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Franklin University Scholarship Opportunities

Franklin makes a college education more accessible by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities. In fact, more than half our students receive financial assistance, including scholarships and grants.

Franklin University is proud to offer scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, including women, STEM students, nursing majors and others.

Merit-Based Scholarships & Community Service Scholarships

Alumni Funded Scholarships Apply Here

Please use the following link to apply to these scholarships. You can apply for one or more scholarships using this form. Below are the scholarship essay requirements that you can review before applying. Questions - please reach out to the alumni area at alumni@franklin.edu or 614-947-6062.

Applications Due Oct 10, 2025.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=NmaEX31DukaRUtBjKplwFpwpYU4v9etMlvcULG_Wiy5UMFRCR0UzR1JLNkYzM1JMQ0I2V1hQNFJTMyQlQCN0PWcu

1902 Leadership Essay - 500-750 words essay “How have you made a positive impact on the economic and/or social good of your community?” Impact should take place outside of the applicant's paid job responsibilities. 500-750 words

Alumni Military Essay - 250 word typed essay responding to the prompt:
“How will pursuing your degree help serve your country or community in a new and meaningful way?”

Elouise Copeland Essay - “Elouise Copeland was an advocate for Education. Please explain how this Scholarship will assist you with attaining your educational and future goal.” 500-700 word typed essay responding to the prompt

Greta J Russell Medical Mutual Essay - One to two page, typed essay responding to prompt
“Discuss your achievements, and anticipated Integrative Field Experience research project, including the objectives, expected outcomes, and impact of the project.“

Jo Ann Davidson Public Administration Leadership Scholar Essay - One to two page, typed essay responding to the prompt: “Discuss your academic achievements, professional goals, and the goals and expected impact of your Integrative Field Experience project.”

Nationwide Insurance Corporate Connections Scholarship - Students Must provide 1 page (250 words) summary of why the scholarship is desired.

Sales Leadership Scholarship

Are you ready to lead the future of sales? The Fankhauser Full Tuition Sales Leadership Scholarship is your chance to earn a full scholarship covering tuition and fees while launching your career as a sales leader.

This prestigious award is designed for new students accepted in to the Sales Leadership Program who are ready to make a real impact.

Highlights:

A limited number of scholarships are available
Covers full tuition and fees
Must maintain a 3.0 GPA while a student
Does not cover repeat classes
Requires a short essay response

Essay Prompt:
How do you intend to use your elevated professional sales leadership skills to inform your organization’s current sales strategies to positively impact its economic future?

If you’re driven, strategic, and ready to lead, this is your opportunity to invest in your future—at no cost to you.

Apply Today

The Franklin University Undergraduate Scholars Program

The Franklin University Undergraduate Scholars Program offers a variety of scholarships, which are donated or endowed by various individuals and organizations. The requirements are specified by the individual donor or endowment. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $2,000 (based on hours enrolled).

Fall 2026 Undergraduate Scholars Program Application

Graduate School Scholarship

To be considered for this scholarship, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

Current degree-seeking Franklin University graduate student that has successfully completed at least one trimester with a 3.5 cumulative GPA
Completion and submission of a 1,000 word essay. Prompt is listed on the application.
Recipients must maintain a 3.5 GPA and must be enrolled for at least 2 of the 3 terms per year.
This scholarship cannot be combined with any other Franklin University Scholarships.

For master's degree applicants, the maximum scholarship is $4,500, awarded in increments of $1,500 for three consecutive semesters.

For doctoral degree applicants, the maximum scholarship is $7,500, awarded in increments of $2,500 for three consecutive semesters.

Fall 2026 Graduate School Scholarship Application

STEM Scholarships

Choose Ohio First Scholarship

Choose Ohio First (COF) is a scholarship program funded by Franklin University and the Ohio Department of Higher Education that supports undergraduate and qualifying graduate students interested in pursuing a degree/credential in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing or healthcare. The goal of COF is to increase Ohio’s competitiveness in STEM fields and STEM education.

Undergraduate Eligibility

Undergraduate Applicants:

To be eligible for COF scholarship consideration at the undergraduate level, applicants must:

Be an Ohio resident (current resident of at least one year or graduate of an Ohio high school).
Be a new student to Franklin University actively seeking an approved undergraduate credential (certificate, AAS, AS, or BS degree) in a COF-eligible program of study or a current student who is switching to a COF-eligible program of study.*
Have a high school GPA of 3.0 or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 through other institutions, ACT score of 25 or higher, or SAT score of 1200 or higher.
Not participate in a U-LEARN partnership.
Have a commitment to completing COF program requirements, including completion of a work-based learning experience, participation in University-sponsored COF Scholar events, etc.

