The Morrill Scholars Program

The Morrill Scholars Program (MSP) is named in honor of Senator Justin Morrill, author of the 1862 Morrill Act that facilitated access to higher education for students previously underrepresented at America’s colleges. The Office of Minority Affairs offers this program to promote diversity, multiculturalism, and scholarship and to enrich the educational experience of all Ohio State students so they will be prepared for optimum success in the world community. We expect all of our scholarship recipients to actively participate in cultural and multicultural events, activities, and organizations to help build a diverse community that utilizes our collective strengths, talents, leadership, and interests to foster an environment where all can reach their full potentials.

Minimum Criteria

To qualify for consideration, an applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen and/or legal permanent resident of the United States
• Be admissible to the Columbus campus for the autumn quarter after high school graduation
• Meet two out of three academic requirements listed below:
  • top 20% class rank
  • 23 ACT composite or 1070 combined SAT Critical Reading and Math scores
  • 3.3 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
• Have demonstrated leadership, commitment to diversity, and community service

Additional Criteria

• Applicant's status as a potential first-generation college graduate
• Applicant's race/ethnic/tribal background
• Socioeconomic factors
• Ohio county of residence

Award Levels:

The Distinction Scholarship is equivalent to the value of full tuition (for both Ohio residents and nonresidents), room and board, book allowance, and miscellaneous expenses.  Other merit aid may be included in the value of this award.

The Prominence Scholarship is awarded to non-residents required to pay the out-of-state surcharge.  Students earning a Prominence Scholarship will receive the value of both in-state tuition and the nonresident surcharge.  Other merit aid may be included in the value of this award.

The Excellence Scholarship is available to both Ohio residents and nonresidents and is equivalent to the value of full in-state tuition.  Other merit aid may be included in the value of this award. 

How to Apply (There have been recent changes to the application process, please read carefully) 

1. There is no paper application.  Students must apply to the admissions office first and foremost.  This first initiation to the university results in OMA emailing an invite to eligible students to accept or reject the online MSP account that will be created for this scholarship opportunity. 
2. Once the student receives their OSU ID and has received an email from OMA, then the student can register for their MSP online account.  Students cannot go online and register for the MSP scholarship until after they have applied to the admissions office and received their OSU ID and an email from OMA.
3. Students must apply early, before December 1 in order to have an MSP online account created in time to turn in all supporting documents (essay & recommendations) to my office by the December 1, 2009 published deadline.  
4. It is highly recommended that all students complete the MSP process online and not mail in separate documents.
5. Students do not need to turn in high school transcript, college prep form, and resume to OMA, as OMA will request copies of these documents from the admissions office.
6. The only documents or online submissions required from students is an answer to the MSP essay and 2 nonrelatives’ recommendations. Again, we prefer that everything be completed online.
   

Review of Application

Complete MSP applications will be carefully reviewed by a selection committee composed of faculty and staff. The selection committee will consider the additional criteria to further evaluate the strength of your application. Interviews will be required for the Distinction level. Awardees will be notified by email and informing you to check your online MSP account by the end of March.

Application Deadline

Submit an admissions application and complete the MSP process online by the priority postmark deadline of December 1st. (Late applications may not receive consideration.)

Undergraduate Recruitment and Community Development
1000 Lincoln Tower
1800 Cannon Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
Phone: (614) 292-0964
E-mail address: Morrill Scholars
To be considered for financial aid, please click on www.fafsa.ed.gov