Scholarship Opportunity

Ohio Governor’s Merit Scholarship

Offered by Ohio Department of Higher Education

Up to $5,000 annually for qualifying Ohio high school students selected in the top 5%, with school nomination and a separate homeschool/dropout-recovery application route.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelHigh School Senior

Eligibility

  • Ohio resident identified in the top 5% at an Ohio public or chartered nonpublic high school, or top 5% of eligible homeschool/dropout-recovery applicants.
  • Eligibility is determined while a junior on track to graduate; graduate on time and register for Selective Service if required.
  • Use the award for undergraduate study at an eligible Ohio public or private nonprofit institution.

Requirements

  • Public/chartered nonpublic school students are nominated by their school; they do not submit the separate initial application.
  • Homeschool/dropout-recovery applicants submit an application with ACT or SAT scores; homeschool students also provide district acknowledgement documentation. Standing application cutoff: October 1.
  • All selected students must actively accept in the state portal by the standing May 15 cutoff.
  • Renewal requires at least 3.0 cumulative GPA, 20 completed credits per academic year and degree progress; part-time study is permitted.

How to Apply

  1. 1Ask your school counselor about nomination, or use https://meritscholarship.ohio.gov for the applicable alternative application.
  2. 2If offered an award, accept it in the portal by the applicable May 15 deadline and identify your college; Undecided is allowed initially.