Guide || Here's How to Get Full Ohio National Guard Scholarship for College in 2025

 

🎓 Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program 2025 – Get Full Tuition Coverage for College or Career Training

If you’re currently serving in the Ohio National Guard or have qualifying deployment experience, your service could earn you something more than pride and purpose—it could cover 100% of your college tuition. The Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program (ONGSP) is one of the most generous education benefits available to service members in Ohio, providing full tuition at eligible institutions across the state.

Whether you’re aiming for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, trade certification, or even a diploma in nursing, ONGSP makes it possible to pursue your education debt-free—while you continue to serve your state and country.

Let’s break down the details of this powerful program, including eligibility requirements, participating schools, what’s covered, and how to apply before the July 1, 2025 deadline.

 

1. What Is the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program?

The Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program (ONGSP) is an education benefit designed to help Ohio Army and Air National Guard members earn their degrees or certifications without the financial burden of tuition. Established as a way to invest in those who serve, ONGSP covers 100% of tuition costs at all public colleges and universities in Ohio, and also applies to select private schools and training programs on the approved list.

The program also extends to certain former members with qualifying deployment time under the Latta Amendment, making it even more inclusive for those who have served recently.

Unlike many scholarships that cap funding or require financial need, ONGSP guarantees tuition coverage for every eligible participant—as long as requirements are met.

 

💡 Quick Facts – ONGSP at a Glance

🧾 Scholarship Name	Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program (ONGSP)
💵 Scholarship Value	100% of tuition costs (terms and limits vary by school)
🎯 Eligible Degrees/Programs	Associate, Bachelor’s, approved nursing diplomas, and trade certifications
🏫 Eligible Schools	Ohio public colleges, universities, and some private schools on the Approved Schools List
📆 Deadline to Apply	July 1, 2025 (for Fall 2025 term)
🧍 Who Can Apply	Current Ohio National Guard members and qualifying former members
🎓 Enrollment Requirement	At least 3 credit hours per semester (or 2 quarter hours)

 

✅ 2. Who Is Eligible?

To benefit from this program, you must be either currently serving or have served in the Ohio Army or Air National Guard with qualifying deployment experience.

You’re eligible if:

• You are a current enlisted member in good standing with the Ohio Army or Air National Guard
• You will be in good standing during the entire academic term you’re applying for
• You have a high school diploma or GED (no bachelor’s degree yet)
• You plan to take a minimum of 3 semester hours or 2 quarter hours per term
• You agree to use any qualifying Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) or Credentialing Assistance (CA) funds before using ONGSP funds
• You are attending an approved public or private institution in Ohio

📌 Former members with deployment time that meets the requirements of the Latta Amendment may also be eligible.

 

 3. What Does the ONGSP Cover?

This isn’t your average tuition discount—it’s full tuition coverage at eligible Ohio schools. Here’s what that includes:

✅ What’s Covered:

• 100% tuition at public Ohio colleges and universities
• Up to 100% of the state public college average tuition rate at approved private colleges and universities
• Coverage for associate or bachelor’s degree programs
• Eligible nursing diploma programs
• Approved trade certifications and credentialing/licensing programs

💡 Books, housing, meals, and other fees may not be covered—this is tuition-only.

 

4. Where Can You Use the Scholarship?

ONGSP is accepted at:

• All Ohio public colleges and universities
• Approved private colleges listed on the ONGSP's participating schools list
• Vocational schools and training programs offering credentialed or licensed trade certifications (subject to approval)

You can find the current list of participating institutions here:
👉 (https://www.ong.ohio.gov)

 

5. How to Apply – Step-by-Step?

The application process is fairly simple but must be done each term you plan to use the funds.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Confirm your eligibility
   Ensure your enlistment status is current and that you’ve exhausted any FTA or CA funding first.
2. Create an account on the ONGSP portal
   👉 (https://ongsp.ohio.gov)
3. Submit your online application
   You’ll need to apply separately for each term you wish to receive funding for.
4. Coordinate with your school’s registrar or financial aid office
   The ONGSP team will send tuition funds directly to your institution.
5. Track your hours and service status
   You must remain a member in good standing during the entire academic term to retain eligibility.

 

📆 Important Deadlines

📅 Term	🕒 Deadline to Apply
Fall 2025	July 1, 2025
Spring 2026	December 1, 2025 (tentative)
Summer 2026	Typically April 1, 2026

📌 Submit early to ensure your college receives funds before tuition due dates!

 

Why Apply for the Ohio National Guard Scholarship?

Few scholarships offer guaranteed full tuition with such clear eligibility and minimal red tape. If you’re serving your state through the National Guard, you’ve already proven your commitment—let Ohio invest in your education.

Benefits at a Glance:

• 🎓 Earn a college degree or certification with zero tuition debt
• 🪖 Continue serving your community and country while building your future
• 💡 Access high-quality public and private education institutions
• 💰 Avoid student loans and maximize military education benefits

 

The Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program is one of the most powerful tuition benefits in the state—and it’s available to you just for continuing your commitment to serve. Whether you're looking to launch a civilian career or prepare for advancement within the Guard, this program lets you do it without the financial burden that so many college students face.

👉 Apply by July 1, 2025, to secure your funding for the fall semester and get one step closer to a tuition-free future built on service, leadership, and education.