Undergraduate Recipients:

If awarded a COF scholarship at the undergraduate level, recipients must:

Maintain an overall 3.0 GPA (good academic standing).
Maintain enrollment in an approved undergraduate credential (certificate, AAS, AS, or BS degree) in a COF-eligible program of study.*
Maintain at least half-time status (6 credit hours) in Franklin University coursework for at least 2 trimesters per year.
Meet with their assigned faculty mentor at least once per trimester.
Make continued progress in PF 500: Proposal Planning for Choose Ohio First Scholars, including completion of an approved proposal at least 4 trimesters prior to their intended graduation trimester.
Enroll in PF 500: Experiential Learning for Choose Ohio First Scholars and complete 1 work-based learning experience** at least 1 trimester prior to their intended graduation trimester.
Not participate in a U-LEARN partnership.
Maintain state of Ohio residency and provide periodic proof if requested by the COF Scholarship Program.
Abide by the Franklin University community standards, including the student code of conduct and academic integrity policy.
Participate in any other COF-sponsored activities (surveys, progress checks, etc.).

As long as all program requirements and scholarship eligibility requirements are maintained, the COF Scholarship is renewable for up to 11 consecutive*** trimesters following the initial trimester of awarding, or graduation (whichever applies).

*The Choose Ohio First program is only for students pursuing a first-time undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree. Post-baccalaureate students are not eligible for this program.
**The work-based learning (WBL) experience is a structured, career-connected experience that allows scholars to apply knowledge and skills gained through coursework in a real-world or professional setting. Scholars will identify, develop and complete their own WBL experience with the support of the planning tools available through the COF Scholarship Program.
***Regardless of whether coursework was completed in a given trimester.

Graduate Eligibility

Graduate Applicants:

To be eligible for a COF scholarship at the graduate level, applicants must:

Be an Ohio resident (current resident of at least one year).
Be a new student to Franklin University actively seeking an approved graduate credential (certificate or MS degree) in a COF-eligible program of study or a current student who is switching to a COF-eligible program of study.
Have a cumulative 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Not participate in an Earn + Learn partnership.
Have a commitment to completing COF program requirements, including completion of a work-based learning experience, participation in University-sponsored COF Scholar events, etc.

Graduate Recipients:

If awarded a COF scholarship at the graduate level, recipients must:

Maintain an overall 3.0 GPA (good academic standing).
Maintain enrollment in an approved graduate credential (certificate or MS degree) in a COF-eligible program of study.
Maintain at least half-time status (3 credit hours) in Franklin University coursework for at least 2 trimesters per year.
Meet with their assigned faculty mentor at least once per trimester.
Make continued progress in PF 500: Proposal Planning for Choose Ohio First Scholars, including completion of an approved proposal at least 4 trimesters prior to their intended graduation trimester.
Enroll in PF 500: Experiential Learning for Choose Ohio First Scholars and complete 1 work-based learning experience* at least 1 trimester prior to their intended graduation trimester.
Not participate in an Earn + Learn partnership.
Maintain state of Ohio residency and provide periodic proof if requested by the COF Scholarship Program.
Abide by the Franklin University community standards, including the student code of conduct and academic integrity policy.
Participate in any other COF-sponsored activities (surveys, progress checks, etc.).

As long as all program requirements and scholarship eligibility requirements are maintained, the COF Scholarship is renewable for up to 11 consecutive** trimesters following the initial trimester of awarding, or graduation (whichever applies).

*The work-based learning (WBL) experience is a structured, career-connected experience that allows scholars to apply knowledge and skills gained through coursework in a real-world or professional setting. Scholars will identify, develop and complete their own WBL experience with the support of the planning tools available through the COF Scholarship Program.
**Regardless of whether coursework was completed in a given trimester.

