Ohio Initiative

Ohio Initiative Overview

We support Ohioans by guaranteeing you a $100,000 scholarship ($25,000 each of your four years at Denison).

In an effort to mitigate the hardships that many prospective students and their families are facing during these challenging times, Denison is supporting students from our home state by offering the Ohio Scholarship for students from Ohio. This scholarship awards admitted students $25,000 per year for four years at Denison.

Incoming first-year students simply need to submit their application for admission by December 1. There is no separate scholarship application, no application fee, and no supplemental essay. However, we strongly encourage students to visit campus and interview.

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*Students participating in other programs that support tuition (e.g., the Denison-Columbus Alliance, tuition remission, ROTC, QuestBridge, and recipients of other full-tuition scholarships) are not eligible for the Ohio Scholarship. Students who qualify for other Denison-funded scholarships will be awarded the scholarship with the highest value. As with all admitted students, Denison is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. If a student’s demonstrated financial need hasn’t been met after accounting for the Ohio Scholarship, additional financial aid will be awarded to meet the student’s full need.

5 Reasons to Stay in Ohio

We know there are many considerations that weigh into a student’s decision to apply to Denison. One thing we regularly hear from Ohio students is that they aren’t sure they want to “stay so close to home.” We are here to tell you it is worth considering. Don’t believe us? Here are our top-five reasons to stay in Ohio.

A worldly perspective. Nope, that’s not an error — ~80% of our student body comes from areas outside of Ohio. 17% are international students from 79 countries, and 21% of our 2,300 students are domestic people of color.
The comforts of home. Did somebody say Skyline? Or maybe Jeni’s is more your thing? Swenson’s, anyone? It may seem silly, but Ohio is home to some one-of-a-kind comforts that you know you’re excited to share with new friends.
An education worth seeking out. This is a simple one — Denison provides incredible opportunities for students. Our next-level career exploration program, a top-tier liberal arts education, global access — shall we continue?
Your folks are nearby. How does the saying go? Keep your friends close and your… Hmm. Well, we know you might want privacy and we don’t blame you, but it’s nice to enjoy some space without hopping on a plane every break. Plus laundry.
We’re investing in you. Consider this scholarship — $100,000 over four years — a gateway to pursuing your passions. It’s a green light for future you to travel, explore, inspire, engage, and create throughout Ohio (and everywhere else).

And a BONUS Reason: Ohio is great! Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees—of which we have many in Ohio. You might not realize it, but you already live in the greatest state in the country. Denison is 25 minutes from Columbus — one of the nation’s largest capital cities. Ohio has world-renowned medical facilities, research centers, and Fortune 500 company headquarters. Plus, seven US presidents, Paul Newman, John Legend, Neil Armstrong, Toni Morrison, the Wright Brothers, and of course Lebron James all came from this great state. There is more to Ohio than meets the I-O.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for this scholarship?

Any new student enrolling at Denison for the first time who has a permanent address in Ohio or who is graduating from a public or private high school in Ohio and meets the Ohio Scholarship application deadline.

All first-year applicants: December 1
Spring transfer applicants: December 1
Fall transfer applicants: March 1

I am a prospective transfer student from Ohio, am I eligible for the Ohio Scholarship?

Yes, you are! Transfer applicants who have a permanent address in Ohio or who have graduated from a public or private high school in Ohio are eligible for the Ohio Scholarship.

Simply submit your Denison Transfer Application by the deadline for the relevant semester. Supplementary materials—like transcripts—can arrive after the deadline. We require no additional essay and no application fee. That’s it!

Spring transfer applicants: December 1
Fall transfer applicants: March 1

How do you apply?

We make this part easy! You simply apply to Denison by December 1 through the regular application process. A prospective student can apply in either early decision or regular decision, but must submit their application by December 1. Supplementary materials—like transcripts and recommendations—can arrive after December 1. We require no additional essay and no application fee. That’s it!

What if I am considering Early Decision 2 and won’t know which round I would like to apply for by December 1?

That’s fine. Students can apply in the Regular Decision round by December 1 and switch their applications to Early Decision 2 after that. To qualify for the scholarship, students need to submit their application by December 1; they still have until January 15 to change into Early Decision 2.

Do I still need to apply for financial aid?

If you would have applied for financial aid without considering the Ohio Scholarship, then yes, you should apply for financial aid. Please keep in mind that applicants who do not apply for need-based financial aid during the admission process will not be able to apply for need-based financial aid later as a student at Denison.

Students should apply for financial aid through the normal financial aid application process.

What if my family will need more than $25,000 per year to make attending Denison financially feasible?

Denison is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all students. If a student’s demonstrated financial need hasn’t been met after accounting for the Ohio Scholarship, additional financial aid will be awarded to meet the student’s full need.

Students should apply for financial aid through the normal financial aid application process.

I am receiving a scholarship from a third-party. Do I still qualify for the Ohio Scholarship?

Yes! Students who receive scholarships through other organizations are still eligible for Denison’s Ohio Scholarship. However, please keep in mind that all outside scholarships or other resources must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid. Per federal regulations, we are unable to award total financial aid in excess of our cost of attendance. If outside scholarships are large enough, it may be necessary to reduce any aid, including scholarships, received from Denison to keep your total financial aid package at no more than the annual cost of attendance. You will be notified of any changes to your awards.

Am I still eligible for Denison arts scholarships (e.g., music, creative writing)?

Absolutely! Make sure to check out our requirements for arts supplements & auditions.

Does Denison have any articulation agreements?

Yes, Denison has an articulated English transfer pathway with 11 community colleges in Ohio. Students in this pathway will complete an Associate’s degree in English at one of the participating community colleges and then transfer to Denison for their junior year. Introductory English major courses and most general education courses will already be complete at the point of transfer. While at Denison, students complete their bachelor’s degree in English in as little as four semesters, choosing between two degree options: literature emphasis and creative writing emphasis.