State Grant Program
Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
The state budget process, including the funding for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), is now complete. Unfortunately, the State of Ohio was forced to reduce the amount of funding it directs to OCOG, and this will affect all Ohio State students who receive grant monies from this program.
Previously, for eligible students, OCOG awards ranged from $100 to $832 per quarter. Effective immediately, all awards have been revised to $336 per quarter for Columbus campus students and zero dollars for regional campus students. The new State of Ohio requirements eliminate awarding OCOG to students at regional campuses or community colleges.
We recognize the impact of this news. Fortunately, the university was able to keep undergraduate tuition frozen for the third consecutive year, which should help minimize this impact.
In addition, for all OCOG recipients attending summer and/or autumn quarters whose grants are reduced as a result of this reduction in OCOG funding, the university has decided to cover the difference in grant awards. This applies to students both on the Columbus and regional campuses. Therefore, in addition to the funding from the state, you will be awarded an institutional grant, referred to as the "OSU State Grant Replacement" (OSGR). This will cover the difference between your actual OCOG award (after state reductions) and your original estimated OCOG award (before the state reductions). For more information on how this process may affect your grant, see the examples below.
| Examples of OCOG Payments, 2009-2010 |
| |
Actual Summer |
Actual Autumn |
Actual Winter |
Actual Spring |
Columbus Campus
Per Quarter Estimate = $600 |
$336 OCOG
$264 OSGR |
$336 OCOG
$264 OSGR |
$336 OCOG
|
$336 OCOG
|
Columbus Campus
Per Quarter Estimate = $200 |
$336 OCOG |
$336 OCOG |
$336 OCOG |
$336 OCOG |
Regional Campus
Per Quarter Estimate = $600 |
$600 OSRG |
$600 OSRG |
$0 |
$0 |
Regional Campus
Per Quarter Estimate = $200 |
$200 OSRG |
$200 OSRG |
$0 |
$0 |
Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) Information
This State of Ohio Grant Program provides free assistance that is funded and awarded by the State of Ohio to Ohio residents who are enrolled in undergraduate programs leading to an associate’s or first bachelor’s degree. To be awarded an OCOG, you must be an Ohio resident and meet the family income and Expected Family Contribution (EFC) guidelines determined by the Ohio Board of Regents. Family income and EFC are determined from the information you report on your FAFSA.
Application Process
To apply for the OCOG you must:
- complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA with the Federal Processor by October 1, 2009 (for the 2009-2010 academic year). This is different from the priority deadline to be considered for other aid programs.
- list The Ohio State University code (#003090) on the FAFSA.
If your FAFSA is received after October 1, 2009, you will be considered for a OCOG only if remaining funds are available. Therefore, we strongly recommend you file by the priority deadline of October 1.
How much can I receive?
The maximum OCOG award for full-time enrollment in the 2008-2009 academic year was $2,496. The maximum award may be reduced in future years due to state funding reductions.
What do I need to do to keep my award?
OCOG must be used exclusively for the payment of tuition and fees. If you receive any other financial aid that must be used exclusively for tuition and fees, your OCOG may be reduced or canceled. In addition, please note that
- you cannot receive OCOG for any term during which you receive either full tuition ROTC or Ohio War Orphans Scholarship.
- if your FAFSA information changes as a result of verification, your award may change.
- you are no longer eligible for OCOG once you have earned your first bachelor’s degree.