Eligible Programs of Study

Certificates

Nurse Practitioner: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Post-Graduate Certificate
Data Analytics Graduate Certificate
Cyber Defense Graduate Certificate
Cyber Governance Graduate Certificate
Nurse Practitioner: Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate
Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric Mental Health Post-Graduate Certificate

Associate Degrees

AS Computer Science
AS Cybersecurity
AS Health Services
AS Information Technology

Bachelor's Degrees

BS Analytics
BS Cloud Computing
BS Computer Science
BS Cybersecurity
BS Public Health
BS Healthcare Administration
BS Information Systems
BS Information Technology
BS Management Science
RN-BSN

Master's Degrees

MS Business Analytics
MS Business Psychology
MS Computer Science
MS Cybersecurity
MS Data Analytics
MS Health Informatics
MS Healthcare Administration
MS Information Systems
MS Information Technology
MS Nursing-Generalist
Ms Nursing-Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
MS Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
MS Nursing-Nurse Administrator
MS Nursing-Nurse Educator
MS Nursing-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MS Psychology

FAQs

How much support does a Choose Ohio First scholarship provide?
At Franklin University, COF scholarship awards are $2,500 per term (Summer, Fall, Spring), totaling up to $7,500 per academic year.

Can a Choose Ohio First scholarship be combined with other partnership, grant, scholarship or award programs? 
COF scholarships may be combined with other partnership, grant, scholarship or award programs. Earn + Learn and U-Learn partnership programs are not eligible. Combinable benefits include, but are not limited to, employer-sponsored benefits, free books and fee waivers. Scholarship awards supersede any tuition discount. The ability to combine COF with other funding sources may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please consult Student Financial Services.

What requirements must be maintained to remain eligible for a Choose Ohio First scholarship?
Scholarship recipients must maintain the requirements above, broken down into undergraduate and graduate requirements. Failure to do so may affect the awarding of scholarship funds and result in termination from the scholarship program.

What is the work-based learning (WBL) experience requirement?
All COF scholars are required to complete a work-based learning (WBL) experience as part of the scholarship program. This student-driven WBL is a structured, career-connected experience that allows scholars to apply knowledge and skills gained through coursework in a real-world or professional setting. WBL experiences must be distinct, complementary and supplementary to regular coursework and result in documented learning outcomes.

Examples of acceptable WBL experiences include: job shadowing, internships, clinicals/practicums (only available to programs that require them), career-related informational interviews, on-the-job training and more. In addition to an assigned Faculty Mentor who provides one-on-one guidance, scholars will identify, develop and complete their own WBL experience with the support of the planning tools available through the COF Scholarship Program.

How long can a student receive a Choose Ohio First scholarship?
A COF scholarship is renewable, as long as program and eligibility requirements continue to be met until graduation or up to 11 consecutive* trimesters following the initial trimester of awarding (whichever applies). Because scholarship funds are provided by the State of Ohio, they are subject to the availability of funds and can be impacted by state-level budget decisions. As a result, scholarship award amounts are subject to change and may be reduced or canceled at any time.
*regardless of whether coursework was completed in a given trimester.

When are scholarship awards disbursed each trimester?
Scholars will be notified of the requirements that require their immediate action at the start of each trimester, following verification of scholarship eligibility requirements completed by the COF Scholarship Program. Scholarship awards are viewable in Self-Service and are disbursed* once these requirements have been completed.
*For Summer trimesters, funds cannot be disbursed until the State of Ohio approves the budget for that year. The COF Scholarship Program works with Student Financial Services to help ensure the delay in disbursement does not cause any account issues.

Institutional Scholarships

Smart Start Scholarship

The Smart Start Scholarship is an automatic scholarship awarded to new Franklin University students in designated academic programs. The tuition-only award is disbursed equally over multiple terms until the maximum amount is met. Students must remain in good financial aid standing and maintain at least half-time enrollment status in an eligible degree program to meet eligibility requirements.

The Smart Start Scholarship is non-refundable and cannot be combined with partnership discounts or other institutional scholarships.

New Franklin University students in the following programs will be awarded Smart Start Scholarships:

Master of Education in Educational Leadership Higher Education (M.Ed.) ($2,000)
Master of Education in Educational Leadership K-12 Building Level Leadership (M.Ed.) ($2,000)
Master of Education in Educational Leadership Principal Licensure (M.Ed.) ($2,000)
Master of Education in Instructional Design (M.Ed.) ($2,000)
MSN-AGPCNP ($2,000)
M.S. in Cybersecurity ($2,000)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-AGPCNP ($2,000)
DNP-FNP ($2,000)
DNP-Leadership ($1,500)
DNP-PMHNP ($2,000)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smart Start Scholarship?

