Where to find scholarships in Ohio

Ohio scholarships in our directory come from local groups that serve set counties: the Columbus Foundation for Central Ohio, the Dayton Foundation for the Greater Dayton area, and College Now Greater Cleveland for Northeast Ohio. Check which one covers your county, then read how its application works before the window opens.

Ohio scholarship websites

  • College Now Greater Cleveland Scholarships

    Community FoundationUS · Ohio1-99 scholarshipsFree

    Our rating

    College Now Greater Cleveland scholarships for students at College Now-served high schools and for adult learners in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties, Ohio.

    Match3.0 / 5Quality4.0 / 5Ease4.0 / 5Privacy3.5 / 5

    Best for: Pell-eligible seniors at College Now-served high schools and returning adult students in Northeast Ohio who want renewable, need-based aid.

    Limitation: The main awards require Pell Grant eligibility, so many middle-income families will not qualify, and most listings do not state an amount.

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  • Columbus Foundation Scholarships

    Community FoundationUS · Ohio100-999 scholarshipsFree

    Our rating

    The Columbus Foundation scholarship directory for Central Ohio students, with many donor awards reached through one Universal Scholarship Application.

    Match3.5 / 5Quality4.5 / 5Ease4.5 / 5Privacy4.0 / 5

    Best for: Central Ohio students who want one universal application and a county-based search of local foundation scholarships.

    Limitation: Many awards are limited to a specific employer, church, school or college, so a typical student may qualify for only a few.

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  • Dayton Foundation Scholarships

    Community FoundationUS · Ohio100-999 scholarshipsFree

    Our rating

    Scholarships for Ohio students in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Darke, Preble and northern Warren counties, including college and career or technical study.

    Match2.0 / 5Quality3.0 / 5Ease3.5 / 5Privacy3.0 / 5

    Best for: Graduating seniors and current college students in the Greater Dayton counties seeking foundation scholarships for college, trade or technical education.

    Limitation: Submitting the general application does not complete every scholarship application; some opportunities require additional questions, essays or other award-specific materials.

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Common questions

Where can I find scholarships in Ohio?
Start with the local foundation for your county. Our directory lists the Columbus Foundation, the Dayton Foundation and College Now Greater Cleveland, and each listing names the area it serves.
Do I need a separate application for each award?
Not for every award. The Columbus Foundation uses one universal application for many of its donor awards. Each listing says how its application works.
Is there help for adult learners in Ohio?
Yes. College Now Greater Cleveland offers scholarships for returning adult students as well as seniors at the high schools it serves in Northeast Ohio.
Do these sites cost money?
The Ohio sources on this page are labeled Free, which means their scholarships were viewable without paying. Each listing shows its price label, so check it before you sign up anywhere.