Answer first: Ohio State’s Stamps Eminence Scholarship is a full-cost undergraduate award for U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering the Columbus campus in autumn 2027. It covers the full cost of attendance for eight full-time semesters and provides access to up to US$5,000 in enrichment funding. Apply to Ohio State by November 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET, then submit the separate scholarship application by November 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
What does the scholarship cover?
Ohio State describes the award as a full cost-of-attendance scholarship for eight full-time semesters. Its official 2026 finalist announcement also confirms access to up to US$5,000 in enrichment grant funding. Cost of attendance is broader than tuition alone; the exact dollar value varies with residency, housing and published university costs.
Scholars join Ohio State Honors and participate in academic, leadership, service and community-impact programming. To remain in good standing, they must maintain Honors status, engage in programme activities, continue giving back, and complete an Honors thesis or another approved capstone.
Who is eligible?
- U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Ohio State explicitly states that international students are not eligible.
- Incoming first-year applicants to Ohio State’s Columbus campus for autumn 2027.
- Applicants from any intended major.
- Students who apply by early action and indicate interest in University Honors or Ohio State Scholars.
- Candidates demonstrating strong academics, leadership, service and communication.
Review factors include a robust curriculum, strong GPA, top-10%-or-higher class rank, academic curiosity, official ACT or SAT results, meaningful service and sustained leadership. These are selection criteria, not an award guarantee.
Deadlines for 2027 entry
| Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Complete Ohio State early-action application and required materials | November 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Separate Stamps Eminence application | November 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST |
| Required finalist event, if selected | February 26, 2027 |
Submit admission early: Ohio State says the username required for the scholarship portal normally arrives within one to five days after it receives the application. You need not wait for an admission decision before submitting the scholarship form.
Documents and application components
- Common Application, including the personal statement and Honors or Scholars interest selection.
- Nonrefundable US$60 admission fee, unless an approved need-based waiver applies.
- Official high-school transcript including senior-year courses.
- Official ACT or SAT scores sent by the testing agency; these are required for Columbus-campus first-year admission.
- Stamps Eminence essay.
- Two-minute video introduction through an unlisted YouTube link.
- Optional teacher or counselor recommendations; Ohio State permits up to two.
Because eligibility is limited to citizens and permanent residents, this is not an international scholarship. Applicants whose native language is not English should still follow any English-proficiency requirement shown in their Ohio State admission checklist.
How to apply
- Read the official Stamps Eminence instructions.
- Submit the Ohio State Common Application by November 1, selecting Columbus and indicating interest in Honors or Scholars.
- Arrange timely delivery of the official transcript and ACT or SAT scores.
- Activate the Ohio State username sent after the admission application is received.
- Open the separate Stamps Eminence portal.
- Complete the scholarship essay and add the unlisted YouTube link for the two-minute video.
- Submit by November 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST and retain confirmation.
Apply Now — Stamps Eminence Scholarship
Selection process
The committee reviews the scholarship essay, video, Common Application and other admission materials. Finalists are interviewed virtually in January and February and must attend the full-day, in-person Finalist Friday event on February 26, 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students apply?
No. Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
Yes. Apply to Ohio State first, then use the issued username for the separate essay and video application.
Are ACT or SAT scores required?
Yes. Ohio State requires official ACT or SAT results for Columbus-campus first-year applicants, and the scholarship reviews official scores.
Are recommendations required?
No. Ohio State lists them as optional and permits no more than two.
Does the deadline include a time zone?
Yes. The scholarship deadline is 11:59 p.m. EST on November 9. The admission deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET on November 1.
Official sources
- Eligibility, application and deadline
- Eight-semester funding and enrichment grant
- Admission requirements and early-action deadline
- Common Application and fee
- Eligibility FAQ
