Bearcats Affordability Grant

Bearcats Affordability Grant is sponsored by University of Cincinnati. Institutional grant for Pell-eligible Ohio residents with household income under $75,000.

Bearcats Affordability Grant | University of Cincinnati second > third > last */ --> Bearcats Affordability Grant As college affordability continues to be a challenge to students across the country, the University of Cincinnati offers tuition-free college for qualifying Ohio students whose families earn less than $75,000 per year.

The Bearcats Affordability Grant covers tuition for any undergraduate degree at all three UC campuses including online programs. This initiative reflects UC’s commitment to college access, student success, and brighter futures for Ohio students. If you meet the criteria, you will automatically receive the Bearcats Affordability Grant.

There is no separate application process. You qualify for the grant, if you: Have a total annual household income of $75,000 or less. Are admitted for fall semester 2026 or later.

Are admitted to an undergraduate degree program. Begin at UC as a first-time, first-year student (freshmen student). Are awarded a Federal Pell Grant based on the FAFSA.

Maintain satisfactory academic progress , once you're enrolled. Maintain your eligibility Your eligibility will be reviewed each semester. As long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress and are enrolled in classes full time, the grant will continue to be applied to your semester bill.

Frequently asked questions What costs does the grant cover? The grant covers tuition and the following fees: instructional fees, general fees, campus life fees, distance learning fees, and program fees. It does not cover any additional course-specific fees, books, housing, and meal plans.

Does the grant apply to UC’s regional campuses? Yes. All UC campuses are included.

Because regional campus tuition is often fully covered by Pell, you may not need the Bearcats Affordability Grant. Does the grant cover tuition for a joint bachelor’s and master’s program? Yes.

The grant covers the undergraduate tuition portion of programs such as the 4+1/Accelerated Program . Can scholarships be used with the grant? Yes.

You may be able to use other scholarships to cover costs beyond just tuition. You should contact Enrollment Services to understand how your scholarships from UC, community organizations, or the State of Ohio will impact your Bearcats Affordability Grant. When does the program begin?

The first eligible class will be students entering UC in Fall 2026. Can I apply to any undergraduate program and receive the grant? Yes.

If you qualify for the grant, you can enroll in any associate or bachelor’s degree program at any UC campus, including online programs. Do I need a certain GPA to qualify? There is no minimum GPA requirement for this grant, but you must still meet the admission requirements for your intended UC program.

What counts as “family income”? Family income is determined using information reported on your FAFSA and it depends on your dependency status. If you file as a dependent student, it generally includes your parent(s’) income reported on federal tax returns, such as wages, self-employment income, taxable interest, and certain untaxed income.

If you file as an independent student, it generally includes your income and, if applicable, your spouse’s income, as reported on the FAFSA. Are transfer students eligible for the grant? No. You must be a first-time, first-year college student to qualify, however, if you’ve completed dual enrollment courses, such as College Credit Plus, you are not considered a transfer student.

If I become an Ohio resident after I start, will I receive the grant retroactively? No. If you start as a non-resident and later become an Ohio resident, the award will not be applied retroactively to earlier terms. It will only apply moving forward once residency is established.

If I already have a bachelor’s degree, can I receive the grant to get a second degree? No. This grant is only available to students pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree. If I start at UC Blue Ash or Clermont and later transition to Uptown campus, am I still eligible for the grant?

Yes. You may still be eligible for the grant, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements. How will I know if I receive the grant?

If you are awarded the grant, you will be notified through your official award offer notification. What happens if my UC GPA drops below 2. 0?

If you drop below 2. 0, you no longer meet what’s considered Satisfactory Academic Progress and your eligibility to continue to receive the grant may be impacted. Please check our Satisfactory Academic Progress policy to learn more.

What happens if I fail to meet satisfactory academic progress? If you no longer meet Satisfactory Academic Progress, your eligibility to continue to receive the grant may be impacted. Please check our Satisfactory Academic Progress policy to learn more.

Am I able to take a semester off and continue to receive the grant when I return? You may be eligible to receive the grant when you return, as long as you re-enroll, meet all eligibility requirements, and remain in good academic standing at the time of review. How long can I receive the grant?

You may receive the grant for the standard length of your program (four to five years), if you maintain full-time enrollment and make Satisfactory Academic Progress . If I want to change my major, can I continue to receive the grant? Yes.

The grant continues as long as you remain in an undergraduate program and stay within the standard length of completion (typically four or five years, depending on your program). What happens if my residency changes? Your residency is determined at the time you apply.

You can request a residency review if you believe your residency status has changed. If your residency changes from non-Ohio resident to Ohio resident , you may be eligible for the Bearcats Affordability Grant going forward, but it will not be applied retroactively to previous semesters or if you have passed billing deadlines. Will I be eligible for the grant if I become an Ohio resident after applying to UC?

Yes. If you meet Ohio residency criteria before you enroll, you may receive the grant starting with the first eligible term after residency is established.