Ashland University offers a broad range of scholarships to recognize achievement in various areas. AU scholarships are available to full-time, undergraduate students paying the comprehensive tuition rate and seeking their first bachelor’s degree. AU scholarships are only available during the fall and spring semesters and are limited to standard direct costs paid to the university. Students may qualify for federal or state grants during summer sessions.
Academic Scholarships
Ashland University is pleased to offer generous academic scholarships to first-year and transfer students who qualify. Academic scholarships are determined by reviewing a student's prior academic performance from their high school or prior college transcripts. Academic scores can be updated through August 1 (December 1 for Spring semester). Students accepted after August 1 will have their eligibility based on their academic scores at the time of admission.
2025-26 Academic Scholarships
First-Year freshman students eligible for an AU academic and/or need-based scholarship must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, enrolled full-time, and charged the AU comprehensive tuition rate. Academic scholarship amounts range from $3,000 to $17,000 per year, and need-based funding ranges from $1,000 to $4,000. Students must complete a 2025-26 FAFSA to be considered for the additional need-based funding shown in the chart below. The Student Aid Index (SAI) can be as low as negative $1,500.
Students with less than a 2.50 high school GPA, who do not meet the academic criteria for an AU academic scholarship, may be eligible for an AU need-based scholarship upon receiving their FAFSA. Students cannot receive AU gift aid in the summer. We encourage students to complete the FAFSA prior to the March 15 priority deadline.
| HS GPA | Scholarship | Student Aid Index (SAI) | Renewal GPA | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FAFSA Not Received |
-$1,500 to -$100 |
-$99 to $9,000 |
$9,001 to $21,000 |
$21,001 to $38,000 |
>=$38,001 |
|||
| 4.00+ | Presidential | $17,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 | $19,000 | $18,000 | $17,000 | 3.00 |
| 3.90-3.99 | Provost | $15,000 | $18,000 | $19,000 | $17,000 | $16,000 | $15,000 | 3.00 |
| 3.80-3.89 | Director | $13,000 | $16,000 | $17,000 | $15,000 | $14,000 | $13,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.50-3.79 | Ambassador | $12,000 | $15,000 | $16,000 | $14,000 | $13,000 | $12,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.25-3.49 | Trustee | $10,000 | $13,000 | $14,000 | $12,000 | $11,000 | $10,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.00-3.24 | Talon | $8,000 | $11,000 | $12,000 | $10,000 | $9,000 | $8,000 | 2.00 |
| 2.85-2.99 | Founders | $6,000 | $9,000 | $10,000 | $8,000 | $7,000 | $6,000 | 2.00 |
| 2.50-2.84 | Eagle | $3,000 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $5,000 | $4,000 | $3,000 | 2.00 |
| < 2.50 | N/A | $0 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $0 | 2.00 |
In order to receive the full AU academic scholarship in future years, students must earn the GPA renewal requirement associated with their academic scholarship by the end of the spring semester. If the GPA shown below is not earned, the scholarship will be reduced until the student meets the renewal GPA requirement.
Eagle scholarship recipients have the opportunity to earn a Rising Eagle scholarship increase after the Fall 2025 semester. Students must complete 12 or more credit hours during the Fall 2025 semester and earn a 3.0 or higher AU GPA.
Students eligible for an AU academic scholarship must be pursing their first bachelor's degree, enrolled full-time, and charged the AU comprehensive tuition rate. Students cannot receive AU gift aid in the summer.
| HS GPA | Academic Scholarship | Award | Renewal GPA |
| 4.00+ | AU International Gold | $14,000 |
3.00 |
| 3.80 - 3.99 | AU International Presidential | $13,000 | 3.00 |
| 3.50 - 3.79 | AU International Provost | $12,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.00 - 3.49 | AU International Director | $11,000 | 2.00 |
| 2.70 - 2.99 | AU International Ambassador | $9,000 | 2.00 |
| 2.50 - 2.69 | AU International Eagle* | $1,000 | 2.00 |
| < 2.49 | N/A | $0 | N/A |
In order to receive the full AU academic scholarship in future years, students must earn the GPA renewal requirement associated with their academic scholarship by the end of the spring semester. If the GPA shown above is not earned, the scholarship will be reduced per the Financial Aid Office's packaging policy until the student meets the renewal GPA requirement.
