Financial aid and scholarships

The Federal Pell Grant Program offers up to $7,395 (2023-24 academic calendar) in aid that does not need to be repaid. The amount granted depends on your tuition costs and financial need. Complete the FAFSA to see if you are eligible and to apply. Learn more about federal student aid

If you are an Ohio resident and qualify for a federal Pell Grant, you may also qualify for a needs-based state grant. Funds for this program are more limited, however, and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ohio College Opportunity Grants

Ohio College Opportunity Grants (OCOG) are state-funded each academic year and are available to Ohio residents who demonstrate financial need and have qualified for Pell Grant funds. Funds for this program are limited. The grant is prorated based on full- or part-time enrollment status.

Grants and scholarships are automatically accepted. If you want to decline grants or scholarships, contact the Financial Aid office at financialaid@centralstate.edu. 

Federal Direct Loans

• A subsidized loan is awarded based on financial need. Students will not be charged interest before they begin repayment or during authorized deferment periods. The federal government subsidizes the interest during these periods. 
   
• An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. Students will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If students allow the interest to accumulate while they are in school or during other periods of nonpayment, it will be capitalized; that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan and subsequent interest will be based on the higher amount. 

Federal Direct PLUS Loans enable parents who do not have an adverse credit history to borrow money to pay the education expenses of each child who is a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time. 

The federal work-study program provides funds for students with financial need to work part-time on campus. Work-study is an outstanding way to gain valuable hands-on experience that will help you in the future in addition to allowing you to earn money while in school to help pay your expenses. 

The Presidential Scholarship is the most prestigious award offered at Central State University and is reserved for a few of the top incoming freshmen. Recipients are selected by a committee that considers academic merit, demonstrated leadership ability, community engagement, and strength of character. A Presidential Scholarship covers tuition, fees, room, and board. APPLY NOW

Requirements

• 3.7 or higher unweighted high school GPA
• SAT and ACT waived this year due to COVID
• Demonstrated leadership ability, community engagement, and strength of character
• Must be an entering freshmen who has been admitted to the University and enrolled in the Honors College with a high school transcript on file

Scholarship applications from students who are not accepted to the University or who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements will not be considered.

Continuous scholarship requirements

The Presidential Scholarship covers up to eight semesters of continuous undergraduate study (fall and spring semesters only). Recipients must meet the following requirements: 

• Earn 15 or more credit hours per semester
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and remain in good standing in the Honors College each semester
• Complete four online financial literacy sessions

Other information

• Scholarships will be disbursed in equal amounts between the fall and spring semesters
   
• Room charges are covered for double-occupancy housing only and for spring and fall semesters only. Costs not covered by the Presidential Scholarship include:
  • Tuition and fees for the summer semester
  • Summer semester housing
  • Charges incurred due to selecting a single room
     
• The total financial aid package including scholarships cannot exceed the total cost of attendance at Central State University
   
• Scholarships are subject to the availability of funds and may be adjusted as needed

Apply today

Deadline to apply | Feb. 18, 2022

Funded by the Strada Education Network, the Strada Presidential Leadership Scholarship focuses on investment in students. Through this scholarship program, recipients will be provided leadership development, academic support, and critical social engagement resulting in positive postsecondary learning opportunities that lead to meaningful career pathways for Strada Scholars.

Strada recognizes the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in providing economic and social mobility to America’s next generation of leaders and undertakes this initiative to provide institutional and systemic improvements for the participating institutions and the students they serve.

