Merit Aid

About Merit Scholarships and Awards

Students admitted to Ohio Wesleyan University are considered for eligibility for all scholarships and awards. These scholarships are valid only for students who enroll at Ohio Wesleyan and they are non-transferable. Merit aid is based on various measures of achievement, not on financial need. Merit aid includes scholarships and awards up to, and including, the full cost of tuition. If you are an admitted applicant, your admission 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 scholarships separately.

You should apply for admission by November 30 to ensure that you’re considered for all available merit scholarships. Scholarships are available for both first-year and transfer students. 

If you’re interested in the Leland F. and Helen Schubert Honors Program, you should check the appropriate box on the Application for Admission.  The Honors program offers students the opportunity to push well beyond their personal boundaries to follow their imagination, their passion to the very boundaries of knowledge, to explore, discover, and create new ideas.

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

Merit Scholarships and Awards

Schubert Honors Scholarship – This $18,000 scholarship is awarded to exceptional first year students who are admitted into Ohio Wesleyan’s Leland F. and Helen Schubert Honors Program. This scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years of study. Renewal requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) at the end of the sophomore year, and for each year thereafter. Schubert Scholars are also considered for the Schubert Scholars Competition for further scholarship dollars ranging from $1,000 up to full tuition, room and board.

Helen Crider Smith “Women as Leaders” Scholarship – As part of the Schubert Scholars Competition, this 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. This scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years of study. Renewal requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) at the end of the sophomore year, and for each year thereafter.

Schimmel Scholarship – As part of the Schubert Scholars Competition, this scholarship is 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.  This scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years of study. Renewal requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) at the end of the sophomore year, and for each year thereafter.

Dean’s Scholarship – This $15,000 scholarship is given to outstanding first year students. Recipients are a select group of students who present strong promise of achievement at Ohio Wesleyan University. To retain this scholarship, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0) by the end of the sophomore year, and for each year thereafter.

Branch Rickey Scholarship – To honor the contributions of Mr. Branch Rickey, Class of 1904, this scholarship is made to first year students in recognition of the importance of cultural and ethnic diversity within the Ohio Wesleyan student body. The value of this scholarship ranges from $7,000 - $14,000. The scholarship 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.  To retain this scholarship, students must remain in good academic standing for the duration of their studies at Ohio Wesleyan.

Godman Scholarship – In recognition of William D. Godman, Class of 1846, who was the first graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, this scholarship is given to worthy Ohio Wesleyan University students. The value of this scholarship ranges from $7,000 - $14,000. To retain this scholarship, students must remain in good academic standing for the duration of their studies at Ohio Wesleyan.

Legacy Award – This award is given to enrolling children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and step grandchildren of Ohio Wesleyan University alumni. This award which ranges from $2,000 - $15,000 is provided in recognition of the special enthusiasm and dedication shown by the Ohio Wesleyan family. To retain this scholarship, students must remain in good academic standing for the duration of their studies at Ohio Wesleyan.

Meek Community Service and Leadership Award – To recognize first year students with a demonstrated commitment to service and leadership, each year Meek Community Service and Leadership Awards are presented to deserving students. The value of this award ranges from $2,000 - $15,000.  To retain this scholarship, students must remain in good academic standing for the duration of their studies at Ohio Wesleyan.

Child/Spouse of Clergy Award – This award is given to 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 value of this award ranges from $2,000 - $15,000.  To retain this scholarship, students must remain in good academic standing for the duration of their studies at Ohio Wesleyan.

Siblings Award – This $2,000 award is given to students who have a sibling currently attending or who previously attended Ohio Wesleyan University. This award recognizes the family tradition and commitment that families have shown throughout the history of Ohio Wesleyan.  To retain this scholarship, students must remain in good academic standing for the duration of their studies at Ohio Wesleyan.

Departmental Awards (Fine Arts, Music, Theatre, Dance and Economics) – These Ohio Wesleyan departments offer a limited number of scholarships to first year students. Awards vary in value. Application is made directly through the individual departments and generally require an audition or portfolio review.  To retain this scholarship, students must remain in good academic standing for the duration of their studies at Ohio Wesleyan.

For a complete listing of all Ohio Wesleyan scholarships and awards, go to the Online Catalog.

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