*AU International Eagle scholarship recipients have the opportunity to earn a Rising Eagle scholarship increase after the Fall 2025 semester. Students must complete 12 or more credit hours during the Fall 2025 semester and earn a 3.0 or higher AU GPA.
Transfer scholarships are available to U.S. and International students based on academic performance for college courses taken after high school graduation and do not include College Credit Plus courses. First-time transfer students are eligible for university scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Transfer students must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, enrolled full-time, and charged the AU comprehensive rate of tuition. Students cannot receive AU gift aid in the summer.
| Transfer GPA | Scholarship | Amount | Renewal GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| >4.00 | AU Transfer Gold | $10,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.75 -4.00 | AU Transfer Purple | $9,500 | 2.00 |
| 3.50-3.74 | AU Transfer Distinction | $7,500 | 2.00 |
| 3.25-3.49 | AU Transfer Achievement | $6,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.00-3.24 | AU Transfer Advantage | $4,000 | 2.00 |
| 2.70-2.99 | AU Transfer Pathway | $2,500 | 2.00 |
| < 2.70 | N/A | $ - | N/A |
In order to receive the full AU academic scholarship in future years, transfer students must earn the GPA renewal requirement associated with their academic scholarship by the end of the spring semester. If the GPA shown above is not earned, the scholarship will be reduced according to our packaging policy until the student meets the renewal GPA requirement.
Students must complete the 2025-26 FAFSA to be considered for an AU need-based scholarship. International students are not eligible. Transfer students must be pursuing their first bachelor's degree, enrolled full-time, and charged the AU comprehensive tuition rate to receive AU gift aid. Students cannot receive AU gift aid in the summer.
Incoming transfers with a Student Aid Index (SAI) between -$1,500 and $21,000 may be eligible for a need-based scholarship ranging from $500 to $1,500. This scholarship is renewable annually for the amount awarded during a student’s first year at AU by maintaining satisfactory academic progress. We encourage students to complete the FAFSA prior to the March 15 priority deadline.
| Student Aid Index (SAI) | Amount |
|---|---|
| -$1,500 to -$100 | $500 |
| -$99 to $9,000 | $1,500 |
| $9,001 to $21,000 | $500 |
| >=$21,001 | $0 |
2024-25 Academic Scholarships
First-Year freshman students eligible for an AU academic and/or need-based scholarship must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, enrolled full-time, and charged the AU comprehensive tuition rate. Academic scholarship amounts range from $3,000 to $17,000 per year, and need-based funding ranges from $1,000 to $4,000. Students must complete a 2024-25 FAFSA to be considered for the additional need-based funding shown in the chart below. The Student Aid Index (SAI) can be as low as negative $1,500.
Students with less than a 2.50 high school GPA, who do not meet the academic criteria for an AU academic scholarship, may be eligible for an AU need-based scholarship upon receiving their FAFSA. Students cannot receive AU gift aid in the summer. We encourage students to complete the FAFSA prior to the March 15 priority deadline.
| HS GPA | Scholarship | Student Aid Index (SAI) | Renewal GPA | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FAFSA Not Received |
-$1,500 to -$100 |
-$99 to $9,000 |
$9,001 to $21,000 |
$21,001 to $38,000 |
>=$38,001 |
|||
| 4.00+ | Presidential | $17,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 | $19,000 | $18,000 | $17,000 | 3.00 |
| 3.90-3.99 | Provost | $15,000 | $18,000 | $19,000 | $17,000 | $16,000 | $15,000 | 3.00 |
| 3.80-3.89 | Director | $13,000 | $16,000 | $17,000 | $15,000 | $14,000 | $13,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.50-3.79 | Ambassador | $12,000 | $15,000 | $16,000 | $14,000 | $13,000 | $12,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.25-3.49 | Trustee | $10,000 | $13,000 | $14,000 | $12,000 | $11,000 | $10,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.00-3.24 | Talon | $8,000 | $11,000 | $12,000 | $10,000 | $9,000 | $8,000 | 2.00 |
| 2.85-2.99 | Founders | $6,000 | $9,000 | $10,000 | $8,000 | $7,000 | $6,000 | 2.00 |
| 2.50-2.84 | Eagle | $3,000 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $5,000 | $4,000 | $3,000 | 2.00 |
| < 2.50 | N/A | $0 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $0 | 2.00 |
In order to receive the full AU academic scholarship in future years, students must earn the GPA renewal requirement associated with their academic scholarship by the end of the spring semester. If the GPA shown below is not earned, the scholarship will be reduced until the student meets the renewal GPA requirement.
