Morrill Scholarship Program

MSP was established in 1982 as the Minority Scholars Program and was renamed Morrill Scholarship Program in 2003.

When completing the common application, there is a question that asks if you would like to be considered for the MSP. If you check the box, an additional essay question will appear. Be sure to include leadership, service and civic engagement examples on the Activity List.

We highly recommend that all students apply for MSP by November 1; however, we will accept applications through January 15.

No worries. Contact the MSP and request a supplemental application. The supplemental application will be attached to your common application.

MSP notifications are sent out on a rolling basis via email. All students will be notified by the end of March at the latest, at which time, we will let you know either way.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States. MSP seeks academically talented high school seniors who will:

• Contribute leadership on campus where students from all backgrounds may succeed
• Engage on campus as effective change leaders who advocate for a positive campus climate where all students may flourish

Apply for admission to Ohio State by Nov. 1 at apply.osu.edu. On the application, check the appropriate box that indicates your interest in being considered for the MSP and then complete the essay prompt. Be sure to include leadership, service and civic engagement examples on the Activity List.

MSP awards the Distinction, Prominence, and the Excellence scholarships. The Distinction Scholarship equals the value of the cost of attendance. The Prominence Scholarship equals the value of in-state tuition plus the nonresident surcharge for nonresidents. The Excellence Scholarship equals the value of in-state tuition for Ohio residents.

The value of the scholarship is equal to Ohio State's total estimated expenses for two semesters. The expenses will include tuition, room & board, books & supplies, and miscellaneous/personal expenses. This is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.

The value of the scholarship will only pay toward Ohio State's estimated tuition cost (Instructional and general fees) and the non-resident fee (for out of state students). The value of the estimated tuition and non-resident fee is pulled from Ohio State's cost of attendance.

The MSP scholarships cover 8 total semesters and are NOT extended.

It may or may not. This will depend on the amount of the external scholarship(s) students receive and whether students have room in their cost of attendance. Due to federal regulations, students cannot exceed a school's cost of attendance.

Unfortunately, no. The Morrill Scholarship is only for high school graduating seniors who are entering The Ohio State University Columbus Campus fall semester following their high school graduation.

Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA by the end of their fourth semester when the first grade review occurs. They must also be enrolled full time and participate in MSP programs/events/activities.

Yes, it will post automatically if the student is enrolled full time and maintains the minimum cumulative GPA requirement by the time of evaluation.

It depends. After all tuition/fees are paid, any remaining amount of the Distinction Award would refund to the student. The student will use that refund toward off-campus living expenses. The amount of the refund can differ depending on the student's situation. Please reach out to Scholarship Services for counseling on your specific account.

If a refund is generated for a Distinction Scholar, they will use their refund to pay toward their books/supplies cost. All student charges are not the same, and refund amounts can vary depending on what other fees a student incurs.

If the student falls below a 3.0 cumulative GPA by the first grade review conducted by the Student Financial Aid office, they have two options: 1) self-correct (i.e. reach a 3.0 CGPA to have the scholarship reinstated), or 2) submit a grade appeal based on extenuating circumstances and accompanied by documentation.

The MSP scholarship can potentially go toward a study-abroad program. If it is an approved program that is recognized by Ohio State, and the program requires the student to enroll in a “full-time placeholder course” that shows full-time enrollment on the student's statement of account, the scholarship will disburse.

No, participation in the learning community is optional but highly encouraged.

No, the MSP courses are not required but highly encouraged. These courses, which are interactive and popular, are a deep dive into the many topics that MSP explores by way of its programs/events/activities.