Every figure is for a student starting in fall 2027. We work each one out again whenever we update the site.

Paying for college in Ohio

What the state and its colleges give families, who gets it, and how to apply. See every Ohio college priced for your income

From the state

College Opportunity Grant Governor’s Merit Scholarship 529 Tax Deduction Choose Ohio First Scholarship National Guard Scholarship War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship

Across state lines

Midwest Student Exchange Program

Pay less for college

A SmartTuition plan shows what to pay from where, each semester.

In our Ohio scenarios, with good parent credit, a SmartTuition plan saves a median of about $7,100 over four years. How we worked this out ↓

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From the state

Ohio's programs. Most come through the FAFSA or the state's own aid application; a few have their own.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant

A need-based grant for Ohio residents at an Ohio college. A student needs a Student Aid Index of $3,750 or less and a household income of $96,000 or less. The most it pays depends on the kind of college.

Source: Ohio Department of Higher Education

“Your Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by the FAFSA, is $3,750 or less with a household income of $96,000 or less”

“You are an Ohio resident, You are pursuing an associate degree, first bachelor’s degree, or nurse diploma program”

“OCOG award amounts vary depending on the type of school you choose to attend, your enrollment level (full vs. part-time), and the remaining amount (if any) of tuition and fees after the federal Pell grant has been awarded.”

— Ohio Department of Higher Education, checked 2026-10

Governor’s Merit Scholarship

Up to $5,000 a year for Ohio students in the top five percent of their high school class who enroll at an Ohio college. It renews for up to four years of full-time study.

Source: Ohio Department of Higher Education

“The GMS is offered to high school seniors who are identified as being in the top 5% of their class in each of Ohio’s public and chartered, nonpublic (private) high schools.”

“The Governor’s Merit Scholarship provides up to $5,000 in financial assistance to high school seniors who are identified as being in the top 5% of their class. The GMS is renewable for up to four years of full-time instruction.”

— Ohio Department of Higher Education, checked 2026-10

Ohio's 529 tax deduction

Money you put into any state's 529 plan comes off your Ohio income, up to $4,000 a year for each child. Take money out for anything other than school costs and Ohio adds the deduction back.

Source: Ohio Department of Taxation, 529 plan account deduction FAQ

“Taxpayers can deduct contributions they made to a 529 savings plan. This deduction is limited to $4,000 per beneficiary per year.”

“Beginning with tax year 2023, contributions to any state's 529 plan are eligible for this deduction.”

“The amount was not used to pay for qualified higher-education expenses and was not distributed due to the beneficiary's death, disability or receipt of a scholarship”

— Ohio Department of Taxation, 529 plan account deduction FAQ, checked 2026-10-26

Choose Ohio First Scholarship

Scholarships for Ohio residents starting a science, technology, engineering or math program, or training to teach those subjects, at a participating Ohio college. Each college picks the students and sets the amount, so apply through the college.

Source: Ohio Department of Higher Education

“Participating universities and colleges award scholarships and provide work-based learning experiences to students desiring a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, or graduate degree in eligible STEM fields or to students who want to become STEM teachers.”

“Choose Ohio First Scholarship amounts vary from year-to-year and from college to college.”

“Students apply for a Choose Ohio First scholarship through the participating college or university. All scholarship decisions are made by the individual participating colleges and universities.”

“You are a resident of Ohio.”

— Ohio Department of Higher Education, checked 2026-10-26

Ohio National Guard Scholarship

Full tuition at Ohio's public colleges for up to eight full-time semesters, as the legislature funds it. It is for Army and Air Guard members who commit to six years in the Ohio Guard. At a private college it pays the average state university tuition.

Source: University of Toledo, Military Service Center

“Subject to funding available from the Ohio General Assembly, the Ohio National Guard Scholarship program provides 100% tuition to Army and Air Guard members attending a two- or four- year public college or university for up to (12) full-time quarters or eight (8) full-time semesters.”

“An equivalent amount that is the average state university tuition charge can be applied toward the costs at a private, proprietary institution.”

“Participants must commit to and/or complete a six-year enlistment in the Ohio Guard.”

— University of Toledo, Military Service Center, checked 2026-10-26

War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship

For Ohio residents aged 16 to 24 whose parent, a wartime veteran, was killed in combat or severely disabled. In 2025-2026 it covered 77% of tuition and general fees at public colleges, and paid $6,330 at a private college.

Source: Ohio Department of Higher Education

“The Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship (WOS) program provides financial assistance to the children of veterans killed in combat or severely disabled Ohio veterans who served in the armed forces during a period of declared war or conflict.”

“for the 2025-2026, school year, WOS covered 77% of tuition and general fees at public colleges and universities and awarded $6,330 to applicants attending private colleges or universities”

“At the time of application, you are at least 16 years old, and less than 25 years old.”