Eagle scholarship recipients have the opportunity to earn a Rising Eagle scholarship increase after the Fall 2024 semester. Students must complete 12 or more credit hours during the Fall 2024 semester and earn a 3.0 or higher AU GPA.
Students eligible for an AU academic scholarship must be pursing their first bachelor's degree, enrolled full-time, and charged the AU comprehensive tuition rate. Students cannot receive AU gift aid in the summer.
| HS GPA | Academic Scholarship | Award | Renewal GPA |
| 4.00+ | AU International Gold | $14,000 |
3.00 |
| 3.80 - 3.99 | AU International Presidential | $13,000 | 3.00 |
| 3.50 - 3.79 | AU International Provost | $12,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.00 - 3.49 | AU International Director | $11,000 | 2.00 |
| 2.70 - 2.99 | AU International Ambassador | $9,000 | 2.00 |
| 2.50 - 2.69 | AU International Eagle* | $1,000 | 2.00 |
| < 2.49 | N/A | $0 | N/A |
In order to receive the full AU academic scholarship in future years, students must earn the GPA renewal requirement associated with their academic scholarship by the end of the spring semester. If the GPA shown above is not earned, the scholarship will be reduced per the Financial Aid Office's packaging policy until the student meets the renewal GPA requirement.
*AU International Eagle scholarship recipients have the opportunity to earn a Rising Eagle scholarship increase after the Fall 2024 semester. Students must complete 12 or more credit hours during the Fall 2024 semester and earn a 3.0 or higher AU GPA.
Transfer scholarships are available to U.S. and International students based on academic performance for college courses taken after high school graduation and do not include College Credit Plus courses. First-time transfer students are eligible for university scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Transfer students must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, enrolled full-time, and charged the AU comprehensive rate of tuition. Students cannot receive AU gift aid in the summer.
| Transfer GPA | Scholarship | Amount | Renewal GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| >4.00 | AU Transfer Gold | $10,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.75 -4.00 | AU Transfer Purple | $9,500 | 2.00 |
| 3.50-3.74 | AU Transfer Distinction | $7,500 | 2.00 |
| 3.25-3.49 | AU Transfer Achievement | $6,000 | 2.00 |
| 3.00-3.24 | AU Transfer Advantage | $4,000 | 2.00 |
| 2.70-2.99 | AU Transfer Pathway | $2,500 | 2.00 |
| < 2.70 | N/A | $ - | N/A |
In order to receive the full AU academic scholarship in future years, transfer students must earn the GPA renewal requirement associated with their academic scholarship by the end of the spring semester. If the GPA shown above is not earned, the scholarship will be reduced according to our packaging policy until the student meets the renewal GPA requirement.
Students must complete the 2024-25 FAFSA to be considered for an AU need-based scholarship. International students are not eligible. Transfer students must be pursuing their first bachelor's degree, enrolled full-time, and charged the AU comprehensive tuition rate to receive AU gift aid. Students cannot receive AU gift aid in the summer.
