Choose Ohio First Scholarship

Choose Ohio First Scholarship is sponsored by Cedarville University. Designed to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in STEMM disciplines, including engineering majors.

Choose Ohio First Scholarship | Cedarville University Choose Ohio First Scholarship Self-Service Financial Aid Note: This information is valid for new students entering Cedarville in 2026–27 . View all items in the State Aid category.

Strengthening Ohio’s Future The Choose Ohio First Scholarship (COFS) is designed to significantly strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) disciplines and STEMM education.

The following majors are included within the scholarship: Must be first-year freshman student or you are new to the program of study at Cedarville University (i.e., changing majors into a STEMM program). Males must be registered with Selective Service.

Must be enrolled in one of the majors listed above Must commit to participating in research and scholarship activities beyond the classroom requirements High school grade point average (GPA) of 3.

5 (weighted GPA) An ACT score ≥ 24, SAT score ≥ 1090, or CLT score ≥ 79 Evidence of ability to succeed and be prepared for career opportunities in Ohio Evidence of in-class and local engagement with businesses, nonprofits, or government Must commit to completing a work-based learning experience (research, clinical, internship, work experience) in their field of study before graduation.

For more information review the Work-based Learning Requirement website. All eligible incoming students will automatically be considered for this scholarship; no application is required.

Up to $4,500 per year for selected students Full-time enrollment recommended (minimum 12 credit hours per semester at Cedarville) Eligibility expires after eight semesters of attendance Limited to fall and spring semesters only This award may be combined with other scholarships and grants NOTE: If you are awarded a COFS and then change your major to a different STEMM major, you will be reviewed and you could lose your COFS.

Cedarville's allocations are predicated upon specific majors and funds do not cross over to all Choose Ohio First programs. Thus, whether you are an admitted or current student and have been awarded a scholarship, please contact the financial aid office prior to changing your major to determine how this may impact your aid.

All requirements for eligibility, renewal, scholarship funding and enhancement are under review by the Ohio Legislature and are subject to change. Yes, the COFS is renewable as long as the student continues within their appropriate major. A student will need to meet with their advisor if their institutional GPA falls below a 3.

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