Grant amounts

• $7,000 per year (4 years)
• $1,200 per year (3 years) for internships
• $1,200 per year (3 years) for leadership development

Criteria

• 3.5 unweighted cumulative high school GPA
   
• Recipients must be Entering Freshmen
   
• Enrollment and maintaining good standing in the Honors College
  Apply to the Honors College
   
• Recipients must be full-time students
   
• Recipients agree to:
  • Participate in leadership development opportunities annually/regionally
     
  • Participate in mentoring and career coaching throughout academic tenure
     
  • Participate in internships or other work-based learning experiences
     
  • Willingly engage with Strada and its system of record, providing testimonials and experiences
     
  • Share testimonials and experiences
     
  • Be a changemaker who anticipates and engages with University Administration to build creative solutions

Supported by the Choose Ohio First program, the Marauder Choose Ohio First Honors Scholarship is an opportunity for new freshmen from the state of Ohio to enroll at Central State. This is a renewable competitive scholarship, offering students up to $32,000 over four years. Students must achieve program objectives to receive renewable annual awards of $8,221. Apply now

Criteria

• Be a resident of Ohio
   
• 3.5 unweighted cumulative high school GPA
   
• Enrollment in the Honors College (Honors scholarship only)— apply now
   
• Maintain status as honors student in good standing (Honors scholarship only)
   
• Students must major in one of the following: Science and Math Education, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Mathematics, or Water Resource Management

NOTE: Incoming freshmen can receive the Freshman Scholarship or the Freshman Honors Student Scholarship. They do not receive both.

• 3.7-4.0 GPA — $4,500
• 3.5-3.69 GPA — $3,500

The Incoming Freshman Honors Student Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship open to incoming freshmen honors students based on their unweighted high school GPA. Half of the scholarship will be applied in each of the fall and spring semesters. 

To be considered, students must meet the following criteria:

• Admitted member of the Honors College — apply now
   
• 3.5 or higher unweighted high school GPA
   
• Evidence of extracurricular and/or service activities
   
• Meet the FAFSA deadline (Dec. 1) to be considered for this award. International students will be required to submit a copy of their I-20 instead of the FAFSA
   
• Remain an honors student in good standing for the second semester of freshman year
   
• Students must attend four financial literacy workshops during the academic year (provided by the Financial Aid Office).

The Continuing Honors Student Scholarship is an academic, merit-based scholarship for continuing honors students with 30 or more credit hours by the end of the spring semester each year. The credit hours must be earned during the fall and spring semesters only of each academic year. Half of the scholarship will be applied in each of the fall and spring semesters. 

• 3.7-4.0 GPA — $4,000
   
• 3.5-3.69 GPA — $3,000

Eligibility: To be considered, students must meet the following criteria:

• Admitted member of the Honors College in good standing
   
• Must be working toward earning honors designations
   
• Earned a total of 30 credit hours or more (for the academic year in the fall and spring semesters only), which are required for the completion of their program of study
   
• Achieve a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA by May 5 (end of spring semester)
   
• Meet the FAFSA deadline (Dec. 1) to be considered for this award. International students will be required to submit a copy of their I-20 instead of the FAFSA
   
• Students must attend four financial literacy workshops during the academic year (provided by the Financial Aid Office).

Delta Zeta Alumni Foundation will issue two $2,000 scholarships renewable for a second year. In the second year, the foundation will add an additional two $2,000 scholarships — renewable for a second year — bringing the total each year to $8,000 in scholarships awarded to four students. 

This is an academic, merit-based scholarship for incoming male freshmen honors students and continuing sophomore honors students majoring in Business or Education. The scholarship will be applied to the student's account for the fall semester. No monies are given directly to the student. Apply now

Honors scholarship criteria

• Admitted member of the Honors College — Honors College application
   
• Have a declared major in Business or Education
   
• 3.5 or higher unweighted high school GPA
   
• Evidence of extracurricular and/or service activities
   
• Remain an honors student in good standing

Continuing honors scholarship criteria 

• Admitted member of the Honors College — Honors College application
   
• Must be working toward earning honors designations
   
• Keep a declared major in Business or Education
   
• Achieve a minimum 3.5 or higher GPA by May 5 (end of Spring Semester)
   
• Earned a total of 30 credit hours or more (for the academic year in the fall and spring semesters only), which are required for the completion of their program of study
   
• Evidence of extracurricular and/or service activities on campus
   
• Remain an honors student in good standing
   
• Submit to having their picture posted as an awardee on the Delta Zeta Alumni Foundation website

The Continuing Student Scholarship is an academic, merit-based scholarship for continuing students with 30 or more credit hours by the end of the spring semester each year. The 30 credit hours are to be earned during the fall and spring semesters only of each academic year.

