Ohio Work Ready Grant (OWRG)
Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE)
Up to $6,000/yr for advanced-manufacturing/engineering-technology programs, or up to $3,000/yr (Pell-eligible) for other in-demand programs at Ohio community colleges, branch campuses and OTCs.
- How much
- up to $6,000/yr (technician-aligned programs) or up to $3,000/yr (other in-demand programs), full-time
- Who qualifies
- Ohio resident; registered for Selective Service if applicable; FAFSA completed; Pell-eligible SAI unless in a technician-aligned program; enrolled in a qualifying credit or noncredit program at an Ohio public community college, public university regional (branch) campus, or Ohio Technical Center.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For in-demand workforce programs (priority: advanced manufacturing, engineering technology) students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Apply any time No deadline; FAFSA-based, awarded by the school while its allocation lasts
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA (no separate application, no FAFSA deadline), then tell your school's financial aid office you're interested in OWRG
- The school confirms your program qualifies
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (highered.ohio.gov) and page 2
The details
Technician-aligned programs leading to advanced manufacturing or engineering technology careers (FAFSA required, no need test): up to $6,000/yr full-time, $4,500 three-quarter time, $3,000 half-time, $1,500 quarter-time; up to $3,000 per short-term certificate or industry credential (max $4,000/yr), and no more than $3,000 per term for up to 6 terms. Other qualified in-demand programs (Pell-eligible students only): up to $3,000/yr full-time, $2,250, $1,500, $750 by enrollment; up to $1,500 per short-term credential (max $2,000/yr), and no more than $1,500 per term for up to 6 terms. Applies to cost of attendance and is refundable to the student.
More money from Ohio
- 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)
- 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.