Introduction

Ohio State University offers a wide array of scholarships ranging from merit-based awards for incoming freshmen to departmental and need-based opportunities designed to support both domestic and, to a lesser extent, international students. Whether you’re targeting the Columbus campus or another regional campus, understanding and leveraging these opportunities can significantly reduce your financial burden for 2026.

Body: Program Details & Key Scholarships

1. Merit-Based Freshman Scholarships

• Eminence Fellows Program: Full cost of attendance plus a $3,000 enrichment grant (for U.S. citizens/permanent residents, Honors admission required). math.osu.eduRoad2College

• Morrill Scholarship Program: Three-tier support—Distinction (cost of attendance), Prominence (tuition + out-of-state surcharge), and Excellence (in-state tuition) for diverse, high-achieving students. U.OSUmath.osu.edu

• National Buckeye Scholarship: For non-Ohio residents—up to $13,500 per year ($54,000 total). Requires top 25% class rank and strong test scores. math.osu.eduRoad2CollegeReddit

• Maximus, Provost, Trustees Scholarships: Tiered merit awards ($1,000–$3,000 annually); require early application by November 1. math.osu.eduRoad2College

2. Special Programs & Niche Scholarships

• STEM Emerging Leaders Fellows (SELF): Full tuition for four years, plus structured leadership programming for underrepresented STEM students. U.OSU

• II-VI Foundation Scholarship: Up to $5,000 for STEM freshmen; $10,000 for upperclassmen, based on GPA and required hands-on experience. math.osu.edu

• Department-Specific Scholarships: For example, awards in Mathematics, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, etc.; often require a separate application via ScholarshipUniverse. math.osu.edusfa.osu.eduCOLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

3. ScholarshipUniverse Platform

This is OSU’s centralized scholarship matching tool:

• Incoming and current students create profiles after admission.

• Matches you with internal and external scholarships—over 10,000 sources.

• Requires FAFSA and profile completion by February 15 to access priority opportunities. sfa.osu.edu+2sfa.osu.edu+2U.OSU

4. Graduate & International Scholarships

• Graduate Funding: Grants, fellowships, and assistantships linked to areas like international studies, languages, and research abroad managed through the Office of International Affairs. oia.osu.edu

• International Student Support: Limited merit scholarships are available to international students (e.g., Eminence Fellows), but federal aid is not available. Reddit+1

Importance

• Transformative Financial Aid: Scholars can receive full tuition coverage or significant reductions—especially through Eminence or Morrill programs.

• Expansion of Access: Platforms like ScholarshipUniverse streamline the application process and match students to a wide variety of opportunities.

• Support Beyond Tuition: Programs like SELF and departmental scholarships offer enriching experiences, mentorship, and professional development.

• Competitive Edge: Being a strong applicant (high GPA, test scores, leadership) increases your chances of receiving competitive awards. Road2Collegemath.osu.eduReddit

About the Scholarship Landscape at OSU

Ohio State, a large public research university in Columbus, serves over 60,000 students and is recognized for its academic excellence and broad opportunity landscape. It is known for research, co-op programs, and a rich variety of scholarships that fuel student success. Wikipedia

Conclusion

OSU provides a robust ecosystem of scholarships for 2026—from prestigious full-ride freshman awards to targeted departmental grants and graduate funding. Savvy applicants should:

1. Apply by November 1 to be eligible for most freshman merit awards.

2. Fill out FAFSA and complete ScholarshipUniverse by February 15.

3. Explore departmental and graduate-level funding options.

4. International students should aim for programs like Eminence Fellows, recognizing these are limited and competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are full-ride scholarships available?

• Yes: The Eminence Fellows and Distinction level Morrill Scholars cover full cost of attendance. math.osu.eduU.OSU

2. What deadlines matter?

• Nov 1: Apply for admission to be auto-considered for key merit scholarships (e.g., National Buckeye, Maximus)

• Feb 15: Submit FAFSA and ScholarshipUniverse profile for broader matching. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERINGsfa.osu.eduU.OSU

3. Can international students receive merit scholarships?

• Limited. Some awards like Eminence Fellows are open; federal aid is not available. Reddit+1

4. How does ScholarshipUniverse work?

• After admission and signup, fill out your profile. It matches you with scholarships and allows you to track applications. sfa.osu.edu+1

5. Are departmental scholarships easy to get?

• These vary by college—some require extra apps. STEM and Honors students tend to have more options. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERINGmath.osu.edusfa.osu.edu

6. What about transfer students?

• Scholarships for transfers are limited. OSU tends to prioritize freshmen and continuing students. Reddit