Scholars programs at Ohio State provide community and engagement opportunities for students with specific interests, experiences or goals.
The Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) manages a wide variety of Scholars programs, and additional Scholars programs are available within specific colleges and regional campuses. OUE Scholars programs are listed below in order of application deadline (from earliest to latest).
Young Scholars Program
The Young Scholars Program is an exceptional opportunity for academically talented middle-schoolers with high financial need who aspire to be the first in their family to complete college. The program accepts applications from eighth grade students in nine Ohio public-school school districts. Young Scholars complete a rigorous college preparatory curriculum before entering Ohio State.
Stamps Eminence Fellows
Stamps Eminence Fellows is a highly competitive scholarship that combines a vibrant Scholars community with University Honors Program benefits. Prospective first-year students must apply to the Columbus campus by the university’s early action deadline, indicate interest in the University Honors Program or Ohio State Scholars Program on the application, and complete a separate Stamps Eminence application and review process.
Morrill Scholarship Program
The competitive Morrill Scholarship program offers educational enrichment opportunities to academically talented students dedicated to scholarship, leadership, service, and civic engagement. Morrill Scholars engage on campus as effective change leaders who advocate for a positive campus climate where all students may flourish. Prospective first-year students may apply to the Morrill Scholarship program as part of their Columbus campus application, with an application by the early action deadline highly recommended.
Ohio State Scholars Program
The Ohio State Scholars Program offers students the chance to live and learn in a residence hall with students who share similar interests. Each Ohio State Scholars program is centered around a specific theme or area of study, but is open to students in any major. Prospective first-year students begin the application process by indicating their interest in Ohio State Scholars as part of their Columbus campus application by the regular decision deadline.
Kessler Scholars
Kessler Scholars are leaders among the community of Ohio State students who are the first in their family to complete college. Kessler Scholars build on their assets and strengths to not only achieve their own goals, but also to elevate the voices and experiences of first-generation students within the broader campus and external communities. First-generation students admitted to Ohio State’s Columbus campus as first-year students may be invited to apply after paying their acceptance fee.
RiSE Programs
RiSE programs provide community and support for undergraduate students who come to the Columbus campus by way of transfer (JLM Scholars Program), campus change (RCT Scholars Program), or who have lived experience in foster care, kinship care, or another out-of-home placement (FAN Scholars). Support is also available for undergraduate or graduate students with parenting responsibilities. Applications may be submitted the semester prior to students’ planned Columbus campus entry, and may remain open after student entry depending upon program capacity.
