Navigating YSU Foundation Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Youngstown State University (YSU) offers a multitude of scholarship opportunities to assist students in funding their education. The YSU Foundation, an independent, nonprofit organization, plays a pivotal role in this, providing over $11 million annually in scholarship support. This article delves into the various scholarship programs available through the YSU Foundation and other avenues, outlining eligibility requirements and application processes.

Understanding the FAFSA and its Role

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a cornerstone of financial aid eligibility at YSU. YSU’s FAFSA six digit school code is 003145. Once the FAFSA has been processed, the student will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary. Review the FAFSA Submission Summary for accuracy. The FAFSA Submission Summary will provide the Student Aid Index (SAI) figure used to determine financial need. This form determines a student’s eligibility for Federal and State grants. YSU also uses the FAFSA (more specifically the Student Aid Index) to determine financial need for other types of campus-based aid such as Federal Work-Study, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), as well as to determine eligibility for Federal student loans.

If corrections are needed, click correcting your submitted FAFSA for instructions. If assistance is needed with the correction process, contact a financial aid counselor in our office.

In some instances, a student/family may be selected for verification, requiring submission of a signed copy of tax form 1040, or IRS Tax Return Transcript, and additional documents to complete the review of the FAFSA. Students/families are encouraged to retain copies of all records (the federal tax returns, untaxed income statements, bank records, etc.) used to complete the FAFSA in case their record is selected for this review.

YSU Foundation Scholarship Application

The YSU Foundation has its own in-house scholarship application. Over 1,100 scholarships are offered across various majors, with awards of $500 or more. Students will also need access to their Penguin Portal to retrieve a desktop screenshot of their Student Profile.

Students must submit their YSU Foundation scholarship application by February 1 each year to be considered for scholarships during the following academic year. If you have questions regarding YSU Foundation scholarships, please call 330.941.3211.

The Youngstown State University Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that supports student scholarships, student development, and career opportunities. The Foundation provides Youngstown State University with over $11 million in scholarship support annually.

College Scholarships

YSU offers a variety of college-specific scholarships to students pursuing degrees in different fields. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria related to academic standing, major, and financial need.

Miscellaneous Scholarships

Beyond the YSU Foundation scholarships, several miscellaneous scholarships are available, each with unique requirements and focuses:

Academic YSU-OEA Union Scholarship

The YSU-OEA (Ohio Education Association) offers an annual Union Scholarship to YSU undergraduate students. The award will go to YSU undergraduate students who either write about a personal or family connection to the labor movement or create a personal reflection on the importance of unions, which may consist of an essay, a short story, a video, a work of art, or some other creative form of expression. There will be one award of $1000. The scholarship aids in defraying academic expenses such as tuition, fees or books. Further details are provided on the application form. GPA Requirements: 2.75 or higher, if applying as a Sophomore (at least 31 s.h.) 3.00 or higher, if applying as a Junior (at least 62 s.h.) 3.25 or higher, if applying as a Senior (at least 93 s.h.).

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Eugene Green Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Eugene Green Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1984, is awarded to full-time students who have reached sophomore standing or higher. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required. Need is a consideration; FAFSA must be completed. Students from all majors are welcome to apply, though preference will first be given to students enrolled in the Williamson College of Business Administration. Recipients must be members in good standing or a direct descendant of a member in good standing of Ohio Education Association OEA) in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties; Western Reserve Building and Construction Trades in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties; or United Auto Workers (UAW) organized unions at the General Motors Lordstown, Ohio plant.

Members of the Association of Professional/Administrative Staff Union Scholarship

The Association of Professional/Administrative Staff union consists of approximately 150 professional staff members who work in a wide variety of roles in the majority of departments and colleges across campus. In keeping with its mission of staying connecting and giving back, the union has developed a scholarship in order to help current students fund their higher education at YSU. Applicants must be a current YSU student enrolled for at least half-time with a 2.5 undergraduate GPA or a 3.0 graduate GPA. FAFSA must be completed. Priority will be given to an APAS dependent.