• Award: $1,000-$3,000

Eligibility: To be considered, students must meet the following criteria.

• Earned a total of 30 or more credit hours for fall and spring semesters only, which are required for the completion of their program of study
   
• Achieve a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA by May 5 (end of spring semester)
   
• Meet the FAFSA deadline (Dec. 1) to be considered for this award. International students will be required to submit a copy of their I-20 instead of the FAFSA
   
• Students must attend four financial literacy workshops during the academic year

Example: A student received the Continuing Student Merit-Based Scholarship in the previous academic year (spring and fall). The student completed FAFSA by Dec. 1 of the current year. The student completed 15 credit hours in the fall and 16 credit hours in the spring, bringing the academic year total to 31 credit hours. The cumulative GPA for the student is 3.1, and they do not have a previous back balance. The student is eligible to receive the scholarship based on the established criteria. Referencing the chart below, the award amount would be $1,000.

• 3.7-4.0 GPA — $4,500
• 3.5-3.69 GPA — $3,500

Maximum scholarship award

• 3.0-3.39 GPA — up to $1,000
• 3.40-3.79 GPA — up to $2,000
• 3.80-4.0 GPA — up to $3,000

The Continuing Student Scholarship will be added to eligible students' accounts in mid-June. Eligibility is determined based on completed credit hours and GPA. No application is required.

The Freshman Scholarship is open in the following amounts for students who meet the corresponding criteria. Students are considered upon admission to the University.

Maximum scholarship award

• 2.7-2.99 GPA — $1,000
• 3.0-3.29 GPA — $2,000
• 3.3-3.69 GPA — $3,000
• 3.7-4.00 GPA — $4,000

NOTE: Incoming freshmen either receive the Freshman Scholarship or the Freshman Honors Student Scholarship. Students do not receive both.

Transfer scholarships are available in the following amounts for transfer students who meet the corresponding criteria.

Transfer scholarships are awarded based on the number of credit hours a student is transferring into the University. A student is required to have a minimum of 31 credit hours to be considered for the Transfer Scholarship.

Eligibility

For scholarship consideration, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed and on file with the University. Students may file a FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov using Central State University’s school code of 003026.

We recommend that students and families file their income taxes prior to completing the FAFSA; however, students may complete the FAFSA beginning Oct. 1 with estimated tax amounts. After filing taxes, students may go back to enter the correct tax information.

The FAFSA priority deadline is Dec. 1 of the year prior to entering the University. International students will be required to submit a copy of their I-20 instead of the FAFSA.

Maximum scholarship awards with an associate degree

• 2.7-3.29 GPA — $2,000
• 3.3-3.69 GPA — $3,000
• 3.7-4.0 GPA — $3,500

Maximum scholarship award with 31-60 credits

• 2.7-3.29 GPA — $1,000
• 3.3-3.69 GPA — $2,000
• 3.7-4.0 GPA — $3,000

Transfer scholarships are renewable for up to three years based on a student’s academic performance. Students are considered upon admission to the University.

Students who receive a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and earn at least 30 semester hours will be eligible for a scholarship with the continuing student scholarship criteria.

Students are automatically considered for these scholarships with a completed Central State University enrollment application, FAFSA, and an official college transcript.

NOTE: Incoming Transfers that are eligible either receive the Transfer Scholarship or the Transfer Honors Student Scholarship. Students do not receive both.

The Tiffany & Co. About Love Scholarship program, in partnership with BeyGOOD and the Shawn Carter Foundation, has pledged $2 million in scholarship funding for students in the arts and creative fields at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Tiffany & Co. About Love Scholarship will be awarded to five small private and select state schools, including Central State University.