Who qualifies for the Smart Start Scholarship?

New Franklin University students in the following programs will automatically be awarded the Smart Start Scholarship. There’s no application required.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership Higher Education (M.Ed.) ($2,000)
Master of Education in Educational Leadership K-12 Building Level Leadership (M.Ed.) ($2,000)
Master of Education in Educational Leadership Principal Licensure (M.Ed.) ($2,000)
MSN-AGPCNP ($2,000)
M.S. in Cybersecurity ($2,000)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-AGPCNP ($2,000)
DNP-FNP ($2,000)
DNP-Leadership ($1,500)
DNP-PMHNP ($2,000)

Are Franklin University alumni eligible for the Smart Start Scholarship?

No. The Smart Start Scholarship is for new Franklin University students; therefore, alumni are not eligible and should consider the Road to Graduate School Scholarship, a scholarship for alumni of undergraduate programs who pursue their first master’s degree with Franklin.

How is the Smart Start Scholarship disbursed?

The award applies to tuition only and is disbursed equally over multiple terms in $1,000 increments until the maximum amount is met.

Can the Smart Start Scholarship be combined with other scholarships?

No. Students cannot receive multiple institutional scholarships. If a student is eligible for multiple institutional scholarships, they will be awarded the one that provides the greatest financial benefit.

See All >

External Scholarships

Ruby’s Rainbow

Ruby’s Rainbow grants scholarships to help students with Down syndrome pursue their higher-education dreams. We provide college scholarships for students with Down syndrome attending post-secondary programs in the U.S.

Amount: $1,000 - $10,000

Scholarship Description and Application

Application Deadline: April 21, 2026

Anne Ford Scholarship

The Anne Ford Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500/year over four years) granted to a graduating high school senior who will enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree program in the fall. Students must have a documented learning disability (LD). Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who also have a learning disability, are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Description and Application

Application Deadline: April 26, 2026

Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges 2026-27

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges works with Ohio businesses and nonprofits which provides scholarship opportunities to Ohio residents. To be eligible, a student needs to attend full-time working toward an undergraduate degree. There are multiple scholarships awarded through this application and awards would start in the Fall 2026 semester.

2026-2027 OFIC Scholarship Application

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Nationwide Foundation Scholarship

Students must be an Ohio resident from central Ohio (Frankin County or contiguous counties). Applicants must matriculate from Columbus State Community College to one of the following OFIC member institutions: Capital University, Franklin University, Ohio Dominican University, and Otterbein University and be a full-time undergraduate student during the full 2026-2027 academic year seeking a bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Insurance, Actuarial Science, Finance, Business, Marketing, Human Resources, or Information Technology. Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and submit a current, unofficial transcript within the application. Applicants must also file the 2026-2027 FAFSA and submit the FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly SAR).

Scholarship Description and Application

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026. $3,000 average award.

Jared Monroe Foundation Scholarship

The Foundation Pools donors’ contributions and awards scholarships to students with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder who are currently in treatment. The students may be graduating high school seniors, or freshmen, sophomores or juniors attending college. These awards can be used toward tuition, fees, books, and room & board. Scholarships are from $250 to $2300, depending on yearly contributions.

Scholarship Description and Application

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Ohio Scholars Program

For this scholarship, students must be a U.S. citizen and an Ohio resident attending full-time for the 2026-2027 year. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.8, and a current, unofficial transcript is also to be submitted with the application. Filing the 2026-2027 FAFSA is required, and your FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly SAR) must be submitted with your application.

Scholarship Description and Application

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026. Award amounts vary.

AbbVie Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship

The AbbVie CF Scholarship program honors those who are thriving with cystic fibrosis, offering the chance to win up to $25,000 in pursuit of higher education. Students diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Application and Description

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

Nordson BUILDS Scholarship Program

Last year, Nordson Corporation awarded over $475,000 in scholarships to nearly 80 students who expressed interest in a career in the manufacturing industry and/or corporate America. Nordson offers professional development for these scholars through “Lunch and Learn” events, and many scholars are even offered internships each year. Students must have an interest in a career in corporate America and/or the manufacturing industry. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Preferred programs of study include Engineering, Business, Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Industrial Management, Information Technology, Biomedical and engineering-related STEM majors leading to a career in industry. Students must also live and/or attend a campus near a Nordson facility (Ohio Facilities are located in Amherst, Austintown, Dayton, and Westlake. There is no set distance, but students within 60 miles will receive preference).

