Youngstown 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
If your family is looking at college costs in Ohio, Youngstown State can feel a little more manageable once you understand the discounts and scholarships on the table. Between automatic merit, special Ohio STEM programs, and even a tuition break for Western Pennsylvania students, there are real ways to lower the sticker price. This guide walks first-gen parents through every option, alongside our Ohio state aid hub and the full CRP scholarship library at College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Youngstown State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (full-time) | $11,540 | $20,566 |
| Housing & Meals (typical on-campus plan) | $11,490 | $11,490 |
| Total (Tuition + Housing) | $23,030 | $32,056 |
Note: YSU’s full cost of attendance including books, transportation, and personal expenses is about $25,849 for 2025–2026. Allowances beyond tuition & housing vary by student.
- Resident tuition & fees: $11,540
- PA Regional tuition & fees: $12,667 (resident rate + $1,127 surcharge)
- Full out-of-state tuition & fees: $20,566
👉 Savings example: ~$7,899/year vs. the full out-of-state rate (before housing and other expenses).
Cost & Regional Pricing FAQ
Who qualifies for the Western PA discount?
Students who graduate from designated Western Pennsylvania high schools on YSU’s eligibility list.
How much does it really save?
Roughly $7,900 per year on tuition & fees compared with the full out-of-state rate.
Do I need a separate application?
No. The reduced regional surcharge is applied automatically if you’re from an eligible district.
✅ 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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (Plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Opportunity | $1,000/yr (up to $4,000 over 4 yrs) | GPA ≥ 3.0 and ACT ≥ 19 / SAT ≥ 990; OR test-optional GPA 3.0–3.49 |
No | Yes — keep ≥ 3.0 GPA; earn ≥ 24 credits/yr (min 12/term) | Solid B+/A- students or test-optional 3.0–3.49 who enroll full-time |
| Red & White | $2,000/yr (up to $8,000 over 4 yrs) | GPA ≥ 3.0 and ACT ≥ 22 / SAT ≥ 1110; OR test-optional GPA 3.5–3.89 |
No | Yes — same renewal rules as above | Mostly A- students or 3.5–3.89 test-optional admits |
| Deans’ | $3,000/yr (up to $12,000 over 4 yrs) | GPA ≥ 3.5 and ACT ≥ 25 / SAT ≥ 1220; OR test-optional GPA ≥ 3.9 |
No | Yes — same renewal rules | Top A-/A students; test-optional 3.9+ also qualify |
| President’s | $4,000/yr (up to $16,000 over 4 yrs) | GPA ≥ 3.5 and ACT ≥ 27 / SAT ≥ 1290; may also require ranking in the top 10% of the graduating class (test-optional not available) | No | Yes — same renewal rules | High-achieving students with strong test scores and a top-10% class rank |
| Trustees’ | $5,000/yr (up to $20,000 over 4 yrs) | Valedictorian (test-optional not available) | No | Yes — same renewal rules | HS valedictorians who enroll full-time |
| Martin Luther King Merit Award | Up to $1,000/yr | Graduates of select inner-city high schools listed by YSU | No | Yes — keep ≥ 3.0 GPA; earn ≥ 24 credits/yr | Students from eligible schools who maintain good standing |
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.
🏆 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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No centrally administered competitive university-level scholarships were found for 2025–2026. Most selective awards at YSU are offered through the Honors College, the YSU Foundation application, or departmental programs, which are covered in their respective sections. | |||||
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.
⭐ 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.
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.
🎖️ 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.
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.
- 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
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Tuition Scholarship | $1,000–$3,000/yr (up to 4 years) | Incoming freshmen accepted to the Sokolov Honors College; GPA ≥ 3.5 and ACT ≥ 26 / SAT ≥ 1240; for 2025–26, GPA ≥ 3.5 with no test score also considered | Yes — apply and be admitted to Honors College | Yes — maintain Honors standing and requirements | High-achieving freshmen admitted to Honors, especially those with strong academics and campus engagement |
| Honors Housing Scholarship | $1,000–$3,000 (one-time) | Incoming freshmen accepted to the Sokolov Honors College who choose to live in Honors housing | Yes — apply and be admitted to Honors College | No — one-time only | Honors freshmen living in Cafaro House or Courtyards Honors housing |
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 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.
📎 Official Links
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.
✅ Last updated: September 17, 2025