Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program

About this scholarship

The Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program pays tuition for qualifying Ohio National Guard members enrolled in approved education or workforce programs. At an eligible Ohio public institution, the program covers 100% of tuition charges. At an approved nonprofit private institution or eligible proprietary or career institution, the payment is generally capped at the average tuition charged by Ohio public universities. The benefit may support a two- or four-year degree, an approved nursing diploma, or an eligible credential, license, trade certification, or apprenticeship for an in-demand occupation. Applicants must have enlisted, re-enlisted, or extended an enlistment in the Ohio National Guard, remain in good standing, and not already hold a bachelor’s degree. They must enroll for at least three credit hours in a qualifying term and have remaining eligibility units. A standard six-year enlistment can provide up to 96 units, while certain three-year enlistments receive 48 units; use ends once the applicable units are exhausted or a bachelor’s degree is earned. Members apply separately for every term through the official ONGSP portal. The next deadline is November 1, 2026 for a Spring 2027 semester or Winter 2027 quarter. FAFSA filing is encouraged each academic year, and members eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance may have to use it before ONGSP funds. Because the scholarship is tied to Guard service, failing to complete the applicable enlistment can trigger prorated repayment plus interest unless a statutory exception applies.

Eligibility

• Have enlisted, re-enlisted, or extended an enlistment in the Ohio National Guard, or qualify under the program’s active-duty extension provision
• Remain a service member in good standing and satisfactorily participate in required Ohio National Guard training
• Not already possess a bachelor’s degree
• Have remaining scholarship eligibility units under Ohio law
• Enroll full time or part time for at least 3 credit hours in an eligible degree, nursing diploma, credential, licensing, trade, or apprenticeship program
• Attend an institution or program approved for the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program
• Create or use an ONGSP portal account and submit a separate application for each academic term
• Submit the Spring 2027 semester or Winter 2027 quarter application by November 1, 2026
• Use required federal military education assistance first when applicable and understand the service-related repayment obligation