​​Financial Aid Process​​​

​​​Distance education programs are defined as being 100 percent distance or online. Federal law requires that The Ohio State University be legally authorized to provide distance courses and programs in any state in which a student may reside. To determine which Ohio State online programs are available in what states, visit the state authorization page at online.osu.edu.

Note: Students who are supplementing their regular degree programs with online course are considered to be current students and should click on the "Current Students" tab above for financial aid information.

Extended Education, non-degree students

Students enrolled at least half-time in Extended Education​ (6 hours) or a Graduate Non-Degree program (4 hours), and who are taking prerequisite courses for admission into an Ohio State program leading to a degree (undergraduate, graduate or professional) can be considered for Federal Direct Loans. Verification through submission of the Exte​nded Education Non-Degree Form​ is required. State Authorization requirements do not currently apply to Extended Education students.

Loan limits for undergraduate students

  • $2,625 per academic year. ($6,000 additional unsubsidized funds are available for independent students and dependent students whose parents don't qualify for Federal Direct PLUS loans.)

Loan limits for graduate and professional students and state-required teacher certification

  • $5,500 per academic year. ($7,000 additional unsubsidized funds are available for independent students and dependent students whose parents don't qualify for Federal Direct PLUS loans.)

Note: Loan limits are prorated if coursework lasts less than an academic year.​​

The Ohio State University makes every effort within its means to help students secure the funds to pay for college. Your first step in finding out what aid you might be eligible for is to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).