Scholarships and Grants

The Choose Ohio First Scholarship program focuses on increasing access to STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) baccalaureate education for highly diverse, underrepresented students from Northeast Ohio. Students from Mount Union’s sister school, Akron North High School, are particularly encouraged to apply, as well as underrepresented students from the greater Alliance area. Scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $8,000 per student, per academic year. The scholarships, renewable for four years of undergraduate study, are available in the following STEMM areas: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and physics. In addition to scholarship support, scholarship recipients will have a dedicated mentor to provide academic and co-curricular advising.

Eligibility Requirements

• To be eligible, the student must have earned a high school unweighted GPA of 3.5, or class rank in the top 15%.
• The student has completed four years of mathematics and/or computer science.
• The student has completed four years of high school science participation or completed one of the STEMM Career Academies at Akron North High School.
• The student has stated interest in one of the approved STEMM majors at UMU.
• The student must be an Ohio resident and indicate on their admission application that they are members of the following ethnic groups: Black or African-American, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and/or are a first-generation college student.

Application Deadline

• The application deadline is April 1, 2024.
  
  

Apply Today

To apply for the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, students must email the following materials to Kathleen Thomas, director of financial aid, at thomaska@mountunion.edu.

• Student name, high school, and intended major
• A few written paragraphs describing the students’ career aspirations, experiences they’ve had in a work environment, and interests they’d like to explore while attending Mount Union if awarded this scholarship
• Letter of recommendation from one STEMM high school faculty member

The Choose Ohio First (COF) Scholarship program provides direct assistance to highly qualified health professions graduate students who are deeply committed to serving the acute and chronic care needs of Ohioans. Eligible students must be pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, or a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Scholarship awards range from $1,500 to $8,904 per student, per academic year. Scholarships are renewable for the length of the student’s program as long as the student remains in good academic standing.
 

Eligibility Requirements:

Incoming first-year graduate students must:

• Be an Ohio resident.
• Be enrolled at the University of Mount Union.
• Have earned an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher.
• Pursue a Master of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, or a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
• Submit an application with a brief essay articulating why a program that focuses attention on Ohio health outcomes and disparities is a professional interest, and demonstration of financial need.
• Submit a written agreement to accept all clinical training placements in Ohio, and to participate in the inter-professional COF cohort activities.

 
To maintain eligibility after the first year, graduate students will need to:

• Remain a student in good academic standing within your graduate program.
• Participate in all University of Mount Union Buckeye Ready Choose Ohio First Program Requirements (see program description in the invitation letter)

 
APPLY TO CHOOSE OHIO FIRST

Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act

Under this scholarship, a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year.  Requirements of The Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship requires that the student was less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent’s or guardian’s death. Making an appointment with the Financial Aid office will help you to determine how receiving this scholarship will affect your award offer. 

With this scholarship a public officer is defined as

• An individual serving a public agency in an official capacity as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or chaplain;
• An employee of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• An employee of a state, local, or tribal emergency management or civil defense agency
• A member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew who, as authorized or licensed by law and by the applicable agency or entity, is engaging in rescue activity or in the provision of emergency medical services; or
• A fire police office

Federal Pell Grant

This grant is awarded to eligible students after FAFSA information is reviewed and need is determined. Award amounts are based upon Federal Pell Grant eligibility. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award for the 2022-2023 award year is $6,895.

TEACH Grant

Interested students should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid. In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students (see below for more information on high-need fields and schools serving low-income students). As a recipient of a TEACH Grant, you must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH Grant.

IMPORTANT: If you fail to complete this service obligation, all amounts of TEACH Grants that you received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. You must then repay this loan to the U.S. Department of Education. You will be charged interest from the date the grant(s) was disbursed. Note: TEACH Grant recipients will be given a 6-month grace period prior to entering repayment if a TEACH Grant is converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. More information can be found at studentaid.gov.

Merit Scholarships

The University of Mount Union offers merit-based scholarship awards that total up to $20,000 per academic year. There is no separate application process to apply for these scholarships. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships once you have been admitted to Mount Union.

#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

The University of Mount Union will offer five annual, renewable scholarships that cover a minimum of 50% tuition to selected international undergraduates dedicated to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message by bridging intercultural divides.