Students must qualify for financial aid as determined by Central State, and the scholarships will be awarded to students who meet all eligibility requirements. This scholarship supports incoming and current students interested in pursuing degrees in creative fields (visual arts, media, performance, design, etc.), history, and communications. Priority will be given to students who are facing financial hardships and in need of emergency financial assistance, and award sizes will range per student based on need.

Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and to apply.

All entering freshmen, first-time CSU band students, and transfer students must audition to be band members and be eligible for a band scholarship. Students do not have to be music majors to audition for a band scholarship.

The audition is a vital part of evaluating the student's musical and technical proficiency in their instrument. Band audition requirements

Band scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and are divided equally between fall and spring semesters.

The student’s compliance with the terms of this contract will be reviewed each semester by the director of bands and the chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. This award will be renewed upon the recommendation of the director of bands if the student is determined to be complying fully with the contract.

The student's total financial aid package may not exceed the total amount required by the University for tuition, fees, and room and board. Adjustments to aid may be necessary to comply with federal and Institutional rules and regulations.

Requirements for a Invincible Marching Marauders scholarship

• Maintain full-time status and complete a minimum of 30 credit hours by the end of the spring semester each academic year
   
• Maintain good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
   
• Enroll in marching band, pep band, concert band, and any other ensembles as determined by the director of bands
   
• Earn a grade of B or higher in all ensembles
   
• Attend and participate in all rehearsals and performances, including pre-semester rehearsals and performances
   
• Ensure employment schedules do not conflict with rehearsal or performance schedules
   
• Receive approval from the director of bands in the case of class schedule conflicts
   
• Maintain a regular, individual practice schedule and meet the performance standards of all ensembles
   
• Attend all principal applied lessons and other class lessons as determined by the director of bands and the requirements of the student’s degree program
   
• Maintain behavior in keeping with policies outlined in the student handbook, band handbook, and course syllabi

Central State University Chorus offers a limited number of scholarships to music and non-music majors. Auditions are required for all scholarships, contingent upon full participation in the Central State University Chorus. Learn more

Be advised funding is announced in January, and not all scholarships are funded every year.

Dean Fred Aikens, D.M. Award — $500

This scholarship is presented to a student who, in the dean’s opinion, demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities while serving as officers of their respective student organizations and displaying professional dress during the academic year.

The AEP Foundation Scholarship — $1,500

This scholarship is presented to any student majoring in the College of Business. The student must be participating in the NextJob program, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, be a U.S. citizen, and be involved in campus activities.

The AEP Scholarship — $250

This scholarship is presented to any student majoring in the College of Business. The student must be participating in the NextJob program, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, be a U.S. citizen, and be involved in campus activities.

Air Force Communication Electronics Association Scholarship — $1,000

This scholarship is presented to a junior and a senior student who has demonstrated success in management information systems or electronics and math and science. The student must be a U.S. citizen and have completed 30 semester credit hours (or equivalent) but not more than 100 semester credit hours (or equivalent). A transfer student must have completed at least one term as a full-time student at Central State University.

Air Force Communication Electronics Association Scholarship — $500

This scholarship is presented to a junior and a senior student who has demonstrated success in management information systems or electronics and math and science. The student must be a U.S. citizen and have completed 30 semester credit hours (or equivalent) but not more than 100 semester credit hours (or equivalent). A transfer student must have completed at least one term as a full-time student at Central State University.

The Joseph P. Blackshere Scholarship — $500

This scholarship is presented to a rising junior or senior student, with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, who has demonstrated leadership qualities, professional dress during the academic year, and maturity through organization participation. The student will also participate in the University's Advisory Council during the upcoming academic year.

Burger King Corporation Scholarship — $500

The selection of scholars is based on the student’s academic record, financial need, community activities, demonstrated leadership roles, and/or offices held in student organizations. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.

Business Administration Chairman’s Award — $200

The Chairman’s Award is presented to students majoring in Business at Central State University. Recipients of this award will have demonstrated leadership, service, and academic success.

