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

  1. Apply for admission to Ohio State's Columbus campus by the priority postmark of December 1, 2009.  Apply online at apply.osu.edu or complete a standard application form.
  2. Upon receipt of the admission application, candidates wil receive an email from this office outlying the MSP application process an materials needed for submission. 
  3. Also, required by the postmark deadline:
     • Two non-relative letters of recommendation (Have recommenders fill out the recommendation form online)
     • Response to all parts of the essay question 
     • An e-mail acknowledging receipt of your documents will be sent to the e-mail address on your MSP application. Please make sure your e-mail address is accurate and notify this office of any changes.
     • Complete the 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov by February 16, 2010.  The FAFSA is highly recommended for all Morrill Scholar applicants. 
  4. Once admitted and upon receipt of all required materials, candidates will be reviewed for consideration.

  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