If you want to attend The Ohio State University, but you aren't sure how to pay for your education, financial aid could be an option for you. For some, financial aid is the only way they are able to afford a college education. Read on for more information on how to apply for financial aid at The Ohio State University.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Please contact your financial adviser before using the information presented here.

• The cost of a college education continues to go up, and many students attending or hoping to attend The Ohio State University may wonder how they'll be able to afford tuition. The Ohio State University's Office of Student Financial Aid offers a variety of options that could help you offset the cost of your college education, but there are very clear-cut steps you should take to obtain the aid you may need.

(Creative Commons photo by tlarrow)

• The first thing you will need to do to apply for financial aid at The Ohio State University is fill out and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Before you begin, you should first determine if you qualify. In order to qualify for federal student aid, you must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen
2. Have a valid Social Security number
3. Be registered with Selective Service if you are a male between 18 and 25 years of age
4. Have a high school diploma or GED
5. Be accepted for enrollment or already enrolled in a school that participates in federal student aid programs
6. Have no drug convictions while you were receiving any kind of federal financial aid in the pastFAFSA: Who is eligible to receive Federal Student Aid?

• The next step to take before filling out the form is to gather the necessary documents and information you will need to apply, including:

1. Social Security number
2. Driver's license
3. Tax returns
4. Bank statements
5. Tax records
6. Information on your dependency status

• Once you have the necessary documents, you will need to:

1. Print and complete a FAFSA web worksheet
2. Decide how you will sign your application
   1. You can submit electronically, using a pin number that can be obtained online
   2. You can opt to mail in a signature pageFAFSA: Signatures Required
3. Be sure you give permission for your information to be forwarded to The Ohio State University
   1. You will be asked to include OSU's federal school code number during step 6 of the FAFSA application
   2. The Ohio State University's federal school code number is 003090The Ohio State University: How to Apply

• Be sure to note The Ohio State University's financial aid application deadlines.

• The Ohio State University offers a number of institutional scholarships and programs to qualified students, including:

1. Selected Merit Scholarship Programs
   1. Presidential Scholarship
   2. Medalist Scholarship
   3. Maximus Scholarship
   4. Provost Scholarship
   5. Scholarship for National Merit, National Achievement and National Hispanic Scholars
   6. National Buckeye Scholarship
   7. Trustees Scholarship
   8. Land Grant Opportunity Scholarship
   9. Distinction Scholarship
   10. Prominence Scholarship
   11. Excellence Scholarship
   12. International Undergraduate ScholarshipThe Ohio State University: University-Administered Scholarships
2. Office of Minority Affairs Scholarship Programs
   1. Freshman Foundation Program (FFP)
   2. Morrill Scholars Program (MSP)
   3. Young Scholars Program (YSP)
   4. To learn more about specific scholarships offered, contact The Ohio State University's Office of Minority Affairs at (614) 292-0964.
3. Special-eligibility scholarships
4. Cooperative scholarship housing
5. Departmental scholarships
6. ROTC scholarships

• The criteria for awarding scholarships varies. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. The Ohio State University offers an online scholarship search page to help you determine your scholarship options.

• Many external scholarships are available to students at The Ohio State University. These scholarships can come from a variety of sources, including:

1. Professional, civic or service organizations
2. Churches
3. Private foundations
4. The military

• Information about external scholarships available to students can be found on The Ohio State University's website.The Ohio State University: Non-University Aid (External Awards)

(Creative Commons photo by atalou)

• Several institutional, state and federal grants and loans are available to assist students at The Ohio State University.

1. The Ohio State University offers the Scarlet and Gray Grant to undergraduate students at its campus in Columbus, Ohio. To be eligible, students must:
   1. Meet the academic eligibility requirements
   2. Demonstrate a financial need
2. The state of Ohio offers the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) to Ohio residents enrolled in an undergraduate program at an in-state college. To apply for the OCOG you must:
   1. Complete and submit your FAFSA by a set deadline
   2. Include The Ohio State University federal school code (003090) on the application
3. Federal grants available to students at The Ohio State University include:
   1. Pell Grant
   2. Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
   3. National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART)
   4. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

If you hope to attend The Ohio State University but aren't sure if you'll be able to pay the entire cost of tuition, financial aid is an option to investigate. By filling out FAFSA and any other necessary aid applications, you may be able to get help to pay for your education. The Ohio State University also offers a number of university-based loans and grants that can help lessen the financial burden of a college education.

• Introduction
• Step 1: Submit Your Financial Aid Application
• Step 2: Scholarships and Scholars Programs
• Step 3: Grants and Loans
• Conclusion
• References