University of Toledo Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and competitive scholarships
- Out-of-state tuition waivers and regional aid programs
- Honors College and renewable merit opportunities
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~96%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1010–1230
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.4–3.9
Source: University of Toledo Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture overview. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of Toledo at a Glance
Last verified: October 10, 2025
The University of Toledo offers one of the most transparent automatic merit systems in Ohio. Scholarships are awarded based on GPA and test scores, with top students earning up to full tuition through the competitive Presidential Scholarship. Michigan residents in eligible border counties also qualify for in-state rates under reciprocity.
With a strong focus on research, engineering, and health sciences—and a generous merit grid—Toledo provides an affordable pathway to a respected public degree for both in-state and regional out-of-state families.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — the University of Toledo is test-optional through 2026 and superscores ACT/SAT if submitted for merit consideration.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 19–26; SAT: 1010–1230 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $17,094/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — Michigan border-county residents qualify for in-state tuition under the Ohio–Michigan reciprocity agreement.
https://www.utoledo.edu/financialaid/scholarships/ (University Scholarships overview)
https://www.utoledo.edu/financialaid/cost/ (Cost of Attendance 2025–26)
https://www.utoledo.edu/honors/ (Jesup Scott Honors College)
https://reports.utoledo.edu/common-data-set/ (Common Data Set 2024–25)
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-toledo (College Board BigFuture)
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?205065-University-of-Toledo (College Scorecard / NCES)
https://highered.ohio.gov/initiatives/access-affordability/reciprocity-agreements (Ohio Department of Higher Education – Reciprocity policy)
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Toledo
| Expense Category | Ohio Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $13,303 | $22,663 |
| Housing & Meals (average on-campus) | $16,449 | $16,449 |
| Total (before aid) | $29,752 | $39,112 |
Note: Books & supplies (~$1,290), transportation (~$914), and personal expenses (~$2,744) are not listed in the table because they aren’t paid directly to the university. These indirect costs still count toward the official cost of attendance for financial aid but will vary depending on lifestyle and commuting distance.
COA FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Ohio residents and students from Monroe County, Michigan, qualify automatically for in-state rates under the Ohio–Michigan border reciprocity agreement.
How much do families actually pay?
After scholarships and grants, families paid about $17,094 on average (2022–23 data). Actual costs depend on income, aid, and housing choices.
Do I need to apply separately for the Michigan waiver?
No — Monroe County residents are automatically billed at the Ohio resident rate once residency is verified through admissions.
https://www.utoledo.edu/financialaid/cost/ (University COA page)
https://www.utoledo.edu/financialaid/scholarships/ (Scholarships page)
https://www.utoledo.edu/registrar/residency/ (Residency & reciprocity policy)
https://reports.utoledo.edu/common-data-set/ (Common Data Set)
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?205065-University-of-Toledo (College Scorecard / NCES)
https://highered.ohio.gov/initiatives/access-affordability/reciprocity-agreements (Ohio Dept. of Higher Education – Reciprocity)
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Freshman Academic Scholarship | $1,000–$9,500/yr | First-year admits; GPA and test scores if submitted (test-optional) | No | Yes (8 semesters; maintain GPA & SAP) | Most winners have 3.5+ GPA; 3.8+ with strong rigor or 27+ ACT / 1280+ SAT are top of range* | June 20 (Fall), Nov 7 (Spring) |
| BG Success Scholarship (Nonresident) | Covers ~½ of nonresident fee (~$3,995/yr) | Non-Ohio residents; GPA ≥3.0 or ACT ≥20/SAT ≥1040 | No | Yes (must keep 3.0 GPA) | Solid academic profile; stacks only with awards not already covering the nonresident fee | Feb 19 (Fall), Dec 15 (Spring) |
| Michigan Out-of-State Award | Offsets nonresident fee ($7,990/yr) | Monroe or Lenawee County, MI residents, some partner high schools | No (automatic) | Yes (maintain eligibility) | Border-county Michigan students—almost $8,000/yr savings | No extra deadline—automatic if eligible |
Awards are automatic with admission if you qualify. BGSU is test-optional; submitting scores can increase awards but is not required. *Cutoffs are estimates—final values may shift annually.
BGSU will superscore ACT or SAT for both admission and scholarship purposes. If you submit test scores, your best section scores across test dates are combined for maximum scholarship eligibility.
Automatic Scholarship FAQ
Do I need to apply for these scholarships?
No. If you apply and are admitted by the deadline, you’ll be automatically reviewed for these merit scholarships.
Can these awards stack?
Yes, but only with non-tuition awards (e.g., donor, departmental, or program-specific scholarships). BG Success and Michigan OOS can’t be combined with another award that already covers the nonresident fee.
Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes. All are renewable for up to 8 semesters as long as you meet GPA and enrollment requirements (check your financial aid letter for specifics).
https://www.bgsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
https://www.bgsu.edu/admissions.html
https://www.bgsu.edu/honors.html
https://www.bgsu.edu/financial-aid/test-optional.html
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Bowling Green State University’s major competitive scholarships go beyond basic merit—they are reserved for students with outstanding leadership, service, or academic distinction and require separate applications, essays, and in some cases, interviews. The most generous awards are closely linked to the Honors College, and competitive general scholarships are highly sought after.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Leadership Academy (PLA) | Full tuition & fees, housing, meal plan, leadership program | Incoming first-year with strong GPA, leadership & service | Yes — application & interview | Yes (must maintain GPA & leadership in PLA) | Sustained leadership roles, extensive service, strong academics | December 10 |
| Thompson Working Families Scholarship | Up to $5,500/yr (need- and service-based) | Ohio resident, financial need, service commitment | Yes — application required | Yes (meet service & academic criteria) | Working/middle income; solid grades, active service | February 19 |
| Falcon Achievement Award | $1,000–$3,000/yr | Incoming first-year; diverse experiences or significant contribution | Yes — short application | Yes | Leaders, service-driven, or unique perspective students | February 19 |
Are these scholarships stackable? Major awards like PLA and Thompson typically replace automatic merit, but smaller donor or outside scholarships may still stack depending on the award.
What else do I need to know? Deadlines matter. Apply for admission and merit scholarships early, then complete competitive apps by stated deadlines (typically fall/winter). Check BGSU’s Scholarship Opportunities Portal for new or additional donor awards that fit your background or major.
https://www.bgsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
https://bgsu.academicworks.com/
https://www.bgsu.edu/admissions.html
https://www.bgsu.edu/honors.html
🎖️ Honors College
BGSU’s Honors College offers academically talented students small-group seminars, faculty mentoring, personalized advising, priority registration, and exclusive housing. It’s also the pathway to the university’s largest full-tuition and enrichment scholarships—awards that require more than just grades but also essays and leadership/service credentials. Acceptance is competitive and not automatic.
3.8+ high school GPA, AP/IB or honors rigor, leadership in service or activities, and strong essays. Top scholarship winners often have a 30+ ACT or 1390+ SAT (if submitted).
*Eligibility bands and test scores are approximate based on recent admitted classes; actual cutoffs may differ by year.
– Priority class registration and Honors-only seminars
– Specialized living options in Founders Hall
– Access to dedicated advising, research grants, study abroad funding, and an active Honors community
– Entry point to BGSU’s largest scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholars Award (PSA) | Full in-state tuition (8 semesters) | Honors College applicant; 3.8+ GPA + rigorous courses; 30 ACT/1390 SAT recommended | Yes—Honors application by Nov 15 | Yes | Top academic Honors applicants with leadership and service | Nov 15 |
| Alumni Laureate Scholarship (ALS) | Full in-state tuition + $1,000/yr for books | Honors College applicant; 3.5+ GPA + 27 ACT / 1280 SAT recommended | Yes—Honors app & essay by Nov 15 | Yes | Strong Honors candidates with records of service and leadership | Nov 15 |
| Forsyth Scholars Scholarship | Full in-state tuition | STEM or environmental major; Honors College applicant; high academic and research/service | Yes—Honors app & nomination | Yes | STEM/environmental students with top credentials | Nov 15 |
| McGranaghan Scholarship | $5,000 (2 awarded) | Admitted to Schmidthorst College of Business & Honors College | Yes—Honors application | Unclear (usually one-time) | Business majors who are strong academic Honors applicants | Nov 15 |
| J. Robert Bashore Honors Scholarship | Varies | Current Honors students; outstanding academic record | Yes—application required | Varies | Continuing Honors students with top GPAs and involvement | Spring (annual) |
| Honors Experience Study Abroad Scholarship | $1,000–$3,000 (varies) | Honors students enrolled in study abroad | Yes—Honors portal | No | Honors students completing an approved study abroad | March 1 (most programs) |
Is admission to Honors automatic? No. Admission requires a separate application and meets a highly selective review process.
Does Honors add extra time? No—courses count toward normal graduation requirements and plans can be completed in four years.
Are these awards stackable? Full-tuition scholarships usually replace automatic merit awards, but additional donor or study abroad scholarships may be stackable. See individual award terms and your financial aid package.
What deadlines matter? Priority deadline for all major Honors scholarships is November 15. Final application deadline for Honors College is typically March 1 for fall entry; some awards have spring or rolling deadlines.
https://www.bgsu.edu/honors.html
https://www.bgsu.edu/honors/scholarships.html
https://www.bgsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
https://bgsu.academicworks.com/
https://www.bgsu.edu/admissions.html
⭐ College Specialty
Toledo might not always be the first name you hear, but it has some powerhouse programs that stand out across Ohio and even nationally. For parents, knowing these strengths can make the difference — they mean strong job pipelines, industry connections, and a degree that travels well. Add in the fact that the University of Toledo is an R1 Research University (the top tier for research activity in the U.S.), and you’ve got a school where undergrads can plug into serious labs and professional networks from day one.
- Solar & Photovoltaics Research: The Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization (PVIC) has positioned Toledo as a national leader in thin-film and perovskite solar research.
- Pharmacy & Health Sciences: Consistently ranked among the top pharmacy programs in Ohio, with strong clinical and research opportunities connected to the UToledo Medical Center.
- Business & Entrepreneurship: The John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation is one of the largest accredited business schools in Ohio, known for finance and leadership pipelines.
- Law: The Toledo College of Law is regionally recognized and offers strong connections in Ohio and Michigan’s legal markets.
Note: The University of Toledo is classified as an R1: Doctoral University (Very High Research Activity) by Carnegie, meaning students benefit from nationally significant research opportunities across STEM, health, and applied sciences.