Ohio has a host of nicknames. The Buckeye State, the Mother of Presidents, Birthplace of Aviation, and the Heart of it All. If you’re lucky enough to call Ohio home, take a look at some of these unique scholarships.
Beat the Odds Program
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: Varies (Opens Fall 2020)
The Children Defense Fund of Ohio honors 5 students who have overcome great adversity–such as poverty, homelessness, disability, abuse, etc.–with financial aid. In addition to the scholarship, the student will receive a laptop and an invitation to join CDF’s youth leadership program.
To be eligible, the student must: be a high school junior in an Ohio public school, be nominated by a teacher, counselor, caseworker, or another adult that speak to the student’s challenges, demonstrate participation in school activities or community involvement, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Cyril W. Neff P.E., P.S., Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,500/year
Deadline: January 15
Young engineers, this one is for you. This scholarship awards students who plan to major in engineering at an Ohio college or university. This renewable scholarship provides aid to students starting their engineering careers.
To be considered, a student must: have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be a graduating high school senior, be a US and Ohio resident, have an SAT Math score of 600 or higher and a Reading/Composition of 500 or higher, have an ACT Math score of 29 and English of 25 or higher, be a resident of the counties described in the listing, entering an Ohio college/university or Notre Dame University.
Ohio College Opportunity Grant
Amount: Varies
Deadline: October 1, annually (file the FAFSA)
In order to make a college education more accessible, the Ohio Department of Higher Education offers financial aid to students who come from low- to moderate-income households.
In order to apply, students must: be an Ohio resident, demonstrate financial need, submit the FAFSA, be enrolled at an Ohio college/university, meet the EFC requirements detailed on their site.
Ohio Newspaper Association University Journalism Scholarships
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: May 15, 2020
To attract more young people to the newspaper industry, this scholarship gives financial aid to students. Students majoring in relevant fields–like journalism, advertising, marketing, or communications–should take a look at this opportunity.
Eligible students must: enroll at an Ohio college/university, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, submit their college transcript, write a short autobiographical essay, provide writing samples.
Zinggia Art Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 7, 2020
Interested in art? If so, check out this awesome scholarship. Created to help creative students pursue a career in illustration, graphic design, or other art-related careers, this scholarship offers financial aid to Ohio students, regardless of where they want to study.
In order to apply, students must: be a high school senior, be a resident of Ohio, and intend to major in a relevant field.
And remember, most colleges/universities offer scholarships for their own students. Make sure to hunt down scholarships for the school you’re attending!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
|
|
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
