Federal &State Grants
You could qualify for a federal or state grant.
Funding Types and Options
The following information defines federal and state grant opportunities that may be available to qualifying students.
Federal Financial Aid
Federal financial aid is available to eligible students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants, work-study, and loans can help reduce the cost of college and make earning a degree or certificate more affordable.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid* and are determined based on financial information provided on the FAFSA.
*Repayment is not necessary as long as Return to Title IV rules do not apply.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) provides additional funding to students with exceptional financial need. Funds are limited and awarded to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available. Edison State awards students with a -1500 SAI first with priority given to those who complete their FAFSA earlier.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment opportunities for eligible students, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience. Visit our Student Worker page to learn more.
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Direct Loans provide students with a low-interest borrowing option to help cover educational expenses. Eligible students may qualify for subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, or a combination of both, depending on financial need and enrollment status. Edison State requires students to submit an annual loan request form to determine eligibility and be awarded loan funding. The application can be found on the Forms and Important Information page.
Parent PLUS Loans
Parent PLUS Loans allow parents of dependent undergraduate students to borrow funds to help cover educational expenses not covered by other financial aid. Credit approval is required, and repayment options vary. Initial applications can be completed online at Federal Student Aid. Once completed, student and parent borrower must complete the correlating Parent PLUS form found on the Forms and Important Information page.
State Aid
The State of Ohio offers numerous grant and scholarship opportunities based on academic achievement, financial need, career goals, military affiliation, and workforce priorities.
Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP)
The Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP) provides financial assistance to students pursuing nursing careers. Eligible recipients may qualify for loan forgiveness by working as nurses or nurse educators in Ohio after graduation.
Ohio War Orphans & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship
The Ohio War Orphans & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship assists eligible children of Ohio veterans who were killed or severely disabled while serving during a period of declared conflict. Awards help offset the cost of attending an Ohio college or university.
Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund
The Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund provides educational assistance to qualifying family members of safety officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Ohio Hidden Heroes Scholarship
The Ohio Hidden Heroes Scholarship supports students who are dependents of veterans with significant service-connected disabilities. The program helps military families access higher education opportunities while reducing educational costs.
Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Choose Ohio First (COF) supports students pursuing degrees and certificates in high-demand career fields, including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, engineering, and science. The program helps Ohio employers build a highly skilled workforce while providing financial assistance to qualified students. At Edison State, these students are hand-selected by staff and faculty based on program interest indicated on the college application and prior academic history. Notification is sent via mail to selected recipients. No application is needed.
Ohio Work Ready Grant
The Ohio Work Ready Grant helps students enrolled in approved short-term certificate and workforce training programs prepare for in-demand careers. The grant is designed to make career-focused education more affordable and accessible. At ESCC, this funding is awarded based on tiered criteria developed by a multi-departmental working group where students enrolled in short-term programs receive funding first, followed by those with technician aligned programs and SAIs above 0. No application is needed, this funding is automatically awarded by semester.
Governor's Merit Scholarship
The Governor's Merit Scholarship recognizes Ohio's highest-achieving high school graduates and provides scholarship funding for attendance at participating Ohio colleges and universities. Selection is done through the high schools and institutions are notified of the recipients attending.
Edison Foundation Scholarship Program
The Edison Foundation awards a variety of scholarships funded by generous donors, businesses, alumni, and community organizations who believe in student success. Students complete a single scholarship application and are automatically considered for multiple scholarship opportunities based on eligibility criteria established by donors.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: November 1
- Applications Close: February 1
Award amounts, eligibility requirements, and available scholarships vary annually based on donor funding and program criteria.
Private & Community Scholarships
Community Scholarship Opportunities
Many local organizations provide scholarships to support students pursuing higher education. Students are encouraged to research and apply for opportunities offered by:
- Piqua Education Foundation
- Local Moose Lodges
- Local Elks Lodges
- Community Foundations
- Religious Organizations
- Civic and Service Clubs
- Employers and Labor Organizations
- High School Guidance Offices
Application requirements, deadlines, and award amounts vary by organization.
Scholarship Search Resources
Students should search for scholarships throughout the year using trusted scholarship search websites, including:
- https://www.fastweb.com
- https://www.scholarships.com
- https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org
- https://www.goingmerry.com
- https://scholarshipamerica.org
- https://www.careeronestop.org
Financial Aid Tip Legitimate scholarship applications do not require payment. Students should be cautious of services that charge fees to locate scholarship opportunities.
Adult Learner & Degree Completion Programs
SOCHE BOLD Compact (Be Ohio's Latest Degree Holder)
The SOCHE BOLD Compact is designed to help former college students return to higher education and complete their degree or credential. Through a partnership among participating colleges and universities, eligible students who previously stopped attending school may qualify for forgiveness of an outstanding institutional balance of up to $5,000 at their most recently attended participating institution. The program removes financial barriers and encourages adults to finish what they started. Eligibility requirements apply.
Ohio College Comeback Resources
Ohio continues to invest in initiatives that help adult learners return to college, complete a degree or credential, and advance their careers with Ohio College Comeback Resources. Students who previously stopped attending college are encouraged to contact Financial Aid and Academic Advising to discuss available re-enrollment options, grant opportunities, and degree completion pathways.
Private Education Loans
Private Education Loans
After exhausting grants, scholarships, and federal aid options, some students may consider private educational loans to assist with remaining educational expenses.
Edison State does not maintain or endorse a preferred lender list. Students are encouraged to compare interest rates, borrower protections, repayment terms, and fees before selecting a lender.
Examples of lenders often researched by students include:
- Local Banks
- Local Credit Unions
- PHEAA / PA Forward
- Sallie Mae
- Other private educational loan providers
Students should always maximize grants, scholarships, and federal aid before pursuing private loan options.