Ohio Financial Aid

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    Choose Ohio First Scholarships
    The Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program supports increased higher education participation and success of Ohio undergraduate students majoring in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine and, in so doing, advances the economic growth of each region of the state. Colleges and universities, both public and private, working both alone and collaboratively, compete for funds from the state to offer awards to students at their institutions. Only those campuses and collaborations that win the competition may make Choose Ohio First awards, and these grants may be in only one or a few subareas. For information on scholarship eligibility at a specific campus, please contact the chief academic officer or financial aid office.
     

    Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program

    The NEALP provides need-based aid to Ohio students enrolled at least half time in an approved Ohio nurse education program. The maximum award is $1500 per year for up to four years of study. A recipient who conducts clinical practice in Ohio upon graduation may be eligible for loan cancellation at a rate of 20% per year. The application deadline is July 15.

     
    Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

    OCOG is a need-based aid program for Ohio resident undergraduates. The award is based on each applicant’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), a figure determined by data each student submits in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be eligible for an OCOG award, an Ohio resident student must have an EFC of $2,190 or less and a family income less that $75,000; attend an Ohio independent, public or for-profit college; be a first-time, first-year student (other than in special programs for high school students like the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program or the College Tech Prep program) in the 2011-12 school year. The maximum annual OCOG award for a student with an EFC of zero, attending an independent college full time is $1872; $1,404 for three quarter time; $936 for half time study and $468 for one-quarter time study.

     

    Ohio National Guard Scholarship

    Ohio residents who enlist with the Ohio Army or Air National Guard and meet eligibility requirements may qualify for this program. The scholarship will help pay up to 100% of tuition at an Ohio college or university and is in addition to GI Bill benefits. Contact the Ohio Army National Guard at 1-888-644-8273, or the Ohio Air National Guard at 1-800-708-4068.

     

    Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund

    This program provides tuition assistance to the children and spouses of Ohio peace officers, firefighters and other safety officers who are killed in the line of duty. Recipients may enroll for full- or part-time study at any participating Ohio postsecondary institution. Awards at independent colleges range up to $6700 per academic year. Students should contact the college financial aid office or the Ohio Board of Regents State Grants and Scholarship Departments for more information.

     

    OTTA College Savings Program

    The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority (OTTA) is a state agency created by the Ohio General Assembly in 1989 to promote savings for higher education. Through their College Advantage 529 Savings Plan, OTTA offers several college savings options. The market-based funds are managed by leading investment firms. Families can choose to participate in all funds. Investments may be applied at any accredited college or university in Ohio or the country. Call 1-800-AFFORD-IT for more information, or visit OTTA’s website at: www.collegeadvantage.com

     

    Additionally, Ohio residents may deduct up to $2,000 from their Ohio taxable income per year per child made to any of these savings programs. Contributions about $2,000 may be carried forward to future years until fully deducted. Qualified withdrawals are exempt from state of Ohio and federal income tax.

     
    Ohio War Orphans Scholarship

    The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship is tuition assistance for children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio veterans who served in the armed forces during a period of war or conflict. A student must be enrolled for full-time undergraduate study at an eligible Ohio college or university and be an Ohio resident under the age of 25. Annual awards at independent colleges range up to $4,650. Applications are available from the Ohio Board of Regents State Grants and Scholarships Department, high school guidance offices, veterans services offices and college financial aid offices.

     

    Ohio’s undergraduate financial aid programs are administered by the Ohio Board of Regents State Grants and Scholarships Department. Parents and students can visit the website at http://www.regents.state.oh.us/sgs/.