Incoming transfers with a Student Aid Index (SAI) between -$1,500 and $21,000 may be eligible for a need-based scholarship ranging from $500 to $1,500. This scholarship is renewable annually for the amount awarded during a student’s first year at AU by maintaining satisfactory academic progress. We encourage students to complete the FAFSA prior to the March 15 priority deadline.
| Student Aid Index (SAI) | Amount |
|---|---|
| -$1,500 to -$100 | $500 |
| -$99 to $9,000 | $1,500 |
| $9,001 to $21,000 | $500 |
| >=$21,001 | $0 |
Test Achievement Scholarship
The Test Achievement Scholarship is awarded to first-year, full-time students charged the AU comprehensive rate of tuition. We also accept SAT and CLT scores for scholarship consideration. Use the SAT Score Conversion or CLT Score Conversion to see if your SAT/CLT score qualifies you for the Test Achievement Scholarship!
| ACT Score | Amount | Renewal GPA |
|---|---|---|
| 25 – 29 | $1,000 | 2.00 |
| 30+ | $2,000 | 2.00 |
Undergraduate Scholarships
Empower an Eagle Referral Scholarship
Before applying to AU, undergraduate students referred to AU who apply for admission will receive a $500 scholarship. The referral must be mentioned during the admissions application process. Students must be enrolled full-time and charged AU’s comprehensive tuition rate. Legacy students are not eligible for this scholarship. This scholarship is renewable annually for up to 4 years if the student meets satisfactory academic progress standards.
These departmental talent-based scholarships require an on-campus interview and are awarded by the respective department. An audition is required for theatre and music scholarships, while submission of a portfolio is necessary for art scholarships. Scholarships are renewable by fulfilling certain departmental criteria. Scholarship amounts may vary.
As an Ashbrook scholar, students will be awarded an annual scholarship toward their studies at AU, renewable each year based on merit. A major or minor in political science and a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 are required. Applications for the scholarship are available from the Ashbrook Center. Students in the program must maintain a 3.0 GPA to renew the scholarship. Check out the Ashbrook Center for more information about the Ashbrook Scholar Program.
This is a $1,000 renewable scholarship based on merit. A minor in Ethics or Conflict Resolution and a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 are required. Students in the program must maintain a 3.0 GPA to renew the scholarship. Check out the Ashland Center for Nonviolence for more information about the Peace Scholar Program.
Men’s and women’s varsity sports offer scholarships to selected athletes. The coaches, under the leadership of the athletic director and in coordination with the Financial Aid Office, determine standards of distribution that follow the guidelines set by the athletic conference and NCAA Division II regulations. The coach determines the amount of athletic and non-exempt aid awarded to the student-athlete. Athletic scholarships are added to the student's AU offer letter upon receiving official notification from the coach.
Students who are members of the Ashland-based Brethren Church before enrolling at Ashland University are eligible for a $1,000 annual scholarship. A letter verifying membership from the pastor of the student's church is required. The scholarship is renewable by maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
High school and transfer students
Ashland University will award you $1,000 toward your tuition when you complete three steps:
- Attend an in-person admissions visit by July 1.
- Apply and get admitted.
- Submit your enrollment deposit by July 1.
Get started now and register for a campus visit! This scholarship is stacked on top of other awarded AU scholarships not to surpass total charged tuition. It is split $500 for fall and $500 for spring, and is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship.
All high school students enrolled in AU College Credit Plus (CCP) courses who attend AU directly out of high school and are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program will receive a $1,000 scholarship. This scholarship is stacked on top of other awarded AU scholarships not to surpass total charged tuition, and is renewable annually if the student meets satisfactory academic progress standards.
The Dean's Scholarship was created to enhance the undergraduate academic experience for new first-time and transfer students enrolled in Accounting in the College of Business and Economics. It is a merit-based, renewable scholarship of $1,500 that can be "stacked" on top of other awarded AU scholarships. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in unique academic communities with a focus on career coaching and preparation.
The Dean's Scholarship was created to enhance the undergraduate academic experience for new first-time and transfer students enrolled in a major within the College of Arts & Sciences. It is a merit-based, renewable scholarship of $1,500 that can be "stacked" on top of other awarded AU scholarships. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in unique academic communities with a focus on career coaching and preparation.
Dean's Scholarships are available in these areas:
- Art and Music
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science and Cybersecurity
- Criminal Justice and Emergency Management
- Journalism and Digital Media
- Languages and Literatures
- Mathematics and Actuarial Science
- Psychology
- Religion
- Social Work
The Dean's Scholarship was created to enhance the undergraduate academic experience for new first-time and transfer students enrolled in Finance in the College of Business and Economics. It is a merit-based, renewable scholarship of $1,500 that can be "stacked" on top of other awarded AU scholarships. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in unique academic communities with a focus on career coaching and preparation.
