Choose Ohio First Scholarships
The Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program is a State of Ohio initiative designed to significantly strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) disciplines and STEMM education.
Key Cincinnati STEMM academic programs have sought funding through Choose Ohio First (COF) to provide competitive scholarships that aid in meeting college costs while giving awarded scholars expanded and unique mentorship and programming opportunities in their discipline.
Choose Ohio First is part of a strategic effort to retain Ohio residents and bolster Ohio’s economic strength by ensuring a ready workforce for STEMM-related industries.
Eligibility Consideration & Application
Incoming freshman are reviewed based on their academic program.
Students considered for a renewable Choose Ohio First award will be reviewed compared to others in their academic major and must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident, Ohio resident
- Academic major declared based on the award program's discipline(s)
- GPA of 3.25 or higher
- Full-time enrollment
- December 1 complete admission application (the Common Application including UC-specific areas, high school-submitted transcript, official test scores sent directly from testing agencies, and at least one letter of recommendation)
Students who have a complete admission application will be reviewed for Choose Ohio First awards along with other UC freshmen scholarships.
Additionally, some COF awards use financial need as an element of consideration. Therefore, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after October 1 as possible. Again, a December 1 completion ensures consideration for limited aid programs.
Choose Ohio First awards will be based on individual program and range from $1,500 to $5,000 annually.