Thomas M. Fabek and Peter A. Fabek Scholarship

The Thomas M. Fabek and Peter A. Fabek Scholarship is for a student who is an orphan or a foster child from Youngstown with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. If a candidate from Youngstown does not qualify, candidate may come from any city in Mahoning County. First year students may apply. Candidate may be suggested by Youngstown Catholic Services or Mahoning County Juvenile Department.

Athletic Scholarship Endowments

Youngstown State University offers athletic scholarship endowments.

International Housing Scholarships

Any incoming, undergraduate F-1 student who is enrolled as a full-time YSU student is eligible for International Housing Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 total, a one-time award for Fall and Spring if you choose to live in the YSU Residence Halls on campus including Cafaro, Lyden, or Kilcawley House. You will receive this scholarship only if you live in one of the residence halls named above. If you choose to live off campus, you will not receive this scholarship. If you are admitted to the YSU Sokolov Honors College and receive one of their housing awards, then you are not eligible for this scholarship. If you have successfully registered to live on campus and join YSU, this scholarship will be automatically awarded to your student account in the amount of $1,000 in the Fall semester and $1,000 in the Spring semester. Graduate students are not eligible to receive this scholarship.

Housing scholarships awarded to students who are nonresident aliens require tax reporting and withholding. The withholding rate for students present under a F-1 immigration status is 14%. Scholarships paid to any other immigration status are subject to 30% withholding. When the scholarship is paid through your student account, the tax is charged to your student account. Recipients of taxable scholarships will receive a year-end tax form, IRS Form 1042-S no later than March 15 of the following calendar year. This form will then be used to file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service by April 15.

Scholarships for Excellence Program

Students must submit the YSU Undergraduate Admission Application (with transcripts) by February 15 to be considered for scholarships through the Scholarships for Excellence Program at Youngstown State University. With the exception of the University Honors College Application, there are no other application forms needed for YSU's Scholarships for Excellence. Students cannot be awarded more than one scholarship through the Scholarships for Excellence program.

Freshman Scholarships for Excellence

Incoming freshmen scholarships recognize the academic achievements of new high school graduates. These scholarships are automatically awarded to beginning first-year students who have been admitted to the University. Full-time enrollment is required for disbursement.

First Opportunity: $1,000 ($4,000 over four years). Criteria: 3.0 GPA/ACT 19 or SAT 990†Test Optional: GPA 3.0-3.49. Renewal: 24 credit hours per academic year, minimum 12 hours per term, 3.0 overall GPA.
Red and White: $2,000 ($8,000 over four years). Criteria: 3.0 GPA/ACT 22 or SAT 1110†Test Optional: GPA 3.5-3.89. Renewal: 24 credit hours per academic year, minimum 12 hours per term, 3.0 overall GPA.
Deans': $3,000 ($12,000 over four years). Criteria: 3.5 GPA/ACT 25 or SAT 1220†Test Optional: GPA 3.9 and above. Renewal: 24 credit hours per academic year, minimum 12 hours per term, 3.0 overall GPA.
President's: $4,000 ($16,000 over four years). Criteria: 3.5 GPA/ACT 27 or SAT 1290†Test Optional: Not Available. Renewal: 24 credit hours per academic year, minimum 12 hours per term, 3.0 overall GPA.
Trustees': $5,000 ($20,000 over four years). Criteria: ValedictorianTest Optional: Not Available. Renewal: 24 credit hours per academic year, minimum 12 hours per term, 3.0 overall GPA.
Martin Luther King Merit Award: Merit awards up to $1,000 per academic year ($4,000 over four years). Test Optional: 3.0GPA. Renewal: 24 credit hours per academic year, minimum 12 hours per term, 3.0 overall GPA. Note: The Martin Luther King Merit Award is a merit-based award is available to new high school graduates of the following local inner-city schools: Campbell Memorial, Cardinal Mooney, Chaney, East, Farrell, John F. Kennedy, Niles McKinley, New Castle, Sharon, Struthers, Summit Academy, Ursuline, Warren G. Harding, Valley Christian, Youngstown Early College.