Scholarship Description and Application

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026. $6,000 average award.

180 Medical Scholarship Program

The 180 Medical Scholarship Program is open to full-time college students living with specific medical conditions, including spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, neurogenic bladder, or ostomy.

Amount: $1,000

Scholarship Description and Application

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

Cochlear Academic or Vocational Scholarships

Professor Graeme Clark and Dr. Anders Tjellström are the pioneers of Cochlear. To celebrate their tremendous contribution to helping those with hearing loss, we offer two scholarships.

Amount: $2,000 annually for up to four years

Scholarship Description and Application

Application Deadline: September 30th of each year

Ability Center of Greater Toledo Scholarship

The Ability Center works to ensure that people with disabilities have opportunities to achieve higher education. In partnership with The Ability Center Auxiliary, we provide critical college scholarships to area students with disabilities. For scholarship consideration, applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.

Amount: $2500

Scholarship Description and Application

Application Deadline: January 15, 2027

Scholarship Resources

We want to help make finding your college funding easier, so we compiled this list of college scholarship opportunities, links, and other free resources.

International Education Financial Aid

Get information about scholarships, loans, and other programs for International students.

Military.Com Scholarship Finder

Find millions of dollars in scholarships and grants exclusively for members of the military community.

I Know I Can

Find grants, scholarships and other helpful resources for Columbus City School students of all ages.

OOD Financial Assistance for Students

Eligible students with disabilities may receive funds while participating in OOD services. These funds must be used for tuition or educational expenses during the current term. This includes students with physical, hearing, vision, learning, mental health, and sensory disabilities participating in colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, and credentialing programs. These funds are only for individuals with disabilities receiving OOD services. They are in addition to any scholarship funds students may be receiving.

The Columbus Foundation

The Columbus Foundation: Search more than 200 scholarships, check your eligibility, and apply -- all in one place.

Scholarship America

Search national scholarships, hear from students who’ve received scholarships, and get access to a variety of free resources,including application tips, a Scholarship Coach Ebook, test preparation, and more.

Scholarships.com

A national scholarship search engine that helps match students with scholarships.

OFIC Information Release

If you would like to give permission to the University to release financial aid and student account information to directors, staff or representatives of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, please complete the OFIC Information Release.

OFIC Information Release

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Hear What Our Scholarship Winners Are Saying

Vincent

MBA Student + 1902 Scholarship Winner

“Earning my MBA at Franklin is helping me learn the skills I need to help those in the darkest corners of our community come out into the light and live healthy, productive lives.”

Stephania

Doctor of Healthcare Administration Student, U.S. Air Force Veteran + Alumni Military Scholarship Winner

“I’m proud to represent the military as a recipient of this scholarship and with the money, I’m earning an education to better the community.”

Gig

MBA Student, U.S. Army Veteran + Alumni Military Scholarship Winner

“This scholarship will enable me to finish my MBA, which I plan to use to launch a nonprofit organization that assists veterans with housing and employment.”

Rachel

Doctor of Professional Studies-Instructional Design Leadership Student + James E. Guilkey Scholarship Winner

“To receive a scholarship named for someone I admire so much professionally gives me encouragement to persevere on the road to my doctorate.”

Shayanna

MBA Student + 1902 Scholarship Winner

“I am so grateful for this scholarship. It meant a lot to know that someone was willing to invest in me.”

Erica

B.S. Applied Psychology Student + 1902 Scholarship Winner

“The scholarship has been a validator for me. I am a leader because of what I do – and the scholarship helps boost my confidence in my ability to lead.”

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Franklin University Founded in 1902, Franklin is an accredited nonprofit university offering flexible college degrees online and at locations in Ohio and the Midwest.

Franklin University
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Columbus, OH 43215

Local: (614) 797-4700
Toll Free: (877) 341-6300
admissions@franklin.edu

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440) and authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Franklin University is committed to being an inclusive community free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Franklin University Scholarship Opportunities

Student Financial Services

$13M in Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance

50+ Scholarships Available

Free Guide: Where to Find Free Money to go Back to School

Merit-Based Scholarships & Community Service Scholarships

STEM Scholarships

Institutional Scholarships

External Scholarships

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