Merit Aid

About Merit Aid

Merit aid is based on various measures of achievement, not on financial need. Merit aid includes scholarships up to, and including, the full cost of tuition. If you are an admitted applicant, your application is automatically reviewed to see if you are eligible for these types of scholarships and awards.

The application for admission serves as your scholarship application. You don’t have to apply for them separately.

You should apply for admission by February 1 to ensure that you’re considered for all available merit scholarships. Scholarships are available for both first-year and transfer students. A typical award may include a combination of recognition grants, need-based grants, student loans, and work study; we reserve the right to limit the number of awards.

If you’re interested in the Leland F. and Helen Schubert Honors Program, you should check the appropriate box on the Application for Admission. To apply for the Meek Community Service and Leadership Award, please download, complete, and return the  Meek Community Service and Leadership Award Application (1012k PDF*).

You may accept only one institutional merit or recognition award. (For example, you may not receive both a Presidential Scholarship and a Legacy Grant.) If you have greater financial need than your merit or recognition award, you will receive a combination of loan, work, and/or grant funds to help meet that need. Merit and recognition aid is available only when you are enrolled on-campus and may not be used for study elsewhere in the United States or abroad. The GLCA tuition benefit is considered an Ohio Wesleyan recognition award.

For more detailed policy information, go to the Online Catalog.

Merit Aid Calculations

The 2006-2007 average student award package was more than $25,000. The average balance of costs to those who filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was $14,334.This is the most important figure when comparing college expenses.

The average balance of costs is met primarily by parents, but you are expected to contribute from prior-year earnings and current assets. Each college to which you apply for aid may determine a “family contribution” by using the FAFSA in conjunction with institutional aid policies. Total cost, less this contribution, equals financial eligibility. Ohio Wesleyan’s federal school code is 003109.

For links to the FAFSA Web site and other resources, go to Apply to OWU.

Academic and Other Merit Scholarships

The Helen Crider Smith “Women as Leaders” Scholarship is awarded to an incoming woman student who had an outstanding record of academic achievement and demonstrated leadership. It covers full tuition at the time of enrollment.

The Schimmel Scholarship is also awarded to an outstanding incoming woman with an outstanding academic record and demonstrated leadership abilities. It covers tuition, room, and board at the time of enrollment.

Each of these awards is renewable for up to three additional years of study. Renewal requires a cumulative GPA of 3.5 (out of 4.0) at the end of the sophomore year, and for each year thereafter.

For a complete listing of all OWU academic prizes and awards, go to the Online Catalog.

Other Recognition Awards

Meek Community Service and Leadership Awards.  Since its founding in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan has fostered a strong commitment to community service. Today, more than 85 percent of our students are involved with community service activities each year. To recognize entering students with strong backgrounds in this area, we award up to 30 Meek Community Service Awards annually. They are valued at up to $10,000 per year. Renewal requires a one-page self-assessment at the end of each academic year.

Dean’s Awards are given by the vice president for strategic communication and enrollment to outstanding applicants who do not receive Honors Scholarships, these four-year awards range in value from $5,000 to one-half of tuition at the time of enrollment. To retain the award, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 (out of 4.0) by the end of the sophomore year, and for each year thereafter.

Diversity Awards are made to first-year students to recognize the importance of geographic, economic, and cultural diversity in our student body. They range from $3,000 to $19,000.  The award can be renewed at the same value for up to three years of full-time enrollment if you attain the required level of academic performance (which varies by the level of the award) and maintain it each year.

Legacy Grants are awarded to enrolling children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren of Ohio Wesleyan alumni. These $15,000 annual grants recognize the special enthusiasm and dedication shown by this part of the Ohio Wesleyan family.

Godman Awards honor Ohio Wesleyan’s first graduate and the contributions of Ohio students and alumni. They are available only to students who are Ohio residents and are valued at $3,000 to $7,000.

Departmental Awards usually are given to upperclass students. Our Departments of Theatre & Dance, Fine Arts, and Music also offer scholarships for first-year students. These awards vary in value, and you apply through the individual departments.

Child/Spouse of Clergy Award is given to the dependent children and/or the spouse of an ordained minister (with benefit of pension) under appointment of a Bishop of the United Methodist Church, either in the local church or beyond the local church. The $10,000 annual award is not based on financial need, but if you are receiving other types of assistance, it will be incorporated in your aid package. This award is limited to full-time eligible students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

For a complete listing of all OWU academic prizes and awards, go to the Online Catalog.

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