College of Business Scholarship — $500

This scholarship is awarded to students studying Business Administration with preference given to students with a concentration in marketing and management. Scholarships are awarded to students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a semester basis. Students must demonstrate a financial need. The scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the dean.

College of Business Student Recognition Award — $200

This award is the highest award given by the College of Business. The award is given to a graduating senior who exemplifies the model College of Business student. The selected student will have demonstrated leadership, professional dress, student organization involvement, and civic activities during the academic year.

The Ron Cosey Memorial Scholarship — $500

This scholarship is presented to a sophomore or a junior student majoring in Business Administration with any major concentration. The recipient must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be involved in student activities on campus.

Fifth Third Bank Scholarship — $2,500

This scholarship is presented to any student majoring in the College of Business. The student must be participating in the NextJob program, maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA, be a U.S. citizen, and be involved in campus activities.

The Vernon Ford Foundation Scholarship — $1,000

This scholarship is presented annually to a College of Business student with an option in marketing or finance. Each recipient receives a scholarship for tuition and fees for the academic year. Students must be in the top third of their class, possess strong leadership skills, exhibit professional dress during the academic year, and have a record of participation in civic or campus activities.

Hospitality Management Award — $200

This award is presented to a student with an option in hospitality management. The recipient of this award will have demonstrated leadership and service through their involvement in the Hospitality Management Club and a dedication to academic excellence by obtaining a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Harry G. Johns Scholarship Book Fund — $1,000

This scholarship is presented to an honor student in the College of Business majoring in accounting. The student must be entering their junior year.

Key Bank Scholarship $500

This scholarship is presented to any student in the College of Business who is majoring in accounting or finance. The student must also show stability in their major. The recipients must maintain a 2.7 or higher GPA and demonstrate a financial need.

The Richard D. Kidd Memorial Award Scholarship — $500

This scholarship was established by Mrs. Mary Kidd as an endowed fund in memory of her late husband and former dean of the College of Business Administration. This award scholarship is presented to a student who has demonstrated yearly academic progress, overall cultural maturation, professional dress, and student organization involvement.

The Isaiah Lipsey Scholarship — $500

This scholarship is presented by Mr. Isaiah Lipsey, a College of Business alumni and management major. Each scholarship recipient must be a freshman, sophomore, or junior management major and must maintain a 2.8 or higher GPA.

The Tiara Love Scholarship — $500

This scholarship was established by Ms. Tiara Love, a College of Business alumni. The scholarship is presented to any College of Business major. The recipient must maintain at least a 3.0 or higher GPA.

The Adigarapatti Rangarajan (Professor Raj) Memorial Scholarship — $500

This is presented in memory of Raj, a beloved faculty member in the College of Business. The award recipient must have achieved at least a 2.75 GPA with a major in accounting and demonstrated leadership and commitment through participation in University organizations and professional dress during the academic year.

The Charles Ted Sampson Jr. Scholarship — $500

This scholarship is presented to high-achieving students in the field of Marketing. The recipient of the scholarship must be a rising senior with preference given to students who do not receive financial aid. The student must be an Ohio resident with at least a 2.8 GPA and a declared major in business administration with an option in marketing or manufacturing engineering student.

The Chuck Showell Academic Scholarship in Business Administration — $500

This scholarship is presented to any student majoring in business administration or accounting. The recipient must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and be involved in the College of Business through University clubs or the Student Advisory Council.

The Almon Sims Scholarship — $500

This scholarship is presented by Mr. Almon Sims, a College of Business alumni and marketing major. The recipient of the scholarship must be a sophomore or junior marketing major and must maintain at least a 2.8 GPA. 

The Jonas L. Waits Scholarship — $500

This is presented in memory of Jonas L. Waits. The recipient must be a College of Business sophomore or junior major and must maintain at least a 2.8 GPA.

Walmart Transportation Scholarship — $500

This scholarship is presented to any student in the College of Business who best represents the four basic beliefs of Walmart — respect for the individual; service to the customer; striving for excellence; and integrity always. The recipient must also maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.

