Choose Ohio First (COF) is Ohio’s STEM scholarship program, directing state funds to colleges and universities with approved projects to recruit and graduate more students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and STEM teacher preparation. It is not a single state application with one uniform award amount: each campus selects cohorts and sets awards within its grant. Institutions must also offer applied learning, such as internships, co-ops, or research.
For 2026–27, Ohio released the FY27 institutional funding round, with college proposals due October 1, 2026; campus awards were expected in November. That was an institutional deadline, not a student application date to ODHE. Students should verify whether their campus, major, and cohort are supported by an award, then ask the college’s scholarship or STEM office about GPA, residency or citizenship, course load, and selection.
The program has statutory minimum annual award levels, but individual amounts can vary significantly by project and campus funding. Do not treat an amount published in one college’s proposal as a statewide rate for every student. Ask whether your CIP-coded major is approved, what internships or work-based learning are required, how renewal works, and whether funds are guaranteed each year. ODHE’s public portal posts awards and resources; the campus office confirms student applications and individual packages.
Before accepting, compare the final balance with tuition, fees, and other aid; confirm the rules with the official source and ask the college financial-aid office for guidance.
Read the official program profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before enrolling.
Choose Ohio First: ronda y lista de carreras FY27 — Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Portal de recursos para instituciones y estudiantes — Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Código y elegibilidad general del programa — Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3333.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Programs, funding, and deadlines correspond to the stated cycle and may change. Eligibility does not guarantee an award: confirm your file, covered costs, and any service obligation with the agency and college.
Compare net costs and confirm requirements, funding, dates, and obligations with the program and institution before committing.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Choose Ohio First (COF) is Ohio’s STEM scholarship program, directing state funds to colleges and universities with approved projects to recruit and graduate more students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and STEM teacher preparation. It is not a single state application with one uniform award amount: each campus selects cohorts and sets awards within its grant. Institutions must also offer applied learning, such as internships, co-ops, or research. For 2026–
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Ohio Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Ohio Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3333 · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Ohio Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Choose Ohio First Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Ohio Department of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Choose Ohio First Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3333 · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.