Scholarships

Scholarships are "free money" generally awarded based on merit and are not paid back. Additionally, any scholarship that you receive may reduce or replace the self-help (loan or work-study) portion of your aid package.

You must notify the Student Financial Aid Office of any scholarships you receive that are not already listed on your financial aid award offer. Students should also be aware of the terms of each scholarship offered and the limits of receiving large or multiple awards.

Take the time to review key scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students as well as the chart below to discover scholarships you might receive. Because most scholarships are based on the admission process, for maximum scholarship consideration, incoming freshmen should have a complete admission application by December 1st and transfer students should apply by April 30th.

PROGRAM	DESCRIPTION	CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION	AMOUNT	APPLICATION
Cincinnatus Scholarship Competition	UC-based funds; upper level awards based on competition	Brightest and most promising freshmen will be offered a scholarship award or invited to compete on-campus for awards at multiple levels	Ranges from $2,000 annually up to full tuition, room and board, and a book allowance; renewable for length of undergraduate program	Application for admission, transcript, and official test scores must be received by December 1st; additional information sent to incoming students who meet criteria
UC|21 Scholarship for National Merit Finalists	UC-based funds	Incoming freshman; National Merit or National Achievement Finalist; up to 50 awards annually	Ensures full in-state tuition (non-Ohio students pay out-of-state surcharge) and room costs for length of undergraduate program plus one-time $1,500 computer, study abroad, or research grant	Admission confirmation and notification to NMSC by their deadline; further information from Office of Admissions
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship	UC-based funds	Incoming community college transfer student; member of PTK (or equivalent honor society); 3.75 GPA; up to 4 awards annually; see note below	$6,000 annual award renewable for a second year with a 3.2 UC GPA	Application for admission and transcript for fall quarter by April 30th
UC Community College Transfer Scholarship	UC-based funds	Community college transfer student; 3.25 GPA; up to 50 awards annually; see note below	$2,100 annual award renewable for a second year with a 3.2 UC GPA	Application for admission and transcript for fall quarter by April 30th
Cincinnati Pathways Scholarship	UC-based funds	Cincinnati State associate degree graduate admitted via Pathways program; 3.5 GPA; see note below	$2,100 annual award renewable for a second year with a 3.2 UC GPA	Application for admission via Pathways program
Darwin T. Turner Scholarship	UC-based funds	Incoming freshman from an underrepresented group; academic performance	Value of in-state tuition, fees, and book stipend; renewable for length of undergraduate program	Application for admission, transcript, and official test scores must be received by December 1st; additional information sent to incoming students who meet criteria
Choose Ohio First Scholarship	UC-based awards through a state-funded program	Incoming freshman with a minimum 3.2 high school GPA; major in a STEMM discipline; limited to Ohio residents who are US citizens	$4100 annual; some awards renewable for length of undergraduate program	Application for admission (including transcript and test scores); maximum consideration for students who have admission application complete by December 1st
College Scholarship	UC-based funds	Varies	Varies	Most awards are made based on admission file or, for returning students, academic record; students can check with the dean's office of their UC college or use UC search tool
Christos P. Demakes Legacy Scholarship	UC-based funds	Lineal descendant (child or grandchild) of a UC graduate who is a member of the UC Alumni Association; based on academic achievement, service and leadership	Varies	Apply through the UC Alumni Association (513/556-4344) by January 7 for upcoming academic year
University Graduate Scholarship (UGS)	UC-based funds	Graduate student; further criteria varies by program	Varies	Through individual graduate program of study
Ohio Academic Scholarship	State fund (new awards discontinued by Ohio with 2009-10 academic year)	Incoming freshman; Ohio resident; academic record; national test scores; full-time enrollment	Up to $2,205; renewable three times	Through high school guidance counselor
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship	State funds	Undergrad child of a deceased or severely disabled veteran who served in wartime or Desert Storm/Shield conflict; full-time enrollment	Up to tuition	Through the Ohio Board of Regents (888/833-1133) by July 1 for upcoming academic year

• Scholarships (except UGS and some College) are limited to students who do not have a bachelor’s degree.
• "Renewable for length of undergraduate program" is through first bachelor's degree or 12 full-time, in-class quarters, whichever comes first, assuming the scholarship program's renewal criteria is met.
• Students are responsible for knowing the UC scholarship limits and terms of any awarded scholarships. 
• Eligibility criteria subject to change; maximum amounts are estimates and dependent upon sufficient funding.
• Early FAFSA application means limited funding; awards are made on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is depleted.
• Transfer scholarships require completion of associate degree within 2 years prior to transfer; transfer must be directly from degree-granting branch campus or community college to a UC uptown campus, non-distance learning, baccalaureate program.

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH
Incoming freshmen, transfers, and continuing students can explore scholarship opportunities using our search tool. UC academic programs have been asked to register their scholarship options with our office. As well, many outside agencies provide us with scholarship information that we, in turn, make available to you. Please use this search tool routinely as new scholarships are posted as information becomes available.

Scholarships are available from many sources including high schools, places of worship, civic groups, and parents' employers. We recommend that you check with your high school guidance counselor, the reference section of your library, and organizations in your hometown. The Internet, by using the key word "scholarship" in a search or by visiting suggested scholarship sites, can be a great resource.

It takes some research to find scholarship opportunities, but it can be worth the effort and time required.