The Herbert H. Willis Student Development Scholarship — $1,000

This scholarship is given to an aspiring student in accounting or finance to encourage academic progress toward excellence.

The Dr. Rodney E. Wyse Scholarship — $500

This scholarship is presented to a rising junior or senior student with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The recipient must have demonstrated leadership qualities, professional dress during the academic year, and maturity through organizational participation. The student will also participate in the University's Advisory Council during the upcoming academic year. 

Questions? Contact Fred Aikens
E: faikens@centralstate.edu
O: 937-376-6642

The Creating Excellence in Agricultural Workforce (CREW) Scholarship is available to students majoring in sustainable agriculture, environmental engineering, manufacturing engineering, water resources management, agribusiness, or agricultural education. The scholarship award is $3,000 per year for up to four years. Apply now

For more information, contact Dr. Morakinyo Kuti at mkuti@centralstate.edu.

The Creating Excellence in Agricultural Workforce (CREW) Scholarship offers up to $3,000 per year for up to four years to students majoring in sustainable agriculture, environmental or manufacturing engineering, water resources management, agribusiness, or agricultural education. Contact Dr. Morakinyo Kuti at mkuti@centralstate.edu for more information.

Choose Ohio First Computer Science Programs of Innovation (COFCPS) Scholarship offers up to $10,000 per student per year for up to four years. Recipients must be computer science majors or those seeking a certificate in cyber security. Contact Dr. Manizheh Nafari at mnafari@centralstate.edu for more information.

The Ohio Agribusiness Association Scholarship is available to returning students majoring in agricultural education, sustainable agriculture, or agribusiness concentration. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, and two $1,000 awards are distributed in January. Contact Jon Henry at jhenry@centralstate.edu for more information.

Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation is available to returning students majoring in agricultural education, sustainable agriculture, or agribusiness concentration. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, and two $1,000 awards are distributed in January. Contact Jon Henry at jhenry@centralstate.edu for more information.

The USDA-NIFA 1890 Student Scholarship is open to students majoring in agriculture-related majors with a 2.8 or higher high school GPA or 3.0 collegiate GPA for transfer and continuing students. It is open to Ohio residents for up to $60,000 per student over four years. Contact Dr. Sharath Krishna at skrishna@centralstate.edu for more information.

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program

The fellowship welcomes applications from young people interested in careers in international service. For those who want to become foreign services officers in the U.S. Department of State, the Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program provides benefits of up to $90,000 over two years toward a two-year master's degree, arranges internships on Capitol Hill and at U.S. embassies, and provides professional development and support activities.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. The study abroad program must be at least 4 weeks long.

Boren Awards for International Study

This scholarship is available to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central, and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The CIEE-International Study Programs Scholarship

Each year, CIEE awards over $1 million in scholarships to students who plan to study overseas on its programs. This financial aid can be applied toward, or even defray, program fees and travel costs. You do not need to have already been accepted into a program to be considered for a scholarship award, but you need to apply early.

Phi Kappa Phi Grants

Study abroad grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Fifty $1,000 grants are awarded each year.

The Robert E. Bailey Scholarship

The Robert B. Bailey Scholarship is intended to promote the participation in CIEE programs of individuals or members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in study abroad, especially ethnic minority students.

Diversity Abroad scholarships

This program offers five $500 scholarships for fall semester and five $500 scholarships for spring semester. Scholarships are only for students participating in a study, internship, volunteer, or language immersion program abroad offered by a DiversityAbroad.com partner organization.

The Global Access Initiative (GAIN): Scholarship Program

The CIEE Global Access Initiative (GAIN) was created to help students overcome major barriers to studying abroad, namely costs and curriculum requirements. GAIN aids in the diversification of study abroad by providing overseas opportunities for students who are economically challenged, from diverse backgrounds, or from underrepresented fields of study.