Admission Criteria

• Be a first-year international applicant to a participating college or university. An international applicant is an individual who holds citizenship in a country outside the United States and who does not also possess US citizenship or permanent residency.
• Demonstrate interest and personal initiative in activities involving intercultural learning and exchange.
• Submit the one-page #YouAreWelcomeHere application and a 500-1000 word essay or a two-to-five minute video describing their aspirations to conduct projects, research, employment or other experiences that will advance intercultural learning.

Application Deadline

• Admission for fall: April 1
• Admission for spring: November 1

To learn more about the #YouAreWelcomeHere campaign, visit their website.

Complete Application

Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships

Visual and Performing Arts scholarships are available to students who demonstrate exceptional talent in art, media, music, or theatre. Scholarship amounts are based on an audition or portfolio review and could range from $3,000 to $5,000. Interested students should visit the Visual and Performing Arts Auditions and Portfolio Review page to learn more. Students who are receiving multiple awards should also refer to our stacking policy on our financial aid handbook page.

First Year Merit Scholarships

The following scholarships are awarded at the time of admission to incoming first year undergraduate students and are based on a review of the students’ academic credentials. Scholarships are renewable each year at the amount originally awarded (maximum of eight semesters). Students must be full time (12 credit hours) and remain in good academic standing. Scholarships/awards are reduced by $3,000 if students choose to live off campus.

Students who are admitted and do not qualify for one of the scholarships above may be eligible for the $14,000 UMU Gift.

Investment Alliance Scholarship – full tuition

Awarded to the top 15 students of each Alliance High School graduating class, as identified by the school district, who meet normal admission criteria to the University and are granted admission. Eligibility is determined as of the sixth semester of high school study, and those eligible must continue to earn a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in the seventh semester of high school study. Recipients must demonstrate continuous traditional enrollment at Alliance High School for the full four years of study and earn an Alliance High School diploma, completing all degree requirements by the spring commencement (excludes home-schooled and transfer students; includes students with normal accelerated credits including post-secondary, dual credit and AP).

Manzilla Multicultural Award – $2,000

Awarded at the time of admission to incoming undergraduate first year students. Eligible students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students must have indicated on their admission application that they are members of the following ethnic groups (categories from U.S. Census Bureau): Black or African-American, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander and/or are a first generation college student. First generation students must have indicated neither parent has an education level of “college or beyond” on their FAFSA. The award is renewable for eight semesters. 

Presidential Scholarship ­– full tuition

The Presidential Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and exceptional aptitude. The Presidential Scholarship Program awards a full tuition scholarship to eight students annually. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years. Please visit the Presidential Scholarship Program page to learn more about scholarship eligibility, the application process, and timeline.

The Marion G. Resch Scholarships

The Resch General Scholarship is awarded to students who have attended a high school in Mahoning, Columbiana, or Trumbull County. The student must also be majoring in science, health/medical, education, or math. The Resch Engineering Scholarship is awarded to students who have attended a high school in Mahoning, Columbiana, or Mahoning County. The student must also be majoring in one of the engineering programs. A scholarship committee reviews all eligible students upon acceptance to the University. Students do not need to complete a separate scholarship application to be considered. Students will be contacted by the Office of Student Financial Aid if they were selected to receive a scholarship.  

Campus Visit Award ($4,000)

First-year and transfer undergraduate students who are admitted to Mount Union in Fall 2024 or later who schedule and attend an on-campus visit through the Office of Admission will be eligible for a $1,000 award. The award is renewable for up to four years for a total of $4,000. Go to our Campus Visit page to schedule a personal visit or register for a visit event now.

Cheer and Dance Scholarship ($1,000)

The Cheer and Dance Scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students who are a part of the cheerleading squad, dance team, or mascot (maximum of eight semesters).  

Esports Scholarship ($1,000)

A $1,000 Esports Scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students who are recruited for our esports varsity level teams (maximum of eight semesters). Full-time undergraduate students who are selected for the team during open try outs will receive an award that ranges from $150 to $1,000 based on the skill level and number of participants (maximum of eight semesters). All students awarded an Esports Scholarship will be required to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and maintain good academic standing.

FAFSA Filer Grant ($2,000)

First-year and transfer undergraduate students who are admitted to Mount Union in Fall 2024 or later will receive the $500 FAFSA Filer Grant upon completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The grant is renewable for up to four years, or $2,000 in total, if the FAFSA is completed each year. 

Need Based Grants

UMU Grants are determined by the result of the student’s FAFSA. Grants are available for up to 10 semesters if sufficient need continues. Students must be full-time (12 credit hours).

