Ohio State Choose Ohio First Scholarships

Eligibility

• Be an Ohio resident with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and meet the campus-specific incoming pathway.
• Columbus: incoming freshman declaring an approved STEMM pre-major/major. Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark: incoming freshman declaring the BS in Engineering Technology.
• Transfers must come from Columbus State Community College's Future Scientists of Ohio program into Ohio State Columbus for STARS-Transfer; transfers from other institutions are not eligible for this route.
• Morrill Distinction, Land Grant Opportunity and Stamps Eminence recipients are ineligible for these COF awards.

Requirements

• Apply to Ohio State and complete FAFSA; eligible students are invited to apply through ScholarshipUniverse.
• Submit the COF application with two essays. December 1, 2026 opening; February 1, 2027 priority at 11:59 p.m. Eastern; final April 15, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
• Maintain at least a 3.0 college GPA and meet OHSE program requirements and continuing funding conditions.

How to Apply

1. 1Check the approved campus major and entry pathway before applying.
2. 2When the December 1 cycle opens, use the relevant freshman, BSET or Columbus State transfer application in ScholarshipUniverse.
3. 3Submit by February 1 for priority; later applications enter the waitlist until the April 15 close.