College Adoption Grant
Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE)
Opens later
One-time $2,500 grant for Ohio students adopted on or after January 1, 2023 who attend a qualifying Ohio college.
- How much
- $2,500 one-time
- Who qualifies
- Adopted on or after January 1, 2023 (not by a stepparent)
- Ohio resident; adoption arranged by an attorney, a public or private agency, interstate, or foreign; enrolled at a qualifying Ohio public or independent college.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual window for each academic year; the 2026-27 window closed September 1, 2026 (or earlier if funds run out)
- How to apply
- Email CollegeAdoptionGrant@highered.ohio.gov to request the application (sent via OneSpan), complete and e-sign it, attach a final or interlocutory order of adoption (or Ohio recognition under ORC 3107.18), and file the FAFSA
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (highered.ohio.gov)
The details
One-time $2,500 paid to the student's Ohio public college or university (including community/technical colleges and regional campuses) or independent college, applied to cost of attendance; unused funds roll to the next year. Stepparent adoptions don't qualify. Funding is limited and the window can close early if funds run out.
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
- Choose Ohio First Scholarshipvaries by college and year (2021-22 average: $4,324 at four-year schools, $2,226 at two-year schools)
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.