Scholarships for Multicultural Students Studying Abroad

Study Abroad in Japan: Bridging Scholarships

The Bridging Project offers scholarships to American undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs in Japan. Undergraduate students majoring in any field of study are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Japanese language study is not a prerequisite. Recipients receive a stipend of $2,500 (for students on semester-long programs) or $4,000 (for students on academic-year programs). For more information contact ATJ at aatj@aatj.org or 303-492-5487 or fax 303-492-5856.

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)

FEA awards scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need represent a group that is traditionally underrepresented in study abroad and are participating in programs in non-traditional destinations. Three scholarship programs are available:

• The Hilary Echo Douglas Memorial Scholarship for Vietnam and other cultures with a commitment to service
   
• The Rainbow Scholarship for a deserving LGBTQ+ student

Fastweb.com offers a database of available scholarships and grants.

Mobility International USA offers financial resources for people with disabilities to fund international opportunities.

International Scholarships is an online scholarship database that provides a listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, financial aid, and other information to assist college and university students.

For more information on study abroad scholarships contact, contact 937-376-6128 or international@centralstate.edu.

Click here to learn about and apply for the CESTA/USDA 1890 David Scott Scholarship.

Springfield Foundation

Dayton Workforce Partnerships

DTXS Public School Scholarship

Central State University is providing free tuition scholarships for students from the following public-school districts: Dayton Public Schools, Trotwood-Madison City Schools, Xenia Community Schools, and Springfield City Schools.

Applicants must be new first-time freshmen applying for the fall 2024 term. Graduate, transfer, readmits/previously enrolled, transient/visiting, non-degree seeking, and currently enrolled students are not eligible. All students are required to live on campus for the first year.
 
QUALIFYING SCHOOLS

• Belmont High School
• Dayton Digital Academy
• Dayton Early College Academy
• Dayton Regional STEM Academy
• Horizon Science Academy
• Meadowdale Career Technology Center
• Mound Street Academy
• Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School
• Ponitz Career Technology Center
• Springfield High School
• Springfield STEM Academy
• Stivers School of the Arts
• Thurgood Marshall High School
• Trotwood Madison High School
• Xenia High School

Students will receive up to $5,000 for two consecutive terms of free tuition only. This grant will not cover fees or room and board.
 
A FAFSA must be submitted, and students will not be eligible to receive any additional institutional aid during this award period. 
 
For more information, email Marchea Wiley at mwiley@centralstate.edu.

Federal Student Aid scholarships

Executive Leadership Council scholarships

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. Each year, we award more than $100 million in scholarships to students attending more than 1,100 schools across the country, including our prestigious network of 37 HBCUs.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. We encourage students to seek scholarship opportunities in their communities and their chosen fields of study.

The Central State General Alumni Association is offering Central State University students a scholarship for $2000.

 Criteria:

• Must have at least a 2.5 minimum cumulative G.P.A,
• Be entering into junior or senior year,
• Be involved in at least one activity at Central State University.

Applications and supporting documentation must be turned in together by the deadline May 29, 2023 by 5pm.

Application for National Alumni Scholarship

 Deadline: May 29, 2023

Recipients will be notified by June 15, 2023

 Submit applications to either:

•  Financialaid@centralstate.edu OR
• Financial Aid Office:  Attention: Mr. Kelvin Yarrington, Scholarship Coordinator

This program allows Centralians and their families to enroll in degree-seeking classes. The program expands access to family members and Centralians who were not included in the past. The form in this section is NOT used for the MBA Discount Program.

The Alumni Tuition Remission Benefit Program enables Centralian members in good standing, full dues-paying members and their families, to receive tuition remission. The application link will close the day the drop/add closes each semester and will not reopen until registration for the upcoming semester opens. Applications are required each semester. Once the link closes for the current semester, no other applications will be received or approved for the past semester. Summer sessions are not included in this program. 

Eligible family members include children including stepchildren, grandchildren including step-grandchildren, spouses, siblings, and parents, including parents-in-law.

Note: Tuition for semesters with a GPA below 2.0 will disqualify the student from the benefit for the next semester.

