Financial Aid in Ohio (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Ohio's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Ohio FAFSA deadline for state aid
October 1, 2026.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Ohio grant programs
Ohio College Opportunity Grant
Need-based grant for Ohio residents from lower-income families at in-state schools.
Administered by Ohio Department of Higher Education. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Ohio students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Ohiostudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Ohio?
For 2026–27 state aid: October 1, 2026. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Ohio offer?
Ohio College Opportunity Grant: Need-based grant for Ohio residents from lower-income families at in-state schools. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Ohio resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Ohio?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Ohio Department of Higher Education determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.