— Ohio Department of Higher Education, checked 2026-10-26

Ohio also has grants for adults returning to college, for adopted students and for the families of fallen safety officers. See the Department of Higher Education's list.

From the colleges

What each college gives for grades, what it promises on aid, and its full price.

College	Merit scholarships	Promise on aid	Full price a year
Ashland University private	None published	—	$53,133
Baldwin Wallace University private	Baldwin Wallace gives every student a merit scholarship of $14,000 to $22,000 a year, based on high school performance. The awards renew for four years.	—	$61,968
Bowling Green State University public	BGSU's merit scholarships pay $1,000 to $9,500 a year for four years, based on grades. BGSU's Thompson Working Families Scholarship pays up to $11,000 a year to students who show need, academic success and community service.	—	$27,582
Capital University private	$20,000 to $30,000 a year, from a 2.5 GPA*	Capital Gateway Scholarship: full tuition and fees, after other awards, for Ohio high school seniors with a household income of $60,000 or less and a 3.5 GPA	$64,197
Case Western Reserve University private	Case Western considers every first-year applicant for merit scholarships. Its Leadership Scholarships range from $2,000 to $5,000, and further awards need a separate application. Case Western's FIRST Scholarship gives two students who were on a FIRST Robotics or Tech Challenge team $10,000 a year. It renews for four years with a 3.0 GPA.	—	$97,338
Cedarville University private	Cedarville's academic scholarships for new residential freshmen in 2026–27 range from $15,000 to $25,000 a year. They renew for up to four years when GPA requirements are kept.	—	$53,734
Central State University public	None published	—	$23,389
Cleveland State University public	Cleveland State reviews every first-year student for a merit scholarship of $2,000 to $7,000, based on GPA and test scores. It renews for up to eight semesters with a 2.0 GPA.	The Cleveland State Commitment: tuition and mandatory fees, after other aid, for Ohio first-year students with a family income of $125,000 or less, for the fall 2027 class	$29,042
Denison University private	In state: denison guarantees an Ohio student a $100,000 scholarship, which is $25,000 in each of four years.	Says it covers 100% of what a family cannot pay; The Denison Commitment — $0 tuition for families with total income under $100,000, from fall 2027	$97,178
Franciscan University of Steubenville private	Franciscan's merit scholarships for students entering in 2026–2027 and living on campus pay $9,000 to $21,000 a year, set by weighted GPA. No application is needed.	—	$52,081
John Carroll University private	John Carroll's first-year merit scholarships pay $19,000 to $30,000 a year. Every first-year applicant is considered automatically, and the awards renew for four years.	—	$72,935
Kent State University public	In state: Kent State's Academic Achievement Award pays Ohio first-year students $2,000 to $7,000 a year for 2026-2027. It is automatic and renewable, and Kent State says awards are not guaranteed. Kent State's Honors Distinction Award adds $2,000 a year for students admitted to its Honors College, which invites students with a 3.7 high school GPA to apply.	—	$29,904
Kenyon College private	In state: Kenyon's Ohio Promise Scholarship pays $25,000 a year to students who live and go to school in Ohio, automatically. In state: Kenyon's Ohio Full-Tuition Scholarships cover tuition for four years for its top applicants from Ohio. A separate application is required.	Says it covers 100% of what a family cannot pay	$98,868
Miami University-Hamilton public	Out of state: Northern Kentucky reciprocity: students from Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton and Pendleton counties pay Ohio resident tuition for certain programs.	—	$16,720
Miami University-Oxford public	In state: for fall 2027, Miami's merit scholarships pay Ohio residents $4,000 to $9,000 a year, set by a weighted high school GPA of 3.50 or more. They renew for up to four years. In state: Miami's Ohio Governor's Scholarship covers full tuition and general fees for a top student from each of Ohio's 88 counties. Applying for admission by December 1 is the only step. Out of state: for fall 2027, Miami's merit scholarships pay students from other states $8,000 to $22,000 a year, set by a weighted high school GPA of 3.50 or more. They renew for up to four years. Out of state: ohio–Indiana reciprocity: students from 29 Indiana counties pay what Ohio residents pay, under an agreement that runs through 2027. Its counties: Adams, Allen, Blackford, Clark, DeKalb, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Harrison, Henry, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, LaGrange, Noble, Ohio, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Scott, Steuben, Switzerland, Union, Washington, Wayne and Wells.	—	$39,024
Mount St. Joseph University private	$20,000 to $26,000 a year, from a 2.8 GPA*	—	$56,959
Mount Vernon Nazarene University private	$9,000 to $21,000 a year*	—	$53,256
Muskingum University private	Muskingum's John Glenn Scholarship is its top academic award: four years of full tuition for a small number of entering first-year students. Out of state: muskingum gives incoming domestic students from other states an Out-of-State Grant of up to $2,000.	—	$51,553
Oberlin College private	In state: Oberlin's Midwest Merit Scholarship gives every new student from Ohio, or 11 other Midwestern states, $25,000 a year for four years. No separate application is needed.	Says it covers 100% of what a family cannot pay	$96,815
Ohio Northern University private	For fall 2027, Ohio Northern's merit scholarships pay $24,000 to $33,000 a year, and more in pharmacy. A formula sets each award from GPA and, if sent, test scores.	—	$61,067
Ohio State public	In state: Ohio State's President's Ohio Scholarship is for an Ohio student with a perfect ACT or SAT score. It pays the full cost of attendance and adds a $5,000 enrichment award. Ohio State's Maximus, Provost and Trustees Scholarships pay $1,000 to $3,000 a year to highly competitive students, whether or not they live in Ohio. Out of state: Ohio State's National Buckeye Scholarship pays up to $13,500 a year to highly competitive students from outside Ohio. Applying by November 1 is the only step.	—	$31,605
