Search within:

Financial Aid and Scholarships

At OHIO, we understand that higher education is an investment in your future, and we're committed to transparency, predictability and investing in students like you through financial aid and scholarships.

Ohio University provides all federal Title IV need-based financial aid programs; all Ohio aid programs; and a variety of grants, loans and scholarships. Need-based financial assistance is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

$9,032
average freshman total gift aid in 2023
99%
of freshmen received financial aid in 2023
$77 million+
in scholarships awarded to all students in 2023
  • The OHIO Excellence Awards

    Renewable scholarships and grants designed to recognize the resilience, accomplishments and diverse contributions of the fall 2025 entering first-year class.

  • The OHIO Admission Promise for Fall 2025

    Through the OHIO Admission Promise, qualifying fall 2025 applicants can receive automatic general University admission to the Athens campus.

  • 4 Years, 1 Low Price

    The OHIO Guarantee means students attending Ohio University will pay a single fixed rate that covers tuition and most fees for 12 consecutive semesters. The OHIO Guarantee+ takes our commitment to a whole new level.

    OHIO Guarantee+

    Cost of Attendance

FAFSA Overview

Each year, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal, state and institutional financial aid at Ohio University.

2025-26 FAFSA

While the FAFSA has typically been available October 1 each year, the U.S. Department of Education has announced that the 2025-2026 FAFSA will open for testing in October 2024 and to all students and families by December 1, 2024. The December release date is only applicable to the 2025-26 FAFSA, and no changes have been announced for future years. 

First Priority Date

OHIO's first-priority date for submission of the FAFSA is February 15, 2025. 

Federal School Code

Students applying to Ohio University’s Athens campus should include the Federal School Code 003100. Visit the Regional Campus Financial Aid page for additional Federal School Codes.

Transfer Students

Students who are transferring to Ohio University from another institution should request that their FAFSA results be sent to Ohio University's Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships as early as possible. Financial aid does not automatically transfer from one institution to another.

Types of Aid

Grants

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.

Loans

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. Learn more about all types of loans.

Federal Work-Study

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 select a Work-Study position.

Financial Aid Resources

More information is available on the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships website.