Scholarship FAQs


How do I apply for scholarships at Miami University?
All students who apply for admission by Feb. 1 and are admitted to Miami University are considered for the many general scholarships we award to incoming freshmen. No separate application is required for these scholarships.

What scholarships does Miami offer?
Scholarships range from $1,000 up to full tuition and fees. Many are multiple-year scholarships that may be renewed with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. While all scholarships are based on academic merit, some scholarships also have financial need as a requirement. For these scholarships, your financial need may influence both your ability to receive a scholarship and the amount of the award. We determine whether or not a student has financial need based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be considered for all need-based scholarships, first-year applicants must complete the FAFSA application between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15 during their senior year of high school.

What factors are considered when determining my scholarship eligibility?
The process for awarding academic scholarships is directly linked to the process for determining admission to the university. Miami takes into account a variety of factors when considering students for scholarships. In addition to test scores (ACT or SAT) and g.p.a., we also consider the strength of the courses taken during high school and the admission essay. Award determinations will be based on the official academic and testing information received by Miami University as of March 1.

While all scholarships are based on academic merit, some scholarships also have financial need as a requirement. Determination of financial need is based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be considered for all need-based scholarships, first year applicants must file their FAFSA by Feb. 15. For returning students the FAFSA filing deadline is March 15. The FAFSA is available online beginning Jan. 1.

What is the typical profile for freshmen receiving scholarships?
In 2010–2011, more than 65% of admitted first-year students were offered an academic scholarship; 85% of scholarship recipients had an ACT score of 30 or better (2340 on the SAT).

I have an outside scholarship. Will it affect the aid I was awarded from Miami?
Students cannot receive a total amount of aid—including outside scholarships—that exceeds their estimated cost to attend Miami. If you receive outside scholarships or any other assistance from third parties at any time during the academic year, you must notify us. Your financial aid counselor will check to see if the receipt of this aid changes any of your financial aid awards. If your aid does change, we will send you a revised award notice.

Where can I find more information about the Miami Access Initiative?
To find out more about this special grants and scholarships program for Ohio residents, see Miami Access Initiative.

How do I get an athletic scholarship at Miami?
Miami offers athletic scholarships in the following men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, swimming & diving, and track & field. Miami offers athletic scholarships in the following women’s sports: basketball, cross country, field hockey, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, and volleyball. Students interested in being a member of one of Miami's 17 intercollegiate sports teams should contact the team coach.

I received a book award as part of my athletic scholarship. How do I get my books?
In order to use an athletic book award, you need to obtain a book authorization card from 104 Gross Student Athlete Development Center. You will then proceed to the bookstore located in the Shriver Center. The athletic department will buy only required textbooks and required reading materials. This does not include dictionaries, computer disks, art or music supplies, or other supplementary supplies. After selecting your authorized textbooks, take your textbooks and authorization card to the designated register. At that time, you will be asked to sign the authorization card noting your receipt of textbooks purchased. You are required to return the used books to the Office of Student Athlete Support Services following the completion of the class; you will be charged for any books that you fail to return.