Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

General Financial Aid Information

Financial Aid Types

Tools to Search and Estimate

Maintaining Aid

Scholarships

The YSU Foundation, with an endowment of over $140 million, is committed to providing this "edge of excellence" for the University and the students it serves.  The Foundation, whose sole purpose is to benefit Youngstown State University, provides more than $4 million in scholarship assistance annually for its students.  You must submit the YSU Undergraduate Admission Application (with transcripts) by February 15 to be considered for scholarships through the Scholarships for Excellence Program at Youngstown State University.  With the exception of the Leslie H. Cochran University Scholars application, there are no other application forms needed for YSU's Scholarships for Excellence.  Students cannot be awarded more than one scholarship through the Scholarships for Excellence program.

Freshmen Scholarships for Excellence

Incoming Freshmen Scholarships recognize academic achievement of new high school graduates.  These scholarships are awarded to beginning first-year students who have been admitted to the University.
 

Scholarship	Value	Criteria	Renewal
Red and White	$1,500 $6,000 four years	3.0 GPA ACT 22 or SAT 1030	24 credit hours per academic year minimum 12 hours per term 3.0 overall GPA
Deans'	$2,000 $8,000 four years	Top 15% of Class ACT 25 or SAT 1140	24 credit hours per academic year minimum 12 hours per term 3.5 overall GPA
President's	$2,500 $10,000 four years	Top 10% of Class ACT 27 or SAT 1220	24 credit hours per academic year minimum 12 hours per term 3.5 overall GPA
Trustees'	$4,500 $18,000 four years	Valedictorian	24 credit hours per academic year minimum 12 hours per term 3.5 overall GPA

 

University Scholars Award - (Incoming Freshmen)

The Leslie H. Cochran University Scholarship is YSU's most prestigious scholarship.  Forty of these full-cost scholarships are awarded to first-year students coming directly from high school.  The program is uniquely designed to combine the pursuit of academic excellence within an intensive cultural and social environment.  Recipients become part of the University Scholars Program, which includes:
 

• Admittance into the Honors Program
• Honors housing
• Participation in specially planned on and off-campus speakers, concerts, plays, and athletic events
• Community service projects planned and coordinated by University Scholars
• Early registration

If you are applying as a high school candidate, all application materials must be submitted by February 15 and must be certified by your high school administration.  A completed application will include both an Application for Admission to YSU and the Leslie H. Cochran University Scholars Award Application.
 

Value	Minimum Criteria	Renewal
All fees and tuition*, on-campus room and board fees, and a $360 academic-year allowance for books and supplies (estimated at $14,000)   If renewed for the full four years of study, the estimated value is approximately $56,000.	28 ACT/ SAT combined Math, Verbal and Writing 1860   Top 15% of class	This scholarship is renewable each year up to a maximum of four years if the recipient maintains a 3.5 cumulative GPA and completes a minimum of 24 credit hours per academic year   Students must maintain a full-time on-campus enrollment status of at least 12 credit hours per term

* Tuition granted up to 32 hours per academic year, not to exceed the bulk rate.
** In special cases, students with outstanding academic credentials along with some other distinguished achievement (in the arts, humanities, or sciences, for example) will be considered for an award.

Students enrolled in YSU's jointly sponsored medical program, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Pharmacy, are not eligible for the Leslie H. Cochran University Scholarship.

For more information on the Leslie H. Cochran University Scholarship click here.
 

Transfer Scholarships

Transfer scholarships are available and offered through the generosity of the YSU Foundation.  Transfer students are encouraged to apply early for financial aid and to observe the February 15 deadline for our transfer scholarships.

Special note for mid-year transfer students:  If you have a Federal Pell Grant, YSU's six-digit code must be listed as one of your college choices on the FAFSA to have your aid transferred.  If not, update your FAFSA to include YSU's code (003145).  If you had a Stafford or PLUS loan, you will have to reapply.  You will also need to cancel any pending disbursements (if any) on the loan you had at your previous school by contacting your previous school's financial aid office.
 

Scholarship	Value	Criteria	Renewal
Transfer Lvl 2	$1,000 $3,000 three years	24 transfer hours 3.0 GPA	12 credit hours per academic year 3.0 GPA
Transfer Lvl 1	$1,500 $4,500 three years	24 transfer hours 3.5 GPA	12 credit hours per academic year 3.5 GPA
Advantage	$1,100	Assoc Degree from Community College listed below* 2.5 GPA	Not Renewable

*Awarded to Associate degree graduates from Jefferson Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Stark State College of Technology, Lorain County Community College and Kent State University Regional Campuses.
 

Martin Luther King Inner-City Achievement Award - (Incoming Freshmen and Current Students)

Funded by the YSU Foundation, this need-based award is available to graduates of Youngstown/Warren inner-city schools*.  Students must complete the FAFSA by February 15 for priority consideration.
 

Value	Criteria
Need-based awards of up to $1500 per academic year	Admitted to the University in good standing FAFSA completed by Feb 15th Demonstrated financial need Graduate of Youngstown/Warren inner-city schools* Minimum half-time enrollment required 2.5 min GPA required for current YSU students

*Calvary Christian Academy, Niles McKinley, Wilson, Campbell Memorial, Rayen, Youngstown Christian, Cardinal Mooney, South, John F. Kennedy, Chaney, Struthers, Warren G. Harding, East, Ursuline, Warren Western Reserve, Farrell, PA, New Castle, PA, Sharon, PA
 

Academic Achievement Award - (Current Students)

Current YSU students are awarded the Academic Achievement Award based on academic accomplishment.
 

Value	Criteria	Renewal
$500 per academic year $1,500 three years if renewed	24 hours (at YSU) 3.5 GPA	12 credit hours per academic year pro-rated if part-time (min 6 hours) 3.5 GPA

 

Miscellaneous Scholarships

YSU students should visit the online scholarship search to research miscellaneous, college and departmental level scholarship opportunities.  Students are also encouraged to complete the Institutional Aid Application each year by the Februray 15 deadline.