Download program FAQs

Steps to apply

1. Apply for admissions. Students are responsible for application fees, matriculation fees, general fees, books, and health fees. Admitted and actively enrolled students begin with Step 2.
2. Complete a FAFSA.
3. Register for classes.
4. Complete a Tuition Remission Form (required each semester).

The student must be registered full time (12-18 credit hours).

Apply now

A federally funded grant, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year in grants for undergraduate students in specified majors who intend to teach full-time in high-need subject areas for at least four years at schools classified as serving low-income students. For students who do not complete the service obligations associated with the program, this grant will be converted to a Direct Unsubsidized loan. 

Grant-becomes-loan provision 

While students intending to teach may benefit from this grant money, accepting a TEACH grant is unlike other grant programs. 

Failure to meet all service provisions will result in all TEACH grant funds being permanently converted to a loan with interest calculated to when the grant was received. 

To receive a TEACH Grant, students must do the following:  

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 

• Meet basic aid eligibility requirements for matriculation and academic progress 

• Be enrolled in a program of study designated as TEACH Grant-eligible 

• Meet one of the following academic achievement requirements: score above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test (e.g., SAT, ACT, or GRE) or have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 

• Complete TEACH Grant counseling each year funds are received 

• Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (ATS) each year the student receives funds and respond to requests by the U.S. Department of Education confirming your continuing intention to meet the teaching obligation 

Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families may be eligible for additional educational benefits under the Forever GI Bill. It provides funding to qualified students to help pay for tuition and fees, housing, books, and supplies. Learn more

Veterans' educational benefits

GI Bill 

GI Bill benefits help students pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. It is available to qualifying veterans and their family members to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.  

AmeriCorps 

AmeriCorps is a program for students to participate in national service and community service that can help put them through college. 
 
FASTChoice 

FASTChoice makes it easy to learn a student’s options, responsibilities and details of each lender’s loan products. There are many ways to pay for higher education, and FASTChoice makes it easier by providing students with simple yet critical information about funding types and money management. It also clearly presents the student’s new responsibilities when they borrow money. Finally, FASTChoice presents the student with a comparison of loan products in easy-to-understand ways.

ROTC scholarships

Army ROTC scholarships pay 100% tuition, $1,200 per year for books, and required fees. They are awarded on merits such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal interviews, and physical fitness.

Scholarship winners also receive a monthly stipend of $420 for each academic month. Each scholarship may have different benefits that are attached to the specific type of scholarship.

Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen and at least age 17 with the ability to commission by the time you are 30 years old
   
• Have a high school GPA of at least 2.50
   
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
   
• Meet physical standards according to the Department of Defense Medical Review Board and Army physical fitness test
   
• Agree to accept a commission and serve in the Army on Active
  Duty or in a Reserve component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard)
   
• Pass a background check

For more Central State University Army ROTC scholarship information please contact:

Steve Harmon
Scholarship and Enrollment Counselor  
O: 937-376-6283 | M: 937-361-2263 

Central State Global Partnership provides current and retired union members and their families the chance to earn a degree online for free. The program covers the difference between any other aid you may receive and your education-related expenses. 

If you are waiting for a university-funded scholarship (band, choir, housing, etc.), please be patient. The Financial Aid office has requested each of these units provide information as soon as possible, but no later than June 1. Following National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) guidelines, Athletics will provide scholarship information by July 1.  

For scholarships from external sources, the Financial Aid office will add your financial aid award as soon as the Financial Aid office receives official notice of the award. You can see it under the financial aid tab in the student portal. 

Parent PLUS loans for the 2023-24 academic year will not be available until after April 1. You can access information about the PLUS loan application at https://studentaid.gov/app/launchPLUS.action?plusType=parentPlus. 

After your parents have completed the application, please notify the Financial Aid office via email financialaid@centralstate.edu.  

This will inform the Financial Aid officer to make the necessary adjustment to your student account. 

As always, if you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to us at: financialaid@centralstate.edu.