Ohio Student Loans And Financial Aid Programs
Ohio has several private student loan and financial aid programs that can help you pay for college. If you're going to be attending college in Ohio, you need to be looking to take advantage of these programs.
These programs are designed to help make college more affordable - so that you can get the education you need. These programs can include scholarships, grants, and student loans.
Don't forget that there are Federal student loan programs available as well. You can find out more on how to get a Federal student loan here.
There is also a specific order of operations to pay for college that we recommend students follow. These programs specific to the State of Ohio can help you to avoid borrowing more money than you need to.
Ohio Student Loan Programs
Ohio doesn't have any unique student loan programs to help it's students pay for college. However, there are still Federal student loans available to students who attend college in Ohio.
If you're just looking for private student loan options, we recommend:
- Credible - Like the Kayak of student loans, they help you shop around and compare options. Try Credible here.
- Commonbond - One of the best private student loan lenders. Try Commonbond here.
For more options, check out our list of the best places to get a private student loan.
Ohio Scholarship Programs
Ohio has several scholarships available to students who want to attend college in the state.
Choose Ohio First Scholarship
The Choose Ohio First Scholarship is designed to significantly strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within STEMM disciplines and STEMM education.
Once a student receives a Choose Ohio First Scholarship, they become immersed in a cohort model with wrap-around student support services, such as built-in advising, mentoring, co-op and internship opportunities, cohort seminars and events, and research events.
Learn more about the Choose Ohio First Scholarship.
Ohio Grant Programs
Ohio also has a grant program to provide need based financial aid to Ohio residents.
Grants are one of the best forms of financial aid because, in most circumstances, you don't have to pay the money back.
Ohio College Opportunity Grant
This grant provides money to Ohio residents who demonstrate the highest levels of financial need (as determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that should be completed) who are enrolled at Ohio public colleges or universities, Ohio private, non-profit colleges or universities, and Ohio private, for-profit institutions.
The maximum award is $3,500 per year.
You can learn more about the Ohio College Opportunity Grant.
Other Options
If you already have student loans and are looking for options as a Ohio resident, check out our Ohio Student Loan Forgiveness Program page. That page has all the different options available to Ohio residents to potentially get some of your student loan debt forgiven.
You might also look at refinancing your student loans and saving money in interest while also potentially lowering your payment. Check out our guide on the Best Places To Refinance Your Student Loans.
If you're looking for ways to save for college in Ohio, check out our Ohio 529 Plan and College Savings Guide.
Finally, check out the other student loan and financial aid programs by state.
