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 scholarship. However, if selected, students will be awarded for four years (8 semesters) under one COF scholarship only. COF scholarships are distributed on the condition of continued support of the Ohio Board of Regents and scholars meeting requirements under the Ohio House of Science and Engineering (OHSE). See the COF scholarship eligibility criteria according to each Ohio State campus including transfer students below.
The application cycle for 2025-26 is closed.
The application cycle for all Choose Ohio First scholarship programs in Columbus campus typically opens on December 1 with a priority due date of February 15 at 11:59PM ET. The application, however, will remain open until April 15. Applicants after the February 15 priority date will be added to the waitlist.
Students who apply to the COF program and attend to the 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. Students who enroll as a part-time will have their scholarship funds prorated based on the total number of credit hours registered each semester.
- Must write two essays. The essays are submitted through Scholarship Universe while completing the scholarship application. The topics include the following:
- STEMM related background and experience(s) with STEMM outreach.
- Career aspirations and commitment to fostering a culture of engagement and service.
The application cycle for 2025-26 is closed.
The application cycle for all Choose Ohio First scholarship programs in Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark campuses typically opens on December 1 with a priority due date of February 15 at 11:59PM ET. The application, however, will remain open until April 15. Applicants after the February 15 priority date will be added to the waitlist.
Students who apply to the COF and attend to the 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. Students who enroll as a part-time will have their scholarship funds prorated based on the total number of credit hours registered each semester.
- Must write two essays. The essays are submitted through Scholarship Universe while completing the scholarship application. The topics include the following:
- STEMM related background.
- Career aspirations in Engineering Technology and commitment to fostering a culture of engagement and service.
The application cycle for 2025-26 is closed.
The application cycle for all Choose Ohio First scholarship programs in Columbus campus typically opens on December 1 with a priority due date of February 15 at 11:59PM ET. The application, however, will remain open until April 15. Applicants after the February 15 priority date will be added to the waitlist.
Students who 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 (IBEO-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. Students who enroll as a part-time will have their scholarship funds prorated based on the total number of credit hours registered each semester.
- Must write two essays. The essays are submitted through Scholarship Universe while completing the scholarship application. The topics include the following:
- STEMM related background and experience(s) with STEMM outreach.
- Career aspirations and commitment to fostering a culture of engagement and service.