Rhodes State College Scholarships
Institutional scholarships are awarded directly by Rhodes State College to support students in achieving their educational goals. These scholarships may be based on academic performance, program of study, financial need, or other criteria established by the college. Award amounts and eligibility requirements can vary, and some scholarships may be renewable if students continue to meet the specified criteria. Availability is limited and may change each academic year based on institutional funding.
Presidential Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship is awarded to incoming students and provides funding for the Fall and Spring semesters of the academic year. Award amounts are determined based on your high school GPA and ACT scores
To be considered, you must:
- Be a current high school senior graduating this spring
- Be admitted to Rhodes State College
- Enroll as a full-time student for the fall semester
- Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Provide an official high school transcript with ACT scores
- Maintain good academic standing while enrolled
Scholarship amounts vary and may range up to $4,000 per year, depending on GPA and ACT scores at the time of admission
If you are eligible for College Credit Plus (CCP), you will receive only the
highest single award (scholarships cannot be combined).
Earn More CCP Scholarship
If you are planning to continue your education at Rhodes State after graduation, you may be eligible for the Earn More CCP Scholarship, but don t wait! This is a first-come, first-served opportunity.
To be considered for this scholarship, please be sure to:
Have taken CCP courses with Rhodes State
Graduate and matriculate directly after high school
Be registered for the Fall term by July 31
Submit a FAFSA
- Maintain good academic standing while enrolled
Scholarship amounts are based on completed CCP credit hours:
1 2 credits: $250
3 6 credits: $500
7 9 credits: $750
10 12 credits: $1,000
13 29 credits: $1,500
30+ credits: $2,000
Awards are first-come, first-served based on FAFSA submission date
Funds may be split between Fall and Spring semesters
The scholarship is renewable for a second year for students who maintain a 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment
Agriculture Technology Scholarships
If you re interested in pursuing agriculture at Rhodes State College, the Emerging Ag Leader Scholarship offers a valuable opportunity! Six students will be selected as finalists and must attend the Chamber Agribusiness Committee s Hall of Fame Banquet in July, where scholarships will be announced. At the event, one finalist will receive a full-tuition scholarship, and two finalists will each earn a $750 per semester award. Individuals will need to be nominated by their FFA Chapter or 4-H Organization to be eligible to complete the application.
Top Emerging Ag Leader Scholarship - Full-Tuition
Full-tuition scholarship to Rhodes State College, with the following conditions:
- Be a high school student (freshman through senior)
- Have demonstrated significant involvement in agriculture within Allen County
- Be an active member of:
- A local agricultural program, or
- 4-H organization, or
- FFA chapter
Attend the Chamber of Agribusiness Committee s Hall of Fame Banquet
The scholarship is renewable each semester
- You must remain enrolled in the Agriculture Technology Program
- You must maintain good academic standing
- The award covers tuition only
- The scholarship will be applied after all federal, state, and private grants and scholarships
- Only coursework required for the Agriculture Technology program is eligible for coverage
- Eligibility continues until completion of your degree, provided all requirements are met
Finalist - Emerging Ag Leader Scholarship - $750
$750 scholarship to Rhodes State College, with the following conditions:
- Be a high school student (freshman through senior)
- Have demonstrated significant involvement in agriculture within Allen County
- Be an active member of:
- A local agricultural program, or
- 4-H organization, or
- FFA chapter
Attend the Chamber of Agribusiness Committee s Hall of Fame Banquet
The scholarship is renewable each semester
You must remain enrolled in the Agriculture Technology Program
You must maintain good academic standing
The award covers tuition up to $750 per semester and will not exceed the actual cost of tuition.
Funds will be applied after all federal, state, and private grants and scholarships
Only coursework required for the Agriculture Technology program is eligible
Eligibility continues until degree completion, provided all requirements are met
Rhodes State Foundation Scholarships
Rhodes State Foundation Scholarships are funded through the generosity of donors and community partners to support students pursuing their education at Rhodes State College. These scholarships are awarded based on a variety of criteria, which may include academic achievement, financial need, program of study, or other specific factors established by donors. Students apply through a single application, AwardSpring, and awards vary in amount. Availability and renewal of scholarships may depend on funding and continued eligibility requirements.
Federal Student Aid
Federal Student Aid helps students and families pay for college through grants, loans, and work-study programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may qualify for financial assistance based on your financial need and eligibility. To apply please visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Federal Grants
Free funding that does not have to be repaid. The results of your FAFSA will determine if you are eligible to receive any need-based grants.
