Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) via participating colleges
STEM scholarship awarded by participating Ohio colleges to students in eligible STEM programs or training to be STEM teachers.
- How much
- varies by college and year (2021-22 average: $4,324 at four-year schools, $2,226 at two-year schools)
- Who qualifies
- Ohio resident; enrolled at a participating Ohio public or private nonprofit college in an eligible STEM program (certificate through graduate degree) or STEM teaching; must be new to the program of study (including switching into STEM); meet the college's own criteria.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
- For STEM, STEM education students
- When to apply
- Check dates Set by each participating college
- How to apply
- Apply through a participating college's Choose Ohio First program
- Contact the college listed on ODHE's Participating Institutions page
- Decisions are made by the college
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (highered.ohio.gov) and page 2
The details
ODHE funds participating Ohio public and private nonprofit colleges, which award scholarships and work-based learning experiences to students seeking a certificate, associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree in eligible STEM fields, or preparing to be STEM teachers. Amounts vary by year and college; ODHE's student page cites 2021-22 averages of $4,324 at four-year schools and $2,226 at two-year schools. Can cover tuition and general fees and other approved costs such as books and meal plans. Each college sets its own criteria and renewal rules.
More money from Ohio
- Ohio Work Ready Grant (OWRG)up to $6,000/yr (technician-aligned programs) or up to $3,000/yr (other in-demand programs), full-time
- Governor's Merit Scholarship (GMS)up to $5,000 per year, renewable up to four years
- Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)up to $4,000/yr (public main campuses), $5,000/yr (private nonprofit), $2,000/yr (for-profit) in 2026-27
- Second Chance Grant$3,000 one-time
- Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) Student Aid Programup to the cost of the CDL program's tuition and related expenses: 50% grant + 50% forgivable loan
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.