The scholarship serves eligible graduates of CMSD and partner charter schools who lived within the district service area and attended a participating school throughout high school. For 2026–27, the calculation varies by institution and household income: at Ohio public colleges, an AGI up to $96,000 may qualify for remaining tuition and mandatory general fees after federal and state grants; above that, the award may be up to $5,000 a year. Say Yes Compact private colleges generally use a $75,000 threshold, subject to institution-specific exceptions.
Families with AGI of $96,000 or less may also receive a $2,000 annual Opportunity Grant if the student attends an approved institution. It may support housing and meals, books, transportation, and other eligible cost-of-attendance expenses. It is not unrestricted cash: the participating institution applies and disburses funds under its rules. The maximum timeframe is three academic years at two-year institutions and six at four-year institutions, with separate transfer and summer rules.
Before choosing a college, verify that your high school and residence meet the continuous-eligibility rule, check the partner list, and file the FAFSA. Then complete the Say Yes portal application, respond to campus verification, and confirm your award package: federal and state grants apply first, so the scholarship pays eligible remaining costs and does not necessarily cover housing or every charge.
The 2026–27 policy is the reference for this guide; a listed maximum is not a guaranteed award. A student whose schooling or residence history has a gap should review the formal appeal route and gather residency and transcript evidence. For a family-specific calculation, contact Say Yes Cleveland and the college financial-aid office.
Read the program profile and the official FAFSA application guide; ask the college to confirm your individual package.
To compare this award with another college offer, ask for an itemized estimate: covered tuition and fees, other grants applied first, and the balance you would still owe. Keep confirmation of every form, and when the program requires it, submit the FAFSA or CADAA for the correct academic year. An advertised maximum or the phrase “free tuition” does not automatically include books, housing, transportation, or terms the program excludes.
Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship Program Policy 2026–27 — Say Yes Cleveland.
Scholarship Overview and Eligibility — Say Yes Cleveland.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Local programs change cohorts, funding, eligibility, and calendars; a closed cycle is not an open application. Confirm your situation and the current application with the program and the college financial-aid office.
The program and college financial-aid office confirm eligibility, covered balance, and dates; a published maximum does not guarantee an award.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship
The scholarship serves eligible graduates of CMSD and partner charter schools who lived within the district service area and attended a participating school throughout high school. For 2026–27, the calculation varies by institution and household income: at Ohio public colleges, an AGI up to $96,000 may qualify for remaining tuition and mandatory general fees after federal and state grants; above that, the award may be up to $5,000 a year. Say Yes Compact private colleges gene
Local college-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
Say Yes Cleveland · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Say Yes Cleveland · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Say Yes Cleveland · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Say Yes Cleveland · 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.