Ranked No. 1 in Ohio for university most likely to place graduates in a job, according to career guidance site Zippia.
Achieve Your Dreams
Financial Aid
We believe college is an investment in your future. It impacts your career direction, success and opportunities for a lifetime. At Ohio Northern, you’ll find one of the highest returns in the entire state.
Make a Sound Investment
Earning Potential
Ranked No. 8 for salary potential in the state of Ohio, according to PayScale.
Can't Miss Opportunity
By combining ONU scholarships with other forms of financial aid, we continue to make a Northern education affordable for you and your family. As a result, the net cost is much more affordable than you might think.
Keep it Affordable
Think you can’t afford an ONU education? Think again.
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$32,500 Average amount of financial support awarded
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99.6% Of students receive financial support
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$72M Awarded every year in scholarships and grants
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95% Job and graduate school placement rate – well above the national average
There's Value to Becoming a Polar Bear
Our path to Affordable Excellence provides a high-quality educational experience and offers high-value academic and co-curriculum programs at a competitive price.
Virtual Financial Aid Meetings
Connect with the financial aid staff in virtual meetings specifically designed for students (applied and accepted) and families. You are able to review financial aid offers, discuss payment options and outline important next steps. All virtual meetings are held on Zoom.
Make your deposit and make it official
Reserve your spot in the entering class by submitting your deposit. When you submit your deposit, you will be given access to set up your ONU email, register for Summer Orientation, and select your housing.
Take the next steps
Don’t get hung up on the “sticker price.” The cost of an ONU education is comparable to a public university for many students after you figure in our generous financial aid package. The average amount of financial support awarded is nearly $28,000. Estimate your cost with the Net Price Calculator.-
Submit your application by Dec. 1 for maximum scholarship consideration.
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Come experience campus firsthand and see what ONU has to offer. While you’re here, schedule a meeting with a financial aid advisor who can walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Schedule a visit.
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For students planning to enroll for the 2026-27 academic year, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and include ONU as a school to receive your results. Our FAFSA code is 003089.
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A financial aid offer will be mailed to you after we receive your FAFSA. Only students who have been accepted to ONU receive an official financial aid offer.
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To attend ONU, submit your deposit, and we will send directions about your next enrollment steps.
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Attend summer orientation and finalize your enrollment and financial aid package. Registration will open in January.
Scholarships & Awards
Every year, we give deserving students approximately $59 million in scholarships and awards.
Academic Merit Scholarships
ONU awards the following academic merit scholarships after a student has been accepted to the University. Factors that go into determining the level of a student's scholarship include: high school GPA, high school weighted GPA, intended college of enrollment at ONU, and standardized test scores (ACT/SAT). These scholarship amounts apply to students accepted to start as freshman for the 2026-2027 academic year.Presidential- $28,000-31,000
(College of Pharmacy $34,000-$36,000)
Trustees-$27,000-$30,000
(College of Pharmacy $32,000-$34,000)
Deans-$25,000-$28,000
(College of Pharmacy $30,000-$32,000)
Faculty-$22,000-$24,500
(College of Pharmacy $27,000-$29,000)
Additional funding avenues
How can you fund the remainder of your ONU tuition cost? You could qualify for additional federal, state and ONU grants, or check out the many public and private loan options.
Reaching Out to Veterans
ONU has been consistently recognized as a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs magazine. We’re committed to providing military veterans with an excellent education and pathway to the future.Resources for Students and Parents
Get access to the forms and resources you need as you prepare for your college journey.
Helpful Videos
Office Staff Listing
Click below for the Office of Financial Aid staff listing.
Connect with a financial aid counselor
Earning your degree is likely one of the biggest and most rewarding investments you’ll make during your lifetime. Luckily, the Office of Financial Aid is here to guide and support you throughout your time at ONU.
Frequently Asked Questions
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ONU offers a mix of financial aid options including scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. Many students receive merit-based scholarships automatically upon admission, along with need-based aid determined through the FAFSA.
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Yes—filing the FAFSA is essential. It determines your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Be sure to include ONU’s school code (003089) when submitting your application.
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Yes, students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships. You can search through local organizations, high schools, and reputable online platforms to reduce your overall cost.
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After submitting your FAFSA and being admitted, ONU will provide a financial aid offer outlining your total package. Reviewing this early helps you understand your costs and plan next steps. ONU starts sending out financial aid offers to admitted students in early December.
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Absolutely. ONU’s financial aid office is available to answer questions, review your offer, and guide you through options like payment plans, loans, and scholarships—so you can make an informed decision.
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Notify the financial aid office right away. Sending documentation ensures your funds are applied correctly to your account and helps avoid delays in billing or credits.