Scholarships

The YSU Foundation, with an endowment of over $321.5 million, is committed to providing this "edge of excellence" for the University and the students it serves.  The Foundation, whose sole purpose is to benefit Youngstown State University, provides more than $11 million in scholarship assistance annually for its students.  Students must submit the YSU Undergraduate Admission Application (with transcripts) by February 15 to be considered for scholarships through the Scholarships for Excellence Program at Youngstown State University.  With the exception of the University Honors College Application, there are no other application forms needed for YSU's Scholarships for Excellence.  Students cannot be awarded more than one scholarship through the Scholarships for Excellence program.

Test Optional Scholarship Awards


Test optional merit-based scholarships will be awarded to incoming freshmen students admitted under YSU's test optional admission policy. Scholarships will range in value from $1,000-$3,000 through the Freshmen Scholarships for Excellence program. Additional $1,000 to $3,000 test optional merit-based scholarships may be awarded to Honors College applicants who qualify for Sokolov Honors College. For More information.

Freshman Scholarships for Excellence

Incoming freshmen scholarships recognize the academic achievements of new high school graduates.  These scholarships are automatically awarded to beginning first-year students who have been admitted to the University.  Full-time enrollment is required for disbursement.

Freshman Scholarships for Excellence
Scholarship Value Criteria Renewal Description
First Opportunity
  • $1,000
  • $4,000 four years
  • 3.0 GPA
  • ACT 19 or SAT 990†
  • 24 credit hours per academic year
  • Minimum 12 hours per term
  • 3.0 overall GPA
  • Incoming freshman scholarships recognize academic achievement of new high school graduates. These scholarships are automatically awarded to qualified first-year students who have been admitted to the university.
  • Full time enrollment is required for disbursement
Red and White
  • $2,000
  • $8,000 four years
  • 3.0 GPA
  • ACT 22 or SAT 1110†
  • 24 credit hours per academic year
  • Minimum 12 hours per term
  • 3.0 overall GPA
  • Incoming freshman scholarships recognize academic achievement of new high school graduates. These scholarships are automatically awarded to qualified first-year students who have been admitted to the university.
  • Full time enrollment is required for disbursement
Deans'
  • $3,000
  • $12,000 four years
  • 3.5 GPA
  • ACT 25 or SAT 1220†
  • 24 credit hours per academic year
  • Minimum 12 hours per term
  • 3.0 overall GPA
  • Incoming freshman scholarships recognize academic achievement of new high school graduates. These scholarships are automatically awarded to qualified first-year students who have been admitted to the university.
  • Full time enrollment is required for disbursement
 President's
  • $4,000
  • $16,000 four years
  • 3.5 GPA
  • ACT 27 or SAT 1290†
  • 24 credit hours per academic year
  • Minimum 12 hours per term
  • 3.0 overall GPA
  • Incoming freshman scholarships recognize academic achievement of new high school graduates. These scholarships are automatically awarded to qualified first-year students who have been admitted to the university.
  • Full time enrollment is required for disbursement
Trustees'
  • $5,000
  • $20,000 four years
  • Valedictorian
  • 24 credit hours per academic year
  • Minimum 12 hours per term
  • 3.0 overall GPA
  • Incoming freshman scholarships recognize academic achievement of new high school graduates. These scholarships are automatically awarded to qualified first-year students who have been admitted to the university.
  • Full time enrollment is required for disbursement
Martin Luther King Merit Award
  • Merit awards up to $1,000 per academic year
  • Graduate of local inner-city schools (to right)
  • 3.0 GPA
  • ACT 19 or SAT 990†
  • 24 credit hours per academic year
  • Minimum 12 hours per term
  • 3.0 overall GPA
  • This merit-based award is available to new high school graduates of the following local inner-city schools:
    • Campbell Memorial
    • Cardinal Mooney
    • Chaney
    • East
    • Farrell
    • John F. Kennedy
    • Niles McKinley
    • New Castle
    • Sharon
    • Struthers
    • Summit Academy
    • Ursuline
    • Warren G. Harding
    • Valley Christian
    • Youngstown Early College

† Composite for critical reading and math score only

Sokolov Honors College Awards - (Incoming Freshmen)