Ohio University public	Ohio University's Admission Promise Award is a renewable $2,000 scholarship for fall 2027 students with a 3.0 GPA. They must apply by November 15, 2026 and file the FAFSA by January 15, 2027. Ohio University's Premier Scholarship gives students in its Honors Tutorial College the value of full in-state tuition, now $15,018 a year. Out of state: Ohio University's Trustee Award gives students from outside Ohio up to $7,000, set by academic merit. Out of state: Ohio–West Virginia reciprocity: students who have lived in West Virginia for 12 months and apply pay in-state fees at Athens and the regional campuses. The agreement runs through June 2027.	—	$31,389
Ohio Wesleyan University private	Ohio Wesleyan considers every admitted student for merit scholarships, most starting at $29,000. Top applicants may also get the Provost or Wesleyan Scholarship, $2,500 or $5,000 a year more. Ohio Wesleyan's Schubert Scholarship covers full tuition and replaces its other merit awards.	—	$76,043
Otterbein University private	For fall 2027, Otterbein's merit scholarships pay $16,000 to $24,000 a year. A student is considered by filling out the application. They renew for up to eight semesters.	Opportunity Scholarship: meets full need to tuition for Ohio residents with a family income under $60,000, or who are Pell-eligible, for fall 2027	$55,507
Shawnee State University public	Shawnee State's merit scholarships pay $1,000 to $5,000 a year, set by GPA and test score, and its Presidential Scholarship covers tuition and fees. Out of state: students from 11 Kentucky counties who have lived there for 12 months pay in-state tuition, with no application. The counties are Boyd, Bracken, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis, Mason, Robertson and Rowan. Out of state: Kentucky Scholars and West Virginia Scholars: incoming freshmen from anywhere in Kentucky or West Virginia may pay in-state tuition. They need an 18 on the ACT (970 on the SAT) and a 2.75 GPA. Out of state: new students from Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin pay in-state tuition.	—	$25,839
The College of Wooster private	Wooster's Presidential Scholar award covers full tuition for students with impeccable academic records. It renews with a 3.0 GPA, and a student applies for admission by November 1. Wooster's College Scholar award is $47,000 a year, and its Dean's Scholar award runs from $25,000 to $43,000. Neither needs a separate application.	—	$86,986
The University of Findlay private	$18,500 to $25,000 a year* Findlay's Private Advantage program caps a qualifying student's tuition and required fees at $13,500 a year after grants and scholarships. The family's income must be $125,000 or less.	—	$59,216
Tiffin University private	$13,000 to $20,000 a year*	—	$55,337
University of Akron public	In state: Akron's Making Akron Possible Grant covers full tuition and Akron fees after other aid for Ohio students with a family income of $85,000 or less who get a Pell Grant. This page describes students who start in fall 2026.	—	$29,604
University of Cincinnati public	Cincinnati's Cincinnatus Scholarships range from $1,500 to $6,000 a year, and 20 Presidential Scholarships pay about $30,000 a year. They renew with a 3.0 GPA and 30 hours of service. Out of state: Metro Rate: students from Kentucky, and from some Indiana counties, pay Ohio's in-state tuition plus $25 a credit, up to $300 a semester. The rate comes with admission, in every undergraduate program.	Bearcats Affordability Grant: tuition and the main fees for Ohio residents with a household income of $75,000 or less who get a Pell Grant, from fall 2026	$33,614
University of Dayton private	Dayton's first-year merit scholarships pay $20,000 to $34,000 a year, set by GPA and academic rigor. They renew for all four years. Applying for admission is the only step.	—	$74,360
University of Mount Union private	$19,000 to $24,000 a year, from a 2.67 GPA*	—	$55,252
University of Toledo public	UToledo gives high school seniors with a 3.0 GPA who apply by January 19 a renewable merit scholarship of $1,250 to $8,000. Test scores are not considered. UToledo's Presidential Scholarship, its most prestigious, pays $28,000 a year for four years. Out of state: UToledo's Rocket Nation Scholarship pays $8,000 a year to students from outside Ohio with a 3.0 GPA or higher, to offset the out-of-state surcharge.	—	$32,909
Walsh University private	In state: Walsh's WU Promise Grant covers the tuition left after other aid for an Ohio first-year student with a Pell Grant and a 3.5 GPA. A household income of $65,000 or less may qualify.	—	$52,896
Wilmington College private	Wilmington's academic awards pay $16,000 to $25,000 a year, set by high school GPA, with no separate application. The top Dean's Scholarship needs an ACT of 25 or an SAT of 1200.	—	$50,321
Wittenberg University private	$25,000 to $32,000 a year*	—	$64,478
Wright State University public	In state: At Wright State's Dayton campus, the Green and Gold Scholarship pays Ohio residents $1,500 to $7,000 a year for fall 2027. A high school GPA of 3.20 or more sets the amount. Out of state: At Wright State's Dayton campus, the Green and Gold Scholarship pays students from other states $5,500 to $13,500 a year for fall 2027. A high school GPA of 3.20 or more sets the amount.	—	$25,502
Xavier University private	In state: Xavier's Musketeer Forever Scholars program offers at least $31,000 a year to high-achieving Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana high school graduates with a 3.5 GPA or higher. Xavier evaluates every applicant for an academic scholarship. The awards run from $23,000 to $33,000 a year, and they renew for four years.	—	$73,279
Youngstown State University public	YSU's freshman Scholarships for Excellence pay $1,000 to $4,000 a year for four years, set by GPA and test score. A student is considered on admission, with no other application.	—	$26,257

