Scholarships, Awards, & Grants
Scholarships are offered to eligible students the first year and are renewed each year according to established renewal requirements. Final scholarships are coordinated with other federal, state, and Defiance College sponsored awards and may be influenced by the student's on-campus or commuter status. Full-tuition scholarships are available through a competitive Scholarship Day program.
NOTE: Some awards may be combined. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 419-783-2364 or financialaid@defiance.edu for further details. For full-time, undergraduate, day students beginning their Defiance College education in Fall 2020 or Spring 2021. Renewal based upon academic performance at Defiance College. Graduate programs are not eligible for merit-based scholarships. Need-based financial aid is separate from merit aid.
What's the difference between scholarships and grants?
Grants tend to be awarded based on financial need, whereas scholarships tend to be
awarded based on merit.
Discover Defiance Grant, $1,000
Offered to first-year, first-time students who visit between March 1 and May 1, 2020. $1,000 annually (half per semester), renewable.
Students are calculated individually based on a combination of GPA and ACT or SAT scores to determine eligibility for Dean’s, Pilgrim, Trustee, Achievement, or Merit Scholarship. Students who are not in nursing, biology, or education majors have the option as being calculated test optional which will look at a student's GPA to calculate eligibility.
Dean's Scholarship, $21,000
Pilgrim Scholarship, $19,000
Trustee Scholarship, $17,000
Achievement Scholarship, $15,000
Merit Scholarship, $13,000
Transfer Award, $12,000 - $16,000
Awarded to accepted full-time transfer students based on academic performance at all previously-attended colleges/universities.
Computer Science Scholarship, $2,000+
No scholarship application required. Eligibility:
- Ohio resident
- 3.2 or higher GPA in high school
- Apply and be accepted to Defiance College for priority consideration
- Must interview virtually with the Dean of the Institute for Pre-Health & Wellness Studies
- Must be/remain a computer science major
- Must maintain a 3.0 GPA in college
NW Ohio Residential Grant, $2,000
No application required, renewable. Eligibility:
- High school student from a northwest Ohio county (Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Williams, or Wood)
- 2.8 or higher GPA
- Must plan to live on campus
Contact the office of admissions for more information at admissions@defiance.edu or 419-783-2359.
Richard W. Stroede Scholarship, $2,000
Available for incoming full-time students interested in participating in Music Programs at DC. Scholarship recipients are selected through on-site auditions prior to the student's first fall enrollment. Winners must enroll for a minimum of one credit hour per semester in music ensembles, and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Recipient must also take one credit hour of an applied lesson per semester. $2,000 annually (half per semester), renewable.
More Information | Audition Request
Service Leadership Award, $1,500
New students with a demonstrated record of service in their communities are eligible. The Service Leadership program offers Defiance College students unique and meaningful programs to develop leadership skills that will strengthen their individual career interests and can include travel opportunities.
- Service Leadership applications are due March 1.
- Any applications after this date will be placed on a waiting list.
More Information | Award Application
eSports Scholarship, $1,500
No application required. Awarded annually to new students planning to participate in the eSports program. Each year, up to 10 incoming students with an interest in eSports are awarded this scholarship to continue their commitment to eSports.
New students must meet the following criteria:
- Full-time student
- Accepted to Defiance College
Music Talent Scholarship, $1,500
Available for incoming full-time students interested in participating in a music ensemble every semester at Defiance College. Scholarship recipients are selected through an application prior to the student's first fall enrollment. Winners must enroll for a minimum of one credit hour per semester in student music ensembles, and maintain a 2.0 GPA. $1,500 annually (half per semester), renewable.
More Information | Award Application
Marching Arts Scholarship, $1,500
Available for incoming full-time students interested in participating as a majorette, color guard, or drumline performer. Scholarship recipients are selected through an online application prior to enrollment. Winners must enroll in marching band in the fall and pep band (or an alternate ensemble) in the spring. Winners must enroll for a minimum of one credit hour per semester in student music ensembles, and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. $1,500 annually (half per semester), renewable.
More Information | Award Application
Cheer & Dance Scholarship, $1,000
Available for incoming, full-time freshmen/transfer students interested in cheer & dance. Applicants must cheer all three seasons (football, basketball, and competition) and attend scheduled practices and other college functions as determined by the coach. The cheer & dance program supports travel expenses, including meals, lodging, uniforms, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Requirements:
- Full-time student
- Cheer experience (high school and/or all-star)
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- 20 service hours must be completed per scholastic year
NOTE: If you are participating in an intercollegiate sport, you are NOT eligible for this scholarship.
$1,000 annually (half per semester), renewable.
Alumni Legacy Award, $500
Awarded annually to dependents of DC alumni demonstrating financial need. If your parent attended or graduated from Defiance College, please contact the Financial Aid office at 419-783-2364 or financialaid@defiance.edu.
United Church of Christ (UCC) Award, $500
Awarded annually to active members of a UCC church and demonstrating financial need. Verification from a church official may be required.
Apply for Financial Aid to apply for the following grants. You will be notified through your financial aid award letter if you are eligible.
Defiance College Grant
DC grants are awarded to full-time students who demonstrate need. The grant amount varies depending on need as determined by FAFSA.
Pell Grant
This is a federal grant with awards that range from $593 - $5,920 per year. It is awarded to full or part-time students based on need as determined by FAFSA.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
This is a federal grant awarded to full-time Pell-eligible students with the lowest expected family contribution as determined by the FAFSA. Amount varies up to $2,000.
Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
This is a state grant awarded to full-time students who are Ohio residents who demonstrate need as determined by the FAFSA. Amount varies up to $3,072 (est.).
Ohio War Orphans Grant
This state program awards tuition assistance to the children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio veterans who served in the armed forces during a period of declared war or conflict. This award is $6,628 (est.) annually.
