Columbus Promise can make the start of college more affordable for young people in Columbus, Ohio, but eligibility is not based on residence alone. It is a partnership of the city, Columbus City Schools, I Know I Can, and Columbus State Community College; it is limited to Columbus City Schools graduates who apply during senior year. The official Columbus Promise profile links to the scholarship, application portal, and advising support.
For the Class of 2027, the site says the portal will open in early 2027. The Application Process page sets July 15 as the deadline to complete the steps; the FAQ describes May 15 as a priority date for signing events, orientation, summer planning, and better course selection. That distinction matters: use May 15 as a prudent target and confirm the final date for your cohort in the portal when it opens.
The award covers tuition and fees after Pell Grant, when applicable, and tuition-restricted scholarships are applied, for up to six consecutive semesters at Columbus State. Summer is optional but counts as a semester if the student enrolls. Scholars also receive a $500-per-semester stipend for books or other educational expenses and access to academic advising, career guidance, and wellness support. There is no GPA, household-income, immigration-status, or Pell-eligibility requirement; students must file the FAFSA each year.
Applying involves admission to Columbus State, the FAFSA, and the Columbus Promise form through the I Know I Can portal. Students must apply while still in high school and begin in the fall immediately after graduation. Schools hold workshops; an I Know I Can College Advising Manager or school counselor can help retrieve the FAFSA summary and transcript. The FAQ lists six credits per semester to receive funding, while the maintaining page lists nine credits per term to retain scholar status; ask an advisor which threshold applies to your cohort and circumstances.
Continued eligibility calls for fall and spring enrollment, satisfactory academic progress, mandatory student-success activities, advisor appointments, and at least 15 earned program credits each academic year. Summer is not required unless used as one of the six semesters. Failing or withdrawing late from a course may require repayment of that course’s tuition; a course dropped for nonattendance may also leave tuition, bookstore, or stipend balances. Review your course load and withdrawal calendar with an advisor before changing registration.
Columbus Promise Scholarship — Columbus Promise.
Application Process — Columbus Promise.
Frequently Asked Questions — Columbus Promise.
Maintaining the Columbus Promise — Columbus Promise.
Informational guide based on official sources checked on October 12, 2026. Eligibility, funding, and dates may change by cohort; confirm the current cycle directly with the program before making enrollment or budget decisions.
If you graduate from Columbus City Schools, file FAFSA and apply during senior year; confirm the Class of 2027 deadline and minimum course load in the portal.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Columbus Promise Scholarship
Only for Columbus City Schools graduates; living in Columbus alone is not enough. No minimum GPA, financial-need, immigration-status, or Pell eligibility requirement. Students must apply during senior year, file the FAFSA annually, and start at Columbus State. It covers tuition and fees after Pell and tuition-restricted scholarships for up to six semesters, plus a $500-per-semester stipend.
City and community partnership scholarship for Columbus City Schools graduates
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Columbus Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Columbus Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Columbus Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Columbus Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Columbus Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Columbus Promise Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Columbus Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Columbus Promise Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Columbus Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Columbus Promise Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Columbus Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.