* The finder and our college comparison show this scholarship when you enter your student's GPA.

Each college's page has a promise's conditions, in the college's own words. “Worth asking about” marks a program the college describes in words that stop short of a promise.

Full price: tuition and fees, housing and food, and books; in state at a public university. What your family would pay after grants depends on your income: the finder shows it.

1 more Ohio college has no page here. For 0 of them, the federal data has no cost or no price by income. The rest mainly teach graduate students or run online programs. Show it

Franklin University

Across state lines

The Midwest Student Exchange Program, run by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact.

Coming to Ohio from another Midwest exchange state

Students from Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin can pay no more than 150% of resident tuition at the public colleges that take part, for the programs each chooses. Private colleges take 10% off.

A student applies to the college, not to the exchange.

In Ohio, Shawnee State University and University of Akron take part.

Going from Ohio to another Midwest exchange state

An Ohio student can use it the other way, at the colleges that take part in the other seven states. Each college's exchange contact explains how to apply.

Source: Midwestern Higher Education Compact, Midwest Student Exchange Program

“Through the MSEP, participating public institutions agree to charge students no more than 150% of the in-state resident tuition rate for selected programs, and private institutions offer a 10% reduction on their tuition rates.”

“Eight of MHEC’s member states participate in this voluntary program: Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.”

“You must be a legal resident of one of these eight states and enrolling as a non-resident at a participating institution in one of the other participating states.”

“You apply directly to the school, not to the MSEP.”

— Midwestern Higher Education Compact, Midwest Student Exchange Program, checked 2026-10-26 · its list of colleges

Paying the rest

Your SmartTuition plan uses your savings, your 529, your loans and your award letter.

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How we worked these out

What a SmartTuition plan saves

The $7,100 in the “Pay less for college” box near the top of this page is the median saving over our Ohio scenarios. Each scenario is a household in Ohio at one of its colleges. Its income is one of 8 from $45,000 to $200,000, and its savings are none, $40,000 or $100,000 in a 529. We price each college at the aid it reports for the income.

Every scenario has parents with good credit and $500 a month toward college. A saving is the difference, over four years, between a SmartTuition plan and the standard approach: savings first, then loans for the rest. It counts loan interest, the federal tax credit and Ohio's tax deduction for money you put through its 529 plan. Credit matters: parents with fair credit borrow at a higher rate, which changes the saving.

A scenario where the parents would borrow more than $65,000 is left out, as is one at a college that reports no aid for the income. The figure is for a household that lives in Ohio.

Costs: each college's own published price where it has one, otherwise the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, carried forward to fall 2027. Grants: each program’s own page. Scholarships: each college's own page, read by us and checked against it. SmartTuition.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any institution named here.