Pell Grant
Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor s or professional degree. The maximum Pell Grant amounts can change from year-to-year.
The lifetime limit for the Federal Pell Grant is 12 full-time semesters. The amount you receive will depend on your student aid index (SAI), cost of attendance, and whether you are a full-time or part-time student.
You may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to qualify.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need, with priority being given to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. FSEOG does not have to be paid back. Students must be enrolled in at least part time coursework and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Amount: Up to $1500 annually
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are funds borrowed from the U.S. Department of Education to help cover the cost of college. These loans must be repaid with interest, but they often offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA, and students may qualify for different types of loans, including subsidized loans (based on financial need) and unsubsidized loans.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study is a federal program that provides part-time employment to students attending college to help pay for educational expenses. Eligible students may work on campus or with approved employers, with schedules designed to accommodate class commitments.
To be considered for positions at Rhodes State, students must submit a resume through Career Development via College Central Network (CCN) at https://www.collegecentral.com/rhodesstate/ and apply for on-campus job postings through the system. Students are paid through bi-weekly paychecks. Funding is awarded annually based on availability and is not guaranteed to renew each year.
Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE)
Choose Ohio First
The Choose Ohio First Scholarship program supports students pursuing degrees in specific science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). This program provides scholarship funding to eligible students attending participating Ohio colleges and universities, helping to strengthen Ohio s workforce in high-demand fields through education and career preparation.
Great Minds
The Great Minds Fellowship is designed to attract recent graduates and early-career professionals into teaching careers in Ohio. This program provides financial incentives and professional support to individuals who commit to teaching in high-need subject areas or underserved communities, helping to build a strong and diverse educator workforce across the state.
Governor s Merit
The Governor s Merit Scholarship recognizes Ohio s top high school graduates for their academic achievement. This competitive scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible students attending an Ohio college or university, encouraging high-performing students to continue their education within the state.
Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP)
The Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP) offers financial support to students enrolled in approved nursing programs in Ohio. This program provides loans that may be forgiven if recipients work as licensed nurses in Ohio, particularly in areas of critical need, helping to address the state s nursing workforce shortage.
Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
ODHE administers the OCOG program, which provides grant money to Ohio residents who demonstrate the highest levels of financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA.
Important notes about these grants:
- Ohio residents in an associates degree, first bachelor s degree, or nurse diploma program at an eligible Ohio institution
- Student Aid Index (SAI) of $2,190 or less and a maximum household income of $75,000
- The initial FAFSA must be submitted by October 1
- Students are limited to 10 semesters or 15 quarters of state, need-based grant aid (including combination of OCOG and OIG)
- Students enrolled at community colleges are only eligible for OCOG during the spring semester and only if they were enrolled during the previous summer and fall semesters and have a limited (reduced) Pell award remaining for the spring semester
- OCOG can only be used for tuition and general fees
Ohio Work Ready
Amount varies depending on enrollment provides financial assistance to Ohio residents pursuing degrees, certificates, or short-term industry-recognized credentials in high-priority, in-demand careers. The grant primarily prioritizes technician-aligned programs in fields like advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, and healthcare.
Ohio National Guard
The Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program provides educational assistance to eligible members of the Ohio National Guard. This program covers a significant portion of tuition costs at participating Ohio colleges and universities, helping Guard members pursue certificates, associate degrees, or bachelor s degrees while serving their state and country.
Ohio Safety Officer College Memorial Fund
The Ohio Safety Officer College Memorial Fund offers financial assistance to the children and spouses of peace officers, firefighters, and certain other safety officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. This program helps families continue their educational goals by providing funding toward tuition at Ohio public colleges and universities.
Second Chance Grant
The Second Chance Grant is designed to support adult learners who previously enrolled in college but did not complete their degree or certificate. This program provides financial assistance to help eligible students return to school, re-enroll, and successfully finish their education, increasing their career opportunities and earning potential.
War Orphans
The War Orphans Scholarship provides financial support to the children of deceased or severely disabled veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a period of declared war or conflict. The scholarship helps cover a portion of educational costs for eligible students attending Ohio colleges and universities.
External Scholarships
External scholarships are awarded by organizations outside of Rhodes State College, such as community groups, employers, foundations, and private companies. These scholarships may be based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, or career interests. Students are responsible for researching and applying for external scholarship opportunities, and award amounts and deadlines will vary by organization. Funds are typically sent directly to the college to be applied toward a student s educational expenses.
Please contact the awarding foundation to confirm specific eligibility requirements.