Grants and Scholarships
When paying for college, University System of Ohio students have a number of ways to lower the cost of sticker price tuition. One way is to secure a financial aid package offered by the state of Ohio. Grants and scholarships are awards that directly lower students' out-of-pocket education costs, and generally do not have to be repaid. The state of Ohio invests significant resources in a wide array of these programs so that immediate cost-savings are available to University System of Ohio students. Many types of grants and scholarships are available and awarded based on a number of factors including: areas of study (such as teaching, science, engineering, technology, math and medicine), academic merit, financial need, military status, and more. Learn more by exploring the state programs listed in the left sidebar.
Several colleges and universities have announced they will freeze tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year at 2006 tuition rates for the third straight year. Others will increase tuition no more than 3.5 percent above the 2006 rates as stipulated in Ohio July 2009 budget revisions. While the system-wide tuition freeze, made possible by historic funding from Gov. Strickland and the 127th General Assembly in June 2007, won't continue in Ohio's current economic climate, it's important to note that the freeze broke the cycle of escalating tuition that pervaded public colleges and universities in Ohio for more than a decade. To view 2009-2010 tuition cost at University System of Ohio colleges and universities, go to each school's profile page and click on the tuition link.
College and University Grants and Scholarships
Individual colleges and universities in the University System of Ohio provide students with institutional grants and scholarships, which lower tuition sticker price. Similar to grants from the state of Ohio, these can be based on areas of study, academic merit, financial need, and more. They vary by institution, with some requiring different obligations from grant recipients. For information on institutional grants and scholarships available on University System of Ohio campuses, contact the individual institution's financial aid office.
Federal Student Aid Programs
In addition to grants and scholarships provided by the state of Ohio and individual University System of Ohio colleges and universities, students are eligible for federal grants that directly lower the tuition sticker price for University System of Ohio students. Like grants from the state of Ohio, these generally do not need to be repaid by students. Several types of grants are offered, as are other financial aid programs including work-study and student loans. Loans differ from grants and work study programs insofar as repayment is required.
Learn More About Federal Grants, Loans and Work Study Programs 
Additional Grants and Scholarships/Financial Aid Hotline
There are hundreds of additional grants and scholarship programs that exist in the U.S. today which don't fall under a state of Ohio, federal, or institutional umbrella. Call the University System of Ohio's College Access Information Hotline to learn more about these scholarship opportunities, 877-I-ATTAIN (428-8246).
Other Cost-Saving Opportunities
The state has undertaken creative, bold approaches to continue building a world-class system of higher education called for in Ohio's 10-Year Strategic Plan for Higher Education. From new opportunities, like the Ohio GI Promise and scholarships like Choose Ohio First, to early college programs like Seniors to Sophomores, which can save students an entire year's worth of college tuition – to the promise of providing associate and bachelor's degrees at facilities within 30 miles of anywhere an Ohioan lives – there are a menu of high-quality, low-cost options for University System of Ohio students.
