At Ohio University, we know that college is one of the biggest investments you will make. And you expect that your investment will pay off in the form of a successful career and meaningful life. Everything we do at OHIO is with that goal in mind.
We believe that a university education can and should be both academically excellent and accessible to all who seek it. For OHIO, that means maintaining affordable tuition, offering robust and competitive scholarships, and ensuring students graduate on time with experiences that will set them up with a lifetime of success.
Financial aid is money you can use to help pay for your Ohio University education. Financial aid is offered from many sources such as grants, scholarships, work-study, and low-interest loans to help make college more affordable.
Many students are eligible for financial assistance. Last year, 99% of first-year students at OHIO received financial aid.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made significant changes to federal student loans, repayment options, Parent PLUS loans and certain FAFSA and Pell Grant rules, while also adding a new accountability measure for institutions. Most changes take effect July 1, 2026, and will impact students enrolled at OHIO for summer first. Prospective and current undergraduate, graduate and professional students may be impacted.
Financial Aid Offers are now being mailed to fall 2026 incoming freshmen. The Aid Offer provides federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds offered to students. It also includes estimated 2026-27 tuition, residence hall, and meal plan costs. Learn about how the OHIO Guarantee ensures these costs will remain the same for up to four years of undergraduate study. The Financial Aid Enclosure included with the Aid Offer outlines next steps and provides guidance on additional payment options. For next steps, you can also view the 2026-27 Calendar. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships with any questions you have.
View Video of Financial Aid - Understanding Your Aid Offer Webinar
Ohio University is required to monitor the academic progress of all students to ensure financial aid recipients are maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). SAP requirements are checked each year at the end of spring semester. Any student who fails to meet one of the requirements will lose all financial aid eligibility.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your application for federal, state and institutional aid at OHIO and determines your eligibility for need-based financial aid.
Many families skip this important step because they think they make too much money to qualify for need-based aid, but we encourage everyone to complete the FAFSA annually by OHIO's first-priority deadline. Completing the FAFSA is free, and there is no commitment to accept aid you may be offered.
There are multiple types of aid, such as grants, loans, federal work study and scholarships. It's helpful to know what types of aid are available, because you may see any of these types of aid in your financial aid offer.
All students completing the FAFSA are considered for the Federal Pell Grant. This is the largest federal grant program. Grants are considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Eligibility for grant funds, including Pell, is based on the results of the FAFSA. Grants are generally offered to students with financial need according to the FAFSA.
Students who meet basic eligibility requirements by completing the FAFSA are offered federal loans. Federal loans represent a debt that you must repay. These loans are in the student’s name and repayment begins six months after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment. Federal loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are offered to students with financial need according to the FAFSA.
Federal Work-Study is one of the Campus-Based Aid Programs. This program provides University jobs to Ohio University students who qualify. Work-Study is based on the results of your FAFSA. Only students who have been offered Federal Work-Study in their MyOHIO Student Center can view and select a work-study position.
There are various types of student employment opportunities at Ohio University.
Funds for academically talented and creatively gifted students are offered by Ohio University through a variety of scholarships. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships also offers awards with special criteria.
Review the Scholarships webpage to learn more about scholarship opportunities for freshmen, upperclass students, graduate students, transfer students and regional campus students.
The first and most comprehensive in the state, the OHIO Guarantee has enabled students (Ohio residents and nonresidents alike) to pay a single fixed rate that covers tuition, room and meal plan, and fees for four years. With the OHIO Guarantee+, the University is expanding on its commitment to transparency, predictability and an affordable college experience.
We understand that there is a lot to learn and many considerations you need to make when it comes to navigating the financial aid process. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships is here to support you by phone, virtually and in-person. Additionally, we offer resources throughout our website.
Ph: 740.593.4141
Fax: 740.593.4140
Email: financial.aid@ohio.edu
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