Science Fair Scholarship ($1,500)

The Science Fair Scholarship is available to incoming undergraduate students who have achieved a superior level of performance at State Science Day or at the District 13 Science Fair during their junior or senior years in high school.

Legacy Award ($1,000)

The $1,000 Legacy Award is awarded to dependent students of Mount Union graduates. 

Mount Union Pell Opportunity Grant

Mount Union will meet the cost of tuition and technology fees with grants/scholarships, Federal Loans, and Work Study for eligible incoming full-time first-year undergraduate students through the Mount Union Pell Opportunity Grant. Students must file a FAFSA and be Pell eligible, have a parent income of $55,000 or less (student income if independent), and 2.8 cumulative high school GPA or higher. This applies to both in-state and out-of-state students. The award is renewable for eight semesters as long as the student remains eligible based on their FAFSA and enrollment status. Students must also maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.

Mount Union Ohio Opportunity Grant

Mount Union will award up to $5,500 to eligible new, first-year students. Students must live on campus and qualify for the Pell Opportunity Grant and the Ohio College Opportunity Grant. With this grant, Mount Union will be meeting the cost of your tuition and fees with scholarships and grants and federal work-study. 

Air Force and Army ROTC Scholarship

Effective Fall 2019, students who have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are participating in the ROTC full tuition scholarship program would qualify for the following Mount Union benefit:

Mount Union will provide full tuition ROTC scholarship recipients with free on-campus housing and board. All other Mount Union grants or scholarships awarded at the time of admission become honorary. This benefit only applies during the time the ROTC scholarship pays tuition. The room and board scholarship is equivalent to a standard double room and unlimited meal plan. If a more expensive housing option is chosen, the costs above the standard double room will be paid by the student. The room and board scholarship will be reduced by any federal or state grants. If students receive private outside scholarships in addition to the full tuition ROTC scholarship, their room and board scholarship will be reduced by any amount that exceeds their direct costs. In the event a student stops receiving the full tuition ROTC scholarship, the student will be assessed financial aid according to Mount Union’s standard packaging parameters.

For more information about the Air Force and Army ROTC programs, visit kent.edu.

PHEAA State Grant

To be considered for Pennsylvania state grant funds, parents and students must be residents of the state of Pennsylvania. Students must file the FAFSA by May 1, 2024 and must list Mount Union first in the “universities to receive information” section.

The Ohio College Oppor­tunity Grant (OCOG)

The Ohio College Oppor­tunity Grant (OCOG) is available to eligible students. Eligibility requires that both the student and parent be Ohio residents for at least three years and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of less than $3,750 and a maximum household income of $96.000. Funding for OCOG comes from the Ohio Board of Regents. To apply for OCOG, complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA by September 30, 2023.  For more information, please visit the following website: https://www.ohiohighered.org/ocog.

Learn Local: Choose Mount Transfer Scholarship

This scholarship is available for transfer students in the Carroll, Columbiana, Holmes, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne County areas beginning in the fall of 2020. Students will receive an award equal to 50 percent of a student’s entering-year tuition and excludes room, board, and fees at Mount Union. To receive the scholarship, students must meet the necessary criteria. Learn more about the Learn Local: Choose Mount Transfer Scholarship.

Stronger Stark Transfer Scholarship

This scholarship is available for transfer students in the Stark County area beginning in the fall of 2020. Students will receive an award equal to 50% of a student’s entering-year tuition and excludes room, board, and fees at Mount Union. To receive the scholarship, students must meet the necessary criteria. Learn more about the Stronger Stark Transfer Scholarship.

Ohio Transfer Council Scholarship (for transfer students, up to $1,000)

The Ohio Transfer Council reviews applications to offer three non-renewable $1,000 scholarship to students transferring to/from participating Ohio colleges and universities. The application deadline is June 30.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship (for transfer students, up to $2,500)

Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society for students attending two-year colleges. Students transferring to Mount Union who are members of this organization and who have earned a GPA of 3.25 at their previous institution will be offered this scholarship upon receipt of Phi Theta Kappa membership verification.

Transfer Merit Scholarships

The following scholarships are awarded at the time of admission to transfer undergraduate students and are based on a review of the students’ academic credentials. Scholarships are renewable each year (maximum of eight semesters). Students must be full time (12 credit hours) and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.