Best Higher Education Grants in Ohio

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is designed to assist Ohio residents with significant financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. Eligible individuals include those pursuing associate degrees or first bachelor's degrees at recognized institutions, with a maximum household income of $96,000. The grant adapts based on tuition costs, ensuring support for students in various programs, including foster youth and veterans at community colleges. This initiative fosters access to higher education across Ohio.

The Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance to children of deceased or severely disabled veterans. Eligible students attending Ohio public institutions receive 79% of tuition and fees, while those in private colleges receive an annual award of $6,618. Students must be Ohio residents, enrolled full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00. This program supports those aged 16 to 24 pursuing higher education.

The Ohio Work Ready Grant (OWRG) provides financial assistance to Ohio residents demonstrating significant financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Eligible students must be enrolled in approved programs at community colleges, technical colleges, or branch campuses. The grant offers up to $3,000 for full-time students and $2,000 for part-time students annually. Institutions will allocate funds based on their student populations, making this grant a vital resource for those pursuing in-demand careers.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Markley Family Scholarship Fund

The Markley Family Scholarship Fund was established to assist full-time undergraduate students of Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. Both resident and commuter students are eligible. Students must demonstrate academic potential and financial need.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Zack Smith O.P.O.T.A./Law Enforcement Scholarship, established in honor of Zack Smith by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports aspiring law enforcement students from any Ohio county. Zack, known for his passion for hunting and commitment to helping others, inspires applicants who wish to make a difference in their community. Preference is given to those enrolled in O.P.O.T.A. programs and Muskingum County residents, ensuring that Zack's legacy continues to impact future generations.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Area Auxiliary Scholarship

The eldest of the scholarship funds at Marion Community Foundation, the Marion Area Auxiliary Scholarship was created in 2000 to support careers in medicine, in keeping with the earliest goals of the Foundation.

Marion Community Foundation was created in 1998 from the Mary Elizabeth Smith Foundation and sale of the assets of the former MedCenter Hospital. Supporting health care access and services and careers in medicine are long-standing goals of the Foundation.

This scholarship makes awards to Marion County students who score in the upper 50 percent of the ACT or SAT and are pursuing an education in health care or medical sciences.

The Valerie Hickman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports Muskingum County high school graduates pursuing a Pre-BSN or BSN program at Ohio University Zanesville. This scholarship aims to enhance students' educational experiences by covering essential expenses like tuition and books. Preference is given to Zanesville High School graduates, honoring Valerie Hickman's legacy of kindness and community support.

The Zack Smith MVL School Scholarship honors the legacy of Zack Smith, who was passionate about hunting and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others through law enforcement. This scholarship supports students who attended MVL schools, have athletic experience, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. It aims to empower individuals pursuing their dreams in higher education, reflecting Zack's commitment to community and personal growth.

The Josephine Sebach Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Muskingum County high schools. Eligible students must have a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5 and be pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree at an accredited institution. This scholarship emphasizes motivation and clear career goals, making it accessible to a diverse range of students, including those who may not traditionally qualify for financial aid.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Multicultural Committee of the Stark County Board of MRDD Scholarship Fund

The Multicultural Committee of the Stark County Board of MRDD Scholarship Fund assists college juniors and seniors enrolled full-time at a four-year college or university in the area (including Stark, Tuscarawas, Summit, Wayne and Portage counties) who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must major in a special education or related field.

This scholarship is renewable.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The YWCA of Massillon Scholarship FundThe YWCA of Massillon Scholarship Fund assists female residents of western Stark County enrolled at an Ohio college or trade school. Applicant must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need.Renewable Scholarship: Yes 

Erwin & Katherine Geis Scholarship Fund

Established by the Geis family to provide scholarships for Geis Companies employees and their children, as well as the children of the company's subcontractors and vendors. Wild Eagle and Metropolitan at The 9 employees and their children are also eligible.

