Scholarships
Scholarships are "free money" generally awarded based on merit and are not paid back. Additionally, any scholarship that you receive may reduce or replace the self-help (loan or work-study) portion of your aid package.
You must notify the Student Financial Aid Office of any scholarships you receive that are not already listed on your financial aid award offer. Students should also be aware of the terms of each scholarship offered and the limits of receiving large or multiple awards.
Take the time to review key scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students as well as the chart below to discover scholarships you might receive. Because most scholarships are based on the admission process, for maximum scholarship consideration, incoming freshmen should have a complete admission application by December 1st, and transfer students should apply by April 30th.
| Program | Description | Consideration Criteria |
Amount | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnatus Scholarship Program |
UC-based funds |
Brightest and most promising freshmen based on each academic program will be offered scholarship awards at multiple levels | Ranges from $2,000 annually up to full tuition, room and board, and a book allowance; renewable for length of undergraduate program | Application for admission, transcript, and official test scores must be received by December 1st; additional information sent to incoming students who meet criteria |
| Cincinnatus Excellence Scholarship for National Merit & National Achievement Finalists | UC-based funds | Incoming freshman; National Merit or National Achievement Finalist; up to 60 awards annually | Ensures full in-state tuition (non-Ohio students pay out-of-state surcharge) and room costs (if living on campus) for length of undergraduate program plus one-time $1,500 computer, study abroad, or research grant; renewable |
Admission confirmation and notification to NMSC by their deadline; further information from Office of Admissions |
| Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship | UC-based funds | Incoming community college transfer student; member of PTK (or equivalent honor society); 3.75 GPA; up to 4 awards annually; see note below | $6,000 annual award renewable for a second year with a 3.2 UC GPA | Application for admission and transcript for fall semester by April 30th |
| UC Community College Transfer Scholarship | UC-based funds | Community college transfer student; 3.25 GPA; up to 50 awards annually; see note below | $2,100 annual award renewable for a second year with a 3.2 UC GPA | Application for admission and transcript for fall semester by April 30th |
| Cincinnati Pathways Scholarship | UC-based funds | Cincinnati State associate degree graduate admitted via Pathways program; 3.5 GPA; see note below | $2,100 annual award renewable for a second year with a 3.2 UC GPA | Application for admission via Pathways program |
| Darwin T. Turner Scholarship | UC-based funds | Incoming freshman from an underrepresented group; academic performance | Value of in-state tuition, fees, and book stipend; renewable for length of undergraduate program | Application for admission, transcript, and official test scores must be received by December 1st; additional information sent to incoming students who meet criteria |
| Choose Ohio First Scholarship | UC-based awards through a state-funded program | Incoming freshman with a minimum 3.2 high school GPA; major in a STEMM discipline; limited to Ohio residents who are US citizens | $4100 to $4500 annually; some awards renewable for length of undergraduate program | Application for admission (including transcript and test scores); maximum consideration for students who have admission application complete by December 1st |
| College Scholarship | UC-based funds | Varies | Varies | Most awards are made based on admission file or, for returning students, academic record; students can check with the dean's office of their UC college or use UC search tool |
| Christos P. Demakes Legacy Scholarship | UC-based funds |
Lineal descendant (child or grandchild) of a UC graduate who is a Loyal Bearcat Society or William Howard Taft Society donor of the UC Alumni Association; based on academic achievement, service and leadership | Varies | Application for admission, transcript, and official test scores must be received by December 1st; additional information sent to incoming students who meet criteria |
| University Graduate Scholarship (UGS) | UC-based funds | Graduate student; further criteria varies by program | Varies | Through individual graduate program of study |
| Ohio Academic Scholarship | State fund NOTE: New awards discontinued by Ohio with 2009-10 academic year. |
Incoming freshman; Ohio resident; academic record; national test scores; full-time enrollment | Up to $2,205; renewable three times | Through high school guidance counselor |
| Ohio War Orphans Scholarship | State funds | Undergrad child of a deceased or severely disabled veteran who served in wartime or Desert Storm/Shield conflict; full-time enrollment | Up to 80% of tuition | Through the Ohio Board of Regents (888/833-1133) by July 1 for upcoming academic year |
Notes:
- Scholarships (except UGS and some College) are limited to students who do not have a bachelor’s degree.
- "Renewable for length of undergraduate program" is for 8 full-time, in-class semesters of consideration assuming the scholarship program's renewal criteria are met.
- Students are responsible for knowing the UC scholarship limits and terms of any awarded scholarships.
- Eligibility criteria subject to change; maximum amounts are estimates and dependent upon sufficient funding.
- Early FAFSA application means limited funding; awards are made on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is depleted.
- Transfer scholarships require completion of associate degree within 2 years prior to transfer; transfer must be directly from degree-granting branch campus or community college to a UC uptown campus, non-distance learning, baccalaureate program.
Scholarship Search
Incoming freshmen, transfers, and continuing students can explore scholarship opportunities using our search tool. UC academic programs have been asked to register their scholarship options with our office. As well, many outside agencies provide us with scholarship information that we, in turn, make available to you. Please use this search tool routinely as new scholarships are posted as information becomes available.
Scholarships are available from many sources including high schools, places of worship, civic groups, and parents' employers. We recommend that you check with your high school guidance counselor, the reference section of your library, and organizations in your hometown. The Internet, by using the key word "scholarship" in a search or by visiting suggested scholarship sites, can be a great resource.
At the same time, there are those persons or agencies that might appear to be helpful as you seek funding for college. Use caution and follow suggested tips any time someone asks you for money to assist in your scholarship or aid process.
It takes some research to find scholarship opportunities, but it can be worth the effort and time required.
