Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program | Lake Erie College

Apply Now To the LEC Choose Ohio First Scholars Program

Since 2022, the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the State of Ohio have awarded Lake Erie College over $4.2 million in Choose Ohio First (COF) grants.

These funds will provide scholarship dollars to students studying science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). “Choose Ohio First” indicates the desire to attract talented students to study and stay in Ohio, by effectively integrating those individuals into the already thriving regional economy.

Apply Now for LEC COF Scholars Program

LEC COF Application Link

Students are photographed measuring water levels on an on-site expedition through the Environmental Science program.

Scholarship Amounts and Tuition Benefits

The amount that COF Scholars receive will be determined on merit and need. Money from the scholarships can be used for tuition, general fees, books and meal plans.

It's our goal for LEC COF Scholars to pay $0-6,000/year for their undergraduate education. To help accomplish this, LEC is ensuring a tuition freeze for all COF Scholar recipients.

Continued funding from the COF Scholars program is contingent on ongoing state funding, participation in program activities, and maintenance of a minimum GPA.

LEC STEMM Students standing in a lab with their diplomas — Proud Graduates
Photograph of STEMM students standing in one of the labs on campus with their diplomas in hand.

Other Benefits of the LEC COF Scholars Program:

Scholarly Community. You will be taught primarily by full-time professors and will be in classes with an extraordinary group of students. You will participate in journal clubs (learning more science), have study support teams, be mentored, and then become a mentor.

Connections. You will get connected with potential full-time employers and experiential (work)-based learning experiences. You will participate in campus-based career coaching opportunities.

Reserved Seats in Medical Programs. LEC COF Scholars are eligible for reserved status in graduate programs. Our undergraduates have a guaranteed interview with the admissions team in the highly-competitive Lake Erie College Masters in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PAS) program and may be eligible for one of four seats reserved annually for LEC students. Our students also have reserved seats in the medical, dental and pharmacy programs at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (not affiliated with LEC), University at Findlay College of Pharmacy, and Cleveland State University Nursing programs. See here for more information.

Photograph of students handling needles and medical equipment. — Save Your Spot in the PA Program
COF Scholars have reserved seats to not only the Physician Assistant program at LEC, but other medical, dental and pharmacy programs at other schools.

Application Process for Choose Ohio First Scholarships at LEC

If you have a 3.0 high school GPA, have completed your FAFSA, and are interested in enrolling in one of our STEMM programs (see below), this program may be for you. Not sure if you qualify? Reach out to ask!

School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics programs of study:

Biology (BS or BA)
Chemistry (BS or BA)
Environmental Sciences (BS)
Mathematics (BS)
Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies Program (MS-PAS)

Opportunities for High School Students

Participate in our STEMM Bridge Program that allows students to complete the requirements for entrance to the major of their choice before graduating from high school, starting as early as 10th grade. Successful completion of the Bridge Program (GPA of >=3.0) can qualify students for COF Scholarships. Reach out to us and to your guidance counselor for more information.