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
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 Scholarship
The Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program offers a strong Scholars community rooted in research, service and impactful academic and community experiences with University Honors Program benefits. Prospective first-year students must apply to the Columbus campus by the November 1 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
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
The Ohio State Scholars Program offers students the opportunity to live and learn in 1 of 16 themed living-learning communities that bridge academics with experiences outside the classroom. 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 are strongly encouraged to indicate their interest in Ohio State Scholars as part of their Common Application by the November 1 early action 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.
Reimagining the Student Experience (RiSE)
The RiSE program is dedicated to advancing student success for some of Ohio State’s most resilient and valued communities — students with lived experience in foster care, undergraduate parenting students, and those who have faced housing insecurity. Signature areas within RiSE include ACCESS Collaborative, the Fostering Achievement Network (FAN) and Scarlet Pathways (launching Autumn 2027).
