One of the Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio — with outcomes that matter

For many families, yes — and the data backs it up. Money Magazine ranked Malone the most affordable private university in Ohio in its 2024 Best Colleges analysis, with an estimated net price of $22,800. Our average final cost with financial aid is $9,705 per year — well below the average net price for Ohio public four-year institutions.

The key is looking past the sticker price. Malone’s tuition before aid is comparable to other private universities, but because we award financial aid to 100% of students — averaging $35,756 per package — the real cost is dramatically lower. Use our Net Price Calculator to see your personal estimate.

The process has three key steps. First, apply for admission — contact our Admissions Office at 1-800-958-8734 or submit an application online. Second, complete your FAFSA at studentaid.gov as early as possible, listing Malone’s school code (003072). Filing by March 1 gives you the best access to all aid options, including Federal Workstudy and a variety of state grants.  Third, review your personalized award letter — once you’ve applied and filed your FAFSA, Malone will send you a customized financial aid package reflecting every scholarship and grant you qualify for.

Our financial aid team is available to walk through your package line by line and help you understand what you’ll actually owe.

All students are automatically considered for merit scholarships upon admission — no separate application required. Awards are based on a combination of your cumulative GPA and ACT/SAT/CLT scores, and Malone will award you the highest scholarship for which you qualify.

Students with at least a 3.6 GPA and a 26 ACT/1240 SAT (or at least a 3.8 GPA with no test requirement) are invited to apply for our most competitive scholarship opportunities. Additionally, students in certain academic programs may qualify for the Choose Ohio First award of up to $8,000. Specific program scholarships in music, nursing, and other areas are also available.

The Stark County Scholars program is one of the most powerful affordability commitments Malone makes to our local community. If you graduated from a Stark County high school, demonstrate financial need, have a 2.8 or higher GPA, and qualify for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant, Malone will guarantee a no out-of-pocket tuition program.

This program combines a Malone scholarship with state, federal, and loan funds to cover your full cost of enrollment. Students can choose a commuter option or an on-campus housing option. Malone’s Transfer Advantage Scholarship extends similar benefits to qualifying transfer students from Stark State College.

Yes — Malone merit scholarships are renewable throughout your undergraduate career as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress. Need-based aid requires you to renew your FAFSA each year by March 1. We encourage students to re-file electronically at studentaid.gov every year to maintain eligibility for the full range of aid, including work-study and Perkins Loans.

If your family’s financial situation changes significantly during your time at Malone, reach out to our Financial Aid Office — we are committed to working with you on a path forward.

Graduating in four years isn’t just a goal at Malone — it’s a commitment built into how we structure advising and course sequencing. We call it wise stewardship: because every extra semester costs real money and delays your career and earning potential.

Our academic advisers monitor your progress each semester, and our small class sizes mean you’ll never lose your spot in a required course due to overcrowding. When you finish in four years, you graduate with less debt and get a head start on repayment — making Malone one of the most financially sound choices among affordable colleges in Ohio.

Malone is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which — combined with the GI Bill® — can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees for eligible post-9/11 veterans. Participants also receive up to $1,000 per year for books and a monthly housing allowance.

If you’ve served since 9/11, contact the VA website or reach out directly to Malone’s Financial Aid Office to explore your full eligibility. We are honored to serve those who have served our country.

Absolutely. Malone’s robust merit scholarship program means that students who don’t demonstrate financial need can still receive significant awards based on academic achievement. And since 100% of students receive some form of scholarships, no one pays the full sticker price.

Even for families above traditional need thresholds, Malone’s total cost of attendance represents an exceptional return on investment compared to many of Ohio’s larger universities.

Among Christian colleges in Ohio, Malone stands out as a recognized leader in affordability. The College Raptor recognition ranks Malone nationally among the most affordable colleges for students of varying academic backgrounds — not just high-achieving students. Meanwhile, Money’s independent analysis ranks Malone as the most affordable private university in Ohio overall, ahead of all other comparable institutions.

When you combine our award amount, our internship completion rates, and our faith-integrated education, Malone delivers one of the strongest value propositions of any private college in the state.