, service, global issues, health sciences, etc.) that blend academics with community engagement. Slightly more holistic but still selective.
Honors & Scholars Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eminence Fellows / Stamps Eminence Scholarship | Full cost of attendance + ~$3,000 stipend | Apply to OSU by Nov 1; must indicate Honors interest; separate essay and finalist interview required | Yes – separate Eminence application + interview | Yes (maintain GPA + program participation) | Top 1% of applicants nationwide (ACT 34+ / SAT 1500+, 4.0 GPA, exceptional leadership and service) | Apply by Nov 1 (Early Action); Eminence app due early Nov; finalist interviews Feb–Mar |
| Honors & Scholars Enrichment Grants | $500 – $4,000 | Current Honors or Scholars students proposing research, study abroad, or service projects | Yes – proposal required after enrollment | One-time or annual depending on funding | Engaged students who pursue academic enrichment, travel, or research | Rolling deadlines throughout the year (fall & spring cycles) |
Honors & Scholars FAQs
Do you need a separate application?
No. Indicate your interest in Honors or Scholars on the OSU Common Application and apply by November 1 (Early Action). That’s the only way to be considered.
If admitted, do students have to join?
No. Admitted students can accept or decline later—but if they don’t check the box on the application, they won’t be eligible for either program.
Do Honors students get better scholarship chances?
Yes. Competitive awards like the Eminence Fellowship and other merit grants often go to students who qualify for Honors or Scholars.
Is the Eminence Fellows Program the same as the Stamps Scholarship?
Essentially yes. Ohio State’s Eminence Fellows are also Stamps Scholars, part of the national Stamps Scholars network that includes top universities nationwide.
Can students switch between Honors and Scholars?
Rarely. Honors is academic and research-oriented; Scholars is themed and community-based. Changes require advisor approval and are uncommon.
Is it worth joining?
For many families, absolutely. Honors offers early registration and research access; Scholars provides a built-in peer community centered on service or global issues.
Is housing required?
Scholars must live in their theme residence hall the first year. Honors students are encouraged, but not required, to live in Honors housing.
Is there an added cost?
No additional tuition or program fee—only optional travel or enrichment costs depending on courses or trips.
Can Morrill Scholars also participate?
Sometimes. Some full-ride Morrill recipients are not automatically placed in Honors but can apply to join if space allows.
What GPA is required to stay in Honors?
Honors students generally maintain a 3.4 GPA or higher. Scholars participants are expected to stay in good academic standing and remain active in their theme community.
⭐ What Ohio State University Is Known For
Ohio State isn’t just big—it’s a powerhouse. As a public R1 research university with more than 60,000 students, OSU blends flagship-level academics, a national sports brand, and deep alumni ties across the country. Parents looking at Columbus should know: this is a school where your kid can find almost anything—whether that’s world-class engineering, marching with the band, or diving into cutting-edge health research.
- Engineering: College of Engineering ranks in the top 30 public programs nationally, with strength in aerospace, materials, and automotive research.
- Health Sciences: OSU’s Wexner Medical Center is nationally ranked in multiple specialties and is Ohio’s top academic medical center.
- Agriculture: College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences is top 10 nationally in several ag and food systems categories.
- Education: College of Education and Human Ecology is ranked among the top 20 public programs nationwide.
- Marching Band (TBDBITL): While not an academic program, OSU’s band is world-famous and one of the most prestigious collegiate marching programs in the country.
In short: OSU is Ohio’s flagship, and its mix of Big Ten research, Division I athletics, and nationally ranked programs makes it one of the most recognizable public universities in the U.S.
📎 Official Links
These are the official Ohio State sites for admissions, scholarships, and Honors & Scholars. Always double-check requirements and deadlines directly with the university.