Leaving college does not always mean giving up on a degree. Ohio’s Second Chance Grant supports residents with prior credits who stopped out and want to finish a credential. The grant can reach $3,000 and is applied to cost of attendance after federal and state need-based grants. The college must participate and publish an approved cost of attendance.
Applicants must be Ohio residents without a bachelor’s degree, have stopped out of an eligible institution, and not transferred elsewhere during the following two terms or eight months. They must return within five years, have been in good academic standing, and not have left after suspension or expulsion. Associate degree holders may qualify if pursuing a bachelor’s.
Students must file FAFSA, accept eligible federal and state need-based aid, and pursue a credential beyond what they already hold. A prior certificate may allow associate or bachelor’s study; someone with an associate must pursue a bachelor’s. The grant cannot be combined with certain state awards such as Choose Ohio First, War Orphans, National Guard, or Safety Officers.
Awards are offered first-come, first-served from limited funds; the college’s re-enrollment office can review the balance, returner aid, and old debts. Contact the school before enrolling to verify participation, dates, standing, and whether remaining tuition fits your plan. The grant is for education costs, not unrestricted family expenses.
Before accepting, request an individual estimate showing aid applied first, residual tuition, mandatory fees, and indirect costs. Confirm residency, credits, renewal, deadlines, and documents with the official program office; keep a copy and submission confirmation. If your situation is unclear, get a written answer from the campus before committing to tuition or housing.
Read the program profile and official FAFSA guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.
Second Chance Grant Program Overview — Ohio Department of Higher Education.
FAFSA — Apply for Federal Student Aid — Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, award amounts, funding, and dates can change by year and budget. A scholarship may cover only tuition or specified fees, not housing, meals, books, or transportation. File the FAFSA when applicable, confirm your balance with the financial-aid office, and do not pay third parties to apply.
Compare net cost and excluded charges before committing; the financial-aid office confirms eligibility and the final balance.
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Ohio Second Chance Grant
Leaving college does not always mean giving up on a degree. Ohio’s Second Chance Grant supports residents with prior credits who stopped out and want to finish a credential. The grant can reach $3,000 and is applied to cost of attendance after federal and state need-based grants. The college must participate and publish an approved cost of attendance. Applicants must be Ohio residents without a bachelor’s degree, have stopped out of an eligible institution, and not transferre
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
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education · 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 Ohio Second Chance Grant ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education · 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.