Apply to Choose Ohio First

Eligibility

Eligible students who apply to Ohio State and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are invited to apply for the Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarship through Scholarship Universe. The scholarship amount varies according to the COF program ($2,098.00 - $5,200.00 per year). Students can apply to more than one COF program. However, if selected, students will be awarded for four years under one COF program only. The COF scholarship eligibility criteria includes:

Columbus Campus

The application cycle for all Choose Ohio First Scholarship programs in Columbus campus is typically opened December 1 with a priority due date of February 1. The application, however, will remain open until April 15. Applicants after the February 1 priority date will be added to the waitlist.

Students that apply to the COF and attending to Ohio State Columbus campus must meet the following requirements:

• Must be an Ohio resident.  
• Must be an incoming freshman. 
• Must have a cumulative High School GPA of 3.00 or higher. 
  • Must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher once admitted to the program. 
• Must be accepted and enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at Ohio State and declare a STEMM pre-major/major approved by the program.  
• Must write two essays. The essays are submitted through Scholarship Universe while completing the scholarship application. The topics include the following: 
  • Career aspirations.
  • Commitment to diversity. 

Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark Campuses

The application cycle for all Choose Ohio First Scholarship programs in Columbus campus is typically opened December 1 with a priority due date of July 15. The application, however, will remain open until September 15. Applicants after the July 15 priority date will be added to the waitlist.

Students that apply to the COF and attending to Ohio State Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark campuses must meet the following requirements:

• Must be an Ohio resident.  
• Must be an incoming freshman. 
• Must have a cumulative High School GPA of 3.00 or higher. 
  • Must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher once admitted to the program. 
• Must be accepted and enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at Ohio State and declare the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) as their intended major. 
• Must write two essays. The essays are submitted through Scholarship Universe while completing the scholarship application. The topics include the following: 
  • Career aspirations.
  • Commitment to diversity. 

Transfer Students

The application cycle for all Choose Ohio First Scholarship programs in Columbus campus is typically opened December 1 with a priority due date of February 1. The application, however, will remain open until April 15. Applicants after the February 1 priority date will be added to the waitlist.

Students that apply to the COF and transfer to Ohio State must meet the following requirements:

• Must be an Ohio resident.  
• Must transfer from Columbus State Community College Future Scientists of Ohio (FSO) Scholarship Program to Ohio State Columbus campus. 
  • Transfer students will be considered for the Advancing an Inclusive Biotech Economy in Ohio (IBE-Transfer) program only. 
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. 
  • Must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher once admitted to the program. 
• Must be accepted and enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at Ohio State and declare a STEMM pre-major/major approved by the program.  
• Must write two essays. The essays are submitted through Scholarship Universe while completing the scholarship application. The topics include the following: 
  • Career aspirations.
  • Commitment to diversity.