Qualified recipients of these awards become part of the prestigious Honors College. Tuition scholarships ranging from $1,000-$3,000 and housing scholarships from $1,000-$3,000 may be awarded and combined with Freshman Scholarships for Excellence. Applicants will also be considered for the full-ride Leslie H. Cochran University Scholarship. These Honors College scholarships are awarded to first-year students coming directly from high school. Recipients become part of the University Honors College, which may include:

  • Honors College membership
  • Honors housing
  • Participation in specially planned on- and off-campus events
  • Community service projects planned and coordinated by University Honors
  • Early course registration
Sokolov Honors College Awards
Description Minimum Criteria  Renewal Combined Value
  • Students accepted for membership into the Sokolov Honors College may be considered for additional scholarships:
    • Tuition scholarships ranging from $1,000-$3,000 (renewable for four years)
    • Housing Scholarships ranging from $1,000-$3,000 (renewable for two years)
  • Scholarships may be combined with Freshmen Scholarships for Excellence. These Honors College scholarships are awarded to first-year students coming directly out of high school.
  • Applicants will also be considered for the full-ride Leslie H. Cochran University Scholarship
  • 26 ACT or SAT combined Math, Verbal and Writing 1240
  • 3.5 GPA
  • 24 credit hours per academic year
  • Minimum 12 hours per term
  • 3.0 overall GPA
  • Honors tuition scholarships are estimated between $4,000 and $12,000 over four years.
  • Honors housing scholarships are estimated between $2,000 and $6,000 over two years.

If applying to Honors as a high school candidate, all application materials must be submitted by February 15. A completed application will include both an Application for Admission to YSU and the Honors College application.

Apply to the Honors College.

Transfer Scholarships

Transfer scholarships are available and offered through the generosity of the YSU Foundation.  Transfer students are encouraged to apply early for financial aid and to observe the February 15 deadline for our transfer scholarships. Awards will be prorated if attending part-time (minimum 6 hours required).

Special note for mid-year transfer students: If you have a Federal Pell Grant, YSU's six-digit code must be listed as one of your college choices on the FAFSA to have your aid transferred. If not, update your FAFSA to include YSU's code (003145). If you had a Stafford or PLUS loan, you will have to reapply. You will also need to cancel any pending disbursements (if any) on the loan you had at your previous school by contacting your previous school's financial aid office.

Transfer Scholarships
Scholarship Value Minimum Criteria Renewal
Transfer Level 2
  • $1,000
  • $3,000 three years
  • 12 transfer hours
  • 3.0 GPA
  • 12 credit hours per academic year
  • 3.0 GPA
Transfer Level 1
  • $1,500
  • $4,500 three years
  • 12 transfer hours
  • 3.5 GPA
  • 12 credit hours per academic year
  • 3.0 GPA
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Scholarship Value Minimum Criteria Renewal
Phi Theta Kappa
  • $1,500 per year (split between fall and spring semesters)
  • Stackable on top of Transfer Scholarship (Student will either receive a total of $2,500 or $3,000 per year with both transfer scholarships
  • Must provide proof of active membership to Office of Undergraduate Admissions (e.g. membership card or certificate)
  • Must be enrolled in at least 6 or more hours (Scholarship is pro-rated if less than full-time)
  • 12 Credit Hours per Academic Years
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Not available for new freshman who may be PTK members

Academic Achievement Award - (Current Students)

Current YSU students are awarded the Academic Achievement Award based on academic accomplishment. Award will be prorated if attending part-time (minimum of 6 hours required).

Academic Achievement Award
Value Minimum Criteria Renewal
  • $500 per academic year
  • $1,500 three years if renewed
  • 24 hours (at YSU)
  • 3.5 GPA
  • 12 credit hours per academic year
  • 3.5 GPA

**Current students who have received any of the above Scholarships for Excellence are not eligible to receive the Academic Achievement Award as students cannot be awarded more than one scholarship through the Scholarships for Excellence program.**

Miscellaneous Scholarships

YSU students should submit the YSU Foundation Scholarship Application and visit the online scholarship search to research miscellaneous, college and departmental level scholarship opportunities.

Athletic Scholarship Endowments

Click to view athletic scholarship endowments at Youngstown State University.