The Dean's Scholarship was created to enhance the undergraduate academic experience for new first-time and transfer students enrolled in the Sport Management program.
Benefits of this scholarship include a merit-based, renewable award of $1,500 that stacks upon other merit awards received. Recipients will also gain the opportunity to join unique academic communities that promote engagement with faculty and focus on career coaching and preparation.
First-time freshmen who have completed a high school homeschool education may be awarded a scholarship as follows:
- $1,000 towards tuition only
- Additional $1,000 if student resides in on-campus housing
Students must be enrolled at AU full-time and charged the comprehensive tuition rate. The Homeschool scholarship is stacked on top of other awarded AU scholarships not to surpass total charged tuition and renewed annually if the student meets satisfactory academic progress standards.
First-year and transfer students who have been accepted into the Honors Program will be considered for an Honors Scholarship, renewable for four years. Scholarship renewal requires the student to continue in the Honors Program and meet certain AU GPA requirements.
Children and grandchildren of Ashland University alumni are eligible for this $1,000 scholarship. An alumnus is defined as a parent or grandparent who has earned at least 32 undergraduate credits or an undergraduate or graduate degree from Ashland University. This scholarship is renewable annually if the student meets satisfactory academic progress standards.
This scholarship is offered to children of ministers, missionaries and ordained/licensed staff who are actively serving full-time for the Ashland-based Brethren Church or who have retired from full-time service for reasons of age or health. Students who qualify will receive total AU gift aid equal to 65% of tuition. The scholarship is renewable annually with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
This is a $1,000 scholarship offered to incoming transfer students with a minimum 3.0 transfer GPA, an A.A., A.S., A.A.S., or Canadian-equivalent degree, and a Phi Theta Kappa designation on the student’s transcript. This scholarship is renewable annually if the student meets satisfactory academic progress standards.
The Resilience Scholarship is a $2,000 renewable scholarship offered to incoming students through the Center for CommUNITY and Belonging. This scholarship supports students who show promise to enhance the diverse learning perspectives on campus and among their peers. Applicants will be considered based upon their proven ability to promote community, equity, and well-being on the Ashland University campus.
Siblings simultaneously enrolled at AU and both charged for on-campus housing, may receive 50% off their housing costs. Students must be enrolled full-time and may continue to receive this scholarship until they graduate regardless of when their sibling graduates. This scholarship is renewable annually if the student maintains a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA by the end of each academic year.
First-time freshmen who are graduates of a Talon Track partner high school (currently Ashland or Mapleton High Schools) may be awarded a scholarship as follows:
- $1,000 towards tuition only
- Additional $1,000 if student resides in on-campus housing
Students must be enrolled at AU full-time and charged the comprehensive tuition rate. The Talon Track scholarship is stacked on top of other awarded AU scholarships not to surpass total charged tuition and renewed annually if the student maintains a minimum 3.0 AU cumulative GPA.
Scholarships for Graduate Students
AU Alumni Scholarship
Ashland University is your destination for lifelong learning. If you have already earned a bachelor's or graduate degree from AU, you'll receive a tuition discount to continue your education in one of our graduate or certificate programs:
- Part-time students receive a 10% discount.
- Full-time students receive a 15% discount.
That makes 2025 a great time to start your next degree!
Dean's Scholarship: NEW GRADUATE STUDENT
This scholarship is available to new students pursuing a graduate degree from Ashland University’s Dauch College of Business & Economics. Students can receive $2,500 per academic year for two years. Only available to domestic students.
Dean’s Scholarship: EMERGING GRADUATE LEADER
This scholarship is available to new students pursuing a graduate degree from Ashland University’s Dauch College of Business & Economics. Students can receive $2,000 per academic year for two years. Only available to domestic students.
Empower an Eagle Referral Scholarship
Before applying to AU, graduate students referred to AU who apply for admission will receive a $500 scholarship. The referral must be mentioned during the admissions application process. Students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible. This scholarship is renewable for two years.