The President’s Ohio Scholarship Program recognizes Ohio students who have achieved a perfect ACT or SAT test score; a remarkable achievement, obtained by less than 1% of students nationwide. As a part of this program, students have the rare opportunity to craft their own signature Ohio State experience.
Program
- Choice to join either the University Honors Program or Ohio State Scholars Program
- Benefits of a learning community, enhanced academic experiences in the classroom and beyond, and network of peers and faculty, based on program of choice
- Access to a dedicated Scholarship Program Specialist to help guide students through Ohio State’s wide range of enriching programs
Scholarship
- Full cost of attendance to The Ohio State University, renewable for up to 8 full-time enrolled semesters
- Up to $5,000 enrichment grant funding
Eligibility and Criteria
The President’s Ohio Scholarship is awarded to new first-year Ohio residents enrolling at The Ohio State University Columbus campus who…
- Score a perfect ACT (36) or SAT (1600) test score on a single test date
- Submit all application materials, including a competitive application, official test scores and all other supporting materials, by the November 1 priority deadline
Award notifications will be sent by the end of December, with additional action required to select University Honors Program or one of the 16 Ohio State Scholars Programs.
The enrichment grant is accessible after the first year of successful study and can be used to support enriching educational opportunities such as study abroad, research or other hands-on learning experiences.
Ongoing Scholarship Requirements
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain eligible for the President’s Ohio Scholarship. Those who choose to participate in the University Honors Program are required to maintain a GPA of 3.4 or 3.5 depending on their major.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to apply by the early action deadline?
Yes. Meeting the November 1 early action application deadline is required. This means that the admissions application and all supporting information must be received by November 1.
Is there a separate application?
No. The application for admission will automatically allow all eligible applicants to be considered.
I have a perfect score because of superscoring. Is that permitted?
No. Eligibility for the President’s Ohio Scholarship program requires a student earning a perfect score on either the ACT (36) or SAT (1600) from a single test date.
Do I have to be an Ohio resident to be eligible?
Yes. Eligible students must be classified as Ohio residents for tuition purposes; residency will be verified during the application process.
I graduated from high school in 2025 but did not enroll in college (and have a perfect test score). Am I eligible to receive a President’s Ohio Scholarship award?
No. Only students who are graduating in the current year (by June 2026) are eligible to be considered.
When will I find out if I have received this award?
Students will be notified by letter of their selection by the end of December.
How long do I live on campus as part of this program?
Students may choose to live in a Scholars living-learning community or in a University Honors community in the first year, and in any university housing in the second year.
Can I be a commuter student and be part of the President’s Ohio Scholarship program?
Yes, if you have an approved housing exemption.
Can I join any Honors or Scholars program?
Yes. Students are guaranteed admission to the University Honors Program or one of 16 Ohio State Scholars programs and may choose which to join.
Can a student receive multiple scholarships or participate in more than one programs within the President’s Ohio Scholarship Program, Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program and Morrill Scholarship Program?
No. A student cannot receive more than one of these scholarships or participate in multiple programs. If a student is offered more than one, they must select which of these scholarships and the associated student experience they wish to accept.