Choose Ohio First
Strengthening Ohio's future
The Choose Ohio First Scholarship (COF) is designed to significantly strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines and education. Malone students are eligible to receive up to $8,000 in additional funding, and priority is given to those who indicate interest by February 1, 2024.
Undergraduate
Programs that are eligible for support include:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Nursing
- Zoo & Wildlife Biology
Criteria for undergraduates
- Must be first-year freshman student, or new to one of the majors listed above
- Must be Ohio resident
- Must complete the 2024-25 FAFSA
- Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5+
Award: Up to $8,000 per year for selected students
- Full-time enrollment required
- Eligibility expires after eight semesters of attendance
- Limited to fall and spring semesters only
- This award may be combined with other scholarships and grants
- Applicants must complete and submit the 2024-25 FAFSA
NOTE: If you are awarded a Choose Ohio Scholarship and then change your major to a different STEM major, you may not receive the scholarship funds. Our allocations are predicated upon specific majors and funds do not cross over to all Choose Ohio First programs. Thus, whether you are an admitted or current student and have been awarded a scholarship, please contact the financial aid office prior to changing your major to determine how this may impact your aid.
Renewable?
Yes, this award is renewable as long as the student maintains a 3.0 institutional GPA and continues within their appropriate program.
Students who wish to renew their awards in subsequent years will be selected based on their continued academic progress, determined by a minimum GPA and earned credit hours per semester, as well as involvement with all program-specific on- and off-campus co-curricular activities as previously conducted in past COF funding cycles. These engagement opportunities include, but are not exclusive to, community service activities focused upon promoting STEM within local schools, on-campus presentations, and seminars (as active participants and attendees), as well as social events. Awards are contingent upon fund availability through the Ohio General Assembly.
Apply: for the Choose Ohio First Scholarship
UNDERGRADUATE - CHOOSE OHIO FIRST FORM
Graduate
Programs that are eligible for support include:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Science in Nursing – FNP or AGACNP
Criteria for graduate students
- Must be newly enrolled in one of the majors listed above for Fall 2024
- Must be Ohio resident
- Must complete the 2024-25 FAFSA
- Must meet graduate program admission requirements including a faculty interview
- Must fill out the Choose Ohio First Form
Awarding
- June 15, 2024 deadline for Admissions and Grant application to be considered
- July 1, 2024 initial awarding period to begin
- Malone will consider financial need, essay responses, prior academic achievement, and graduate program availability in selecting award recipients
- Students are eligible for awards between $1,500-$8,000 with typical awards below $2,000
Renewable?
Yes, this award is renewable as long as the student maintains a 3.0 institutional GPA and continues within their appropriate graduate program.
Students who wish to renew their awards in subsequent years will be selected based on their continued academic progress, determined by a minimum GPA and earned credit hours per semester, as well as student need. Awards are contingent upon fund availability through the Ohio General Assembly.
Apply: for the Choose Ohio First Scholarship