CHOOSE OHIO FIRST SCHOLARSHIPS
Choose Ohio First is a state program that provides scholarships and educational opportunities for students who pursue science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health (STEM-H) related degrees at public colleges and universities in Ohio.
UToledo has facilitated Choose Ohio First scholarships for more than 750 undergraduate and graduate students since 2009.
WHAT DOES SCHOLARSHIP INCLUDE?
- A four-year, renewable tuition scholarship.
- Built-in academic and career advising and mentoring to support your success.
- Built-in work-based learning through an internship, co-op, research opportunity, or other career-related work experience.
- Access to valuable professional development engagements through events, seminars, and workshops.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Incoming first-year and incoming transfer students who are:
- Ohio residents.
- U.S. citizens, nationals or permanent resident aliens.
- Accepted into one of UToledo's eligible STEM-H undergraduate degree, graduate degree or certificate programs.
Apply for a Choose Ohio First Scholarship
To apply for a University of Toledo Choose Ohio First scholarship, please compete the application found at the link below. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2025.
Meet Jake Varner
'24, Information Technology
"I was so excited when I found out that I’d gotten the IMPRESS-C Scholarship, because it came out to almost full tuition when I combined it with a merit scholarship I had already received. That was a huge deal because that was something that was stressing me out. How am I going to pay for college? Am I going to have to take on debt?”
General Information
The following is a list of all of the University of Toledo programs that are part of the Choose Ohio First program:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemical Engineering Bioengineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering Technology
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design
- Counselor Education (Master)
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Drug Discovery and Design
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Engineering
- Family Nurse practitioner (Doctorate)
- Geography
- Health Care Administration and Compliance
- Health Information Administration
- Health Sciences
- Information Systems
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
- Neuroscience
- Nursing (Bachelor, BSN in Pre-Nursing, Master)
- Nurse Executive (Doctorate)
- Nursing Practice (Doctorate)
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmacology-Toxicology
- Pharmacy (Doctor of Pharmacy)*
- Physics
- Psychiatric Mental Health (Doctorate)
- Psychology (Doctorate)
- Public Health
- Radiation Therapy
- Recreational Therapy
- Respiratory Care
- School Psychology (Master)
- Speech Language Pathology
*Scholarship applies only through the P2 year—not at the graduate level.
Choose Ohio for Data, Environment, Energy, Entrepreneurialism and Sustainability (COD3ES)
Who is eligible for the COD3ES scholarship?
First-time freshmen and transfer students who have:
- Been accepted into one of the following UToledo programs:
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- GPA
- First-year applicants: High school GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Transfer students: Higher education GPA of 2.75 or higher
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
- 14 scholarships available each year
- Up to $5,700 a year awarded for up to four years (eight semesters of full-time coursework)
- This scholarship can be combined with UToledo merit scholarships. This means that some Choose Ohio First scholars will have full coverage of all tuition and student general fees.
We want our scholarship recipients to make a positive impact in areas such as solar energy, water quality and sustainable technologies. They will have opportunities to:
- Work or conduct research in the solar energy, water quality and sustainable technologies fields.
- Complete advanced training in entrepreneurial-minded learning, equity training and leadership training.
- Participation in design challenges to make our world more sustainable.
Note: Funding for the Choose Ohio First scholarships is provided by the State of Ohio. If the State of Ohio discontinues funding, this scholarship program will end immediately.
Academic Success through Corporate Engagement, Networking and Training (ASCENT)
Who is eligible for the ASCENT scholarship?
First-time freshmen and transfer students who have:
- Been accepted into one of the following UToledo engineering programs:
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering Technology
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Have a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
- 8 scholarships available each year
- Up to $7,000 a year awarded for up to four years (eight semesters of full-time coursework)
- This scholarship can be combined with UToledo merit scholarships. This means that some Choose Ohio First ASCENT scholars will have full coverage of all tuition and student general fees.
Employers that we interact with express a desire to diversify their workforces to remain globally competitive. They are especially interested in engaging with talented underrepresented minority students and those from other marginalized populations.
The College of Engineering also understands the importance of diversity in engineering and technology.
We encourage students from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM — including women and first-generation students — to apply for the Choose Ohio First scholarship.
Note: Funding for the Choose Ohio First scholarships is provided by the State of Ohio. If the State of Ohio discontinues funding, this scholarship program will end immediately.
Have questions about ASCENT?
Lesley Berhan, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives
Associate Professor of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering
College of Engineering
419.530.8200
Scholarship Terms and Conditions
- This award may only be applied to undergraduate tuition and fees.
- If a recipient decides to change their major to a program that’s not eligible under their Choose Ohio First scholarship program, funding will be discontinued immediately.
- Funding for the Choose Ohio First Program is provided by the State of Ohio. If the State of Ohio discontinues funding, this scholarship program will end immediately.
- There may be additional requirements based on the program. You should refer to your original award letter or contact the program coordinator with questions.
choose ohio first professional development
Choose Ohio First scholarship recipients will engage in an array of professional development activities and events throughout the year. As scholars pursue their academic degrees they can build relationships with other COF scholars, provide peer-mentorship, and engage with faculty, staff, and other members of the COF community through these events.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Scott Molitor, Ph.D. (He/Him/His)
Choose Ohio First Director
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
419.530.2738
scott.molitor@utoledo.edu
Mary Humphrys
Acting Vice Provost of Academic Affairs
University Hall 3350
419.530.5254
mary.humphrys@utoledo.edu