† Composite for critical reading and math score only

Sokolov Honors College Awards

The Sokolov Honors College offers awards to incoming freshmen and transfer students who meet specific academic criteria.

Domestic Students

Criteria: Minimum 26 ACT/1240 SAT and 3.5 overall high school grade point average. For the 2026-27 academic year, YSU applicants without a college entrance exam and a 3.5 or greater overall high school GPA are also encouraged to apply.
Awards:
- $1,000 - $3,000 tuition (Renewable for up to three additional years as long as student maintains honors annual requirements for continuation.)
- $1,000 - $3,000 housing (Renewable for up to one additional year as long as student maintains annual honors requirements for continuation.)
Students meeting honors minimum criteria will be considered for up to the full amount - $3,000 tuition and $3,000 housing. Students not meeting minimum criteria may still be eligible for a partial honors scholarship.
Transfer Students:
- Criteria: Minimum 3.5 overall college grade point average
- $1,000 - $3,000 tuition (Renewable for up to a maximum of three years as long as student maintains annual honors requirements for continuation.)
- $1,000 - $3,000 housing (Renewable for up to one additional year as long as student maintains annual honors requirements for continuation.)
College Credit Plus students:
- College Credit Plus students need to complete the Sokolov Honors College application.

International Students

Criteria International First-year incoming: Minimum Criteria: 26 ACT/1240 SAT and 3.5 overall high school grade point average. For the 2026-27 academic year, YSU applicants without a college entrance exam and a 3.5 or greater overall high school GPA are also encouraged to apply.
$1,000 tuition (Applied for the second year of enrollment in the Honors College as long as student achieves the minimum honors requirements for a first-year student. The $1000 tuition is then renewable for up to two additional years as long as the student maintains annual honors requirements for continuation.)
$2,000 housing (Available beginning the first year and is renewable for one additional year as long as student maintains annual honors requirements for continuation.)
Criteria international transfer student: Minimum Criteria: 3.5 overall college grade point average
$1,000 tuition (Applied for the second year of enrollment in the Sokolov Honors College as long as the student achieves the annual minimum honors requirements.) For a transfer international student, the honors tuition scholarship is renewable for up to a maximum of two additional years as long as student maintains honors requirements for continuation.
$2,000 housing (Renewable for up to one additional year as long as student maintains honors requirements for continuation.)

Deferrals

If a student domestic or international defers from Fall 2026 to Spring 2027, they will not need to reapply to honors and their scholarships will carry forward.

If an international student defers from Fall 2026 to Fall 2027, they will need to reapply to the Sokolov Honors College.

A student beginning at YSU in Spring 2027 may apply as a current student to the Sokolov Honors College at the end of spring semester for Fall 2027. However, current students are not considered for honors scholarships.

Transfer Scholarships

Transfer scholarships are available and offered through the generosity of the YSU Foundation. Transfer students are encouraged to apply early for financial aid and to observe the February 15 deadline for our transfer scholarships. Awards will be prorated if attending part-time (minimum 6 hours required).

Special note for mid-year transfer students: If you have a Federal Pell Grant, YSU's six-digit code must be listed as one of your college choices on the FAFSA to have your aid transferred. If not, update your FAFSA to include YSU's code (003145). If you had a Stafford or PLUS loan, you will have to reapply. You will also need to cancel any pending disbursements (if any) on the loan you had at your previous school by contacting your previous school's financial aid office.

Transfer Level 2: $1,000 ($3,000 over three years). Minimum Criteria: 12 transfer hours, 3.0 GPA. Renewal: 12 credit hours per academic year, 3.0 GPA.
Transfer Level 1: $1,500 ($4,500 over three years). Minimum Criteria: 12 transfer hours, 3.5 GPA. Renewal: 12 credit hours per academic year, 3.0 GPA.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: $1,500 per year (split between fall and spring semesters)Stackable on top of Transfer Scholarship (Student will either receive a total of $2,500 or $3,000 per year with both transfer scholarships. Must provide proof of active membership to Office of Undergraduate Admissions (e.g. membership card or certificate). Must be enrolled in at least 6 or more