Amount:

• $5,000 per year each for seven college students (up to $5,000/$2,000 based on financial need); $2,000 per year each for two private or tuition-based high school students.

Number of awards:

• 9

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

Emerine Memorial Scholarship Fund

The scholarship honors the memory of Janet and Erin Emerine, lovers of learning. Janet dedicated her life to teaching people of all ages. Erin dedicated her life to improving the community around her through volunteerism. They valued education as a tool to succeed in life, and they would have wanted others to have the opportunity offered by a scholarship.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

Graduating seniors and recent graduates of Carrollton or Edison High School in Ohio seeking higher education at a public college or university in the University System of Ohio can apply for Stark Community Foundation’s John Henry and Nancy May Bell Allensworth Scholarship; awards More than US $500 and is renewable.

Richard Chenoweth Qualified Designated Scholarship Fund

Established by GAR Foundation to provide college scholarships for Summit County students with financial need.

Amount:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

Graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools planning to study education at Central State University in Ohio can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. Ohio students pursuing teaching or related fields may be eligible for the Erica Alexis Bell Memorial Scholarship, funded by The Columbus Foundation, with awards up to US $4,000.

About OFIC

he Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) was founded in 1950 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization representing higher education in Ohio.

OFIC believes all students who enroll at a member campus deserve the opportunity to complete their college education. Every day we connect and partner with corporations and foundations to make this dream possible by helping to keep education affordable through scholarships, internships and career opportunities. Our goal is to facilitate an exceptional appreciation of independent higher education and its impact on the state of Ohio’s citizens, economy, and culture. Through OFIC’s Scholarship Management Resources, we create national scholarship opportunities by partnering with organizations in Ohio and beyond.

Ohio Scholars Program

Welcome to The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) Ohio Scholars Program homepage! OFIC partners with private, liberal arts institutions around the state to offer scholarships to students like you, as well as to sponsor campus initiatives that together can make an impact in the great state of Ohio. The scholarships we offer students are funded by a variety of donors who earnestly desire to support students by enabling them to further their education. More information about OFIC can be found here. 

OFIC launched the OSP application in the 2023-2024 academic year as one way to practice good stewardship of the funds received by our donors to select students who meet complex criteria and to supplement established best practices gained from decades of scholarship experience. We are seeking to do the same for the 2027-2028 academic year to find the best qualified students for the available scholarships we have to offer. 

The Columbus Firefighters Foundation Scholarship supports individuals in Ohio pursuing careers as firefighters or EMTs. Offered by The Columbus Foundation, this scholarship provides essential financial assistance to candidates enrolled in accredited fire technology or EMS programs. By investing in the future workforce, the scholarship aims to enhance emergency response services, ensuring a well-prepared and capable team ready to address community needs effectively.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Jay Cash Scholarship Fund

The scholarship honors the memory of James (Jay) Franklin Cash by awarding scholarships to support students attending the Columbus College of Art & Design or Columbus State Community College.

Students pursuing higher education in Ohio can receive scholarship support for tuition and related costs through the Russell A. and Sophia Jean Hall Scholarship Fund, offering up to US $10,000 over four years. Administered by The Columbus Foundation, it supports full-time students at state-supported Ohio institutions who graduated from a Franklin County high school.

Graduating high school seniors in the Columbus City School system planning to study journalism at a four-year Ohio college can receive more than US $500 to support higher education costs. The Columbus Foundation’s Amos H. and Geraldine A. Lynch, Sr. Fund assists eligible students from specified Columbus high schools pursuing full-time post-secondary journalism degrees.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Harry Mestel Memorial Accounting Scholarship Fund

The Harry Mestel Memorial Accounting Scholarship Fund assists students enrolled at an Ohio college or university in their third, fourth or fifth year of accounting studies (pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting) whose permanent address is in Stark County, Ohio. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

W.A. and Margaret E. Buehler Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the Buehler family to assist students who have graduated from a high school in Franklin County to pursue a nursing degree.