The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open. Completing the FAFSA gives you access to federal student aid along with state and institutional aid. OHIO's first-priority date for submission of the FAFSA is January 15, 2026.
Student Financial Aid & Scholarships
Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Services
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.
What is Financial Aid?
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.
Important Updates
-
FAFSA Priority Application Deadline
-
Continuing Student Scholarship Application
The 2026-27 Online Continuing Student Scholarship Application is now open. All currently enrolled students, including current first-year students, are encouraged to apply. All students must apply no later than February 1, 2026 to receive first-priority consideration. Selected students will be notified in April.
-
Satisfactory Academic Progress
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.
How to Apply For Financial Aid
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.
Types of Aid
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.
Other Student Employment Opportunities
There are various types of student employment opportunities at Ohio University.
- Student hourly employment is available to enrolled students. Students may review current employment opportunities by visiting www.ohiouniversityjobs.com. Pay rate and hours per week vary.
- The Program to Aid Career Exploration (PACE) is an on-campus, internship-like program. It employs around 300 students per year. Eligible students must maintain a 2.3 cumulative grape point average and have finished 15 semester hours.
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.
99%
of OHIO's first year students received financial aid in 2023-24
$30M
in scholarships awarded to first year students in fall 2023
82%
of OHIO's undergraduate student received financial aid in 2023-24
$277M
in total financial aid awarded to undergraduate students in 2023-24
Information For:
-
The OHIO Guarantee+
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.
Contact Us
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
Social: Follow Us on X
Chubb Hall 020