How can a college student in Ohio find scholarships and grants?

I'm starting to plan for college in Ohio, and I'm looking for ways to secure scholarships and grants. Does anyone have experience with specific local programs or resources that could help? Any tips would be really appreciated!

Since you're seeking scholarships and grants for studying in Ohio, your first stop should be a thorough review of Ohio's state-specific financial aid programs. These can range from merit-based scholarships, and grants for students from low-income families, to aid for students pursuing a specific field of study or career. For example, the Ohio Department of Higher Education provides numerous state-funded grants such as the Ohio College Opportunity Grant and the Choose Ohio First STEM scholarship.

Similarly, remember to take advantage of scholarship opportunities offered directly by your university or college. You'll find that many colleges provide their own merit-based scholarships or need-based grants which can substantially subsidize your cost of education. These might require a separate application or could be automatically offered based on your admissions application.

Furthermore, be sure to explore scholarships offered by local businesses and community organizations. For instance, the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation partners with local businesses to offer hundreds of scholarships to Cincinnati students each year. The Cleveland Foundation also has a wide-ranging scholarship program for students in Greater Cleveland.

Lastly, for a broader search, you can use platforms like Appily, which allow you to fill out a free profile and match you with scholarships you are eligible for. Doing this opens up a national database of scholarships, increasing your chances of finding scholarships that are a good fit for you.

In terms of grants, never underestimate the significance of filing your FAFSA as soon as possible each year, as many grants are first-come, first-served. FAFSA will calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI), which colleges use to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive.

Keep in mind, that researching and applying for scholarships and grants will surely take time and effort, but the potential financial payoff is worth it. Good luck with your search!