University of Cincinnati 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
If you’re looking at the University of Cincinnati, you’re probably asking the same questions as every parent: what’s this really going to cost, and what kind of scholarships are on the table? This guide breaks it down step by step in plain English, with links back to our Ohio state aid guide and the full College Scholarships Hub so you don’t miss out on extra help.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Cincinnati
| Category | In-State (OH) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $13,976 | $29,310 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,178 | $16,178 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| Transportation | $2,038 | $3,038 |
| Personal / Misc. | $3,386 | $3,386 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $36,878 | $53,212 |
Cost & Reciprocity FAQs
What is the average net price?
About $21,000/year (based on 2023 data), reflecting what families actually paid after grants—not loans.
Does UC join ACM or WUE?
No, UC doesn’t participate in those broader regional programs.
Who qualifies for the Metro Rate?
Residents of designated counties in Indiana or Kentucky—must apply early and enroll in eligible courses/programs.
Do I need a separate application for tuition reduction?
Yes, for the Metro Rate only—you must submit the form and documents at least two weeks before your first semester.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
At the University of Cincinnati, students are automatically reviewed for several scholarships when they apply for admission—no separate forms are needed for most awards. These programs are designed to recognize strong academic performance and, in some cases, reduce the out-of-state tuition bill.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnatus Scholarship (Century/University levels) | $1,500–$6,000 per year | Incoming first-year students; awarded based on academic performance in high school | No | Yes — maintain minimum GPA (published renewal rules) | Students with solid GPAs (generally 3.5+*) and strong coursework; exact cutoff varies |
| Cincinnatus Presidential Scholarship | $30,000 per year (full tuition, fees, room, board, book allowance) | 20 awards; top incoming first-year students identified through admissions review | No | Yes — maintain strong GPA and credit progress | Valedictorian-level applicants with 3.9+ GPAs* and exceptional leadership/service |
| National Outreach Award | Out-of-state tuition reduction (exact savings vary by major) | Non-Ohio residents from designated states; must apply by Nov 1 | No | Yes | Out-of-state students with competitive academics; commonly paired with other merit awards |
| International Outreach Award | Reduction of non-resident surcharge | International students automatically reviewed | No | Yes | Competitive international applicants with strong grades and English proficiency |
| Transfer Student Scholarship | Varies; renewable for up to 2 years | Community college transfers; July 1 deadline | No | Yes | Transfer students with solid college GPAs (3.0+*) |
*Eligibility bands (e.g., 3.5–3.9 GPA, test score ranges) are estimates based on past awards and published student profiles. Actual cutoffs may shift depending on the year’s applicant pool and funding.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need to apply separately?
No — all freshmen are automatically considered for Cincinnatus and Outreach awards with their admission application.
Is the ACT or SAT required?
UC is test-optional, but strong scores can improve chances for higher scholarship tiers.
Does UC superscore test results?
No. UC does not superscore the ACT or SAT. They consider the highest composite score you submit, though admissions may note strong subscores across test dates. Because of this, students should focus on submitting their single best overall test result.
Can I stack these with other aid?
Most merit awards can be combined with federal/state grants. Some cannot stack with reduced-tuition programs (always confirm in your award letter).
What’s the deadline?
Apply for admission by November 1 to be considered for full merit aid eligibility.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
While most Cincinnati merit aid is automatic, a handful of scholarships are especially competitive. These awards are limited in number and go to the very top applicants. Families should know that these opportunities are rare and highly selective, but they can cover significant costs if earned.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnatus Presidential Scholarship | $30,000/year (full tuition, fees, room, board, and book allowance) | Top incoming first-year students; only 20 awards given annually | No — considered automatically with admission by Nov 1 | Yes — maintain GPA and satisfactory academic progress | Applicants with near-perfect GPAs (3.9+*), the most rigorous coursework, and standout leadership/service records |
*Eligibility bands are estimates based on past scholarship winners. Exact thresholds can shift each year depending on the applicant pool.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
How many Presidential awards are available?
Only 20 are awarded each year across the entire incoming class.
Is a separate application required?
No — applying for admission by November 1 automatically puts students in the running.
What makes a student competitive?
Top academics, rigorous coursework (AP/IB/Honors), and strong extracurricular leadership are essential. Community service and national-level recognition also strengthen applications.
Can I stack the Presidential with other awards?
No — the Presidential covers full costs, so it cannot be combined with other UC merit or outreach scholarships.
⭐ College Specialty
What makes the University of Cincinnati stand out? Two big things parents notice: it’s a research powerhouse (R1) and the birthplace of co‑op—the “learn by doing” model that helps students graduate with real experience and real employer connections. If your student learns best by rolling up their sleeves, UC’s blend of rigorous academics and paid work terms can be a game‑changer.
UC pioneered co‑op and consistently ranks among the nation’s Top 5 for co‑ops & internships. Students can earn while they learn, build a resume before graduation, and tap an employer network that spans Fortune 500s to startups.
Research Status: UC is a public R1: Very High Research university.
- Design & Architecture (DAAP) — Nationally recognized programs with long‑running Top‑tier placements; UC’s graduate design has ranked among the best in the U.S., and DAAP is widely regarded by employers for producing job‑ready designers (multiple rankings over the past decade).
- Nursing — Graduate Nursing placed in the national Top 50 for DNP (2025), with online master’s programs ranked nationally and among the top in Ohio (2025).
- Criminal Justice — A perennial strength; UC’s School of Criminal Justice has held Top‑5/Top‑10 national recognition in various graduate and online categories (recent USNWR cycles).
- Business (Lindner) — Online MBA recognized nationally and #1 public in Ohio (recent rankings), plus strong analytics/co‑op integration for real‑world experience.
- Engineering Co‑op Pathways — While overall engineering rankings vary by department, UC’s paid co‑op structure in engineering is a differentiator for placement and early career earnings.
🎖️ Honors College
The University Honors Program (UHP) at UC gives high-achieving students the chance to personalize their college experience with small classes, priority registration, and a focus on hands-on projects. Admission is by invitation based on the admissions review, but students can also self-nominate if they feel their application shows the qualities UC looks for. Think of it as a way for motivated students to go deeper—not just in academics, but in leadership and community impact.
High school GPA in the 3.8+ range*, rigorous coursework (AP/IB/Honors), leadership in clubs or service, and a clear interest in engaging with campus and community beyond the classroom.
*Estimates based on past invitees; UC does not publish exact cutoffs.
- Priority course registration
- Dedicated Honors housing options
- Small Honors seminars and project-based learning
- Faculty mentorship and guidance on research
- Funding opportunities for study abroad, research, or service projects
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Most students are invited during the admissions process, but strong applicants can also self-nominate after applying to UC.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. Honors courses are integrated into existing degree plans, and the focus is on enrichment, not extra credit hours.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
While the program itself does not guarantee extra money, many Honors students are competitive for departmental or project-based funding tied to research and study abroad.
When do I apply?
Most first-years are considered automatically when they apply by UC’s Early Action deadline (Nov 1). Self-nomination opportunities are posted in winter.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
The University of Cincinnati can be an excellent fit for families looking for a strong research university that blends academics with hands-on learning. Between automatic scholarships like Cincinnatus, the competitive Presidential award, and hidden gem programs such as ROTC and departmental funds, there are multiple ways to cut down the true cost. Add in UC’s national leadership in co-op education and you’ve got a school where students don’t just earn a degree—they graduate with real-world experience and connections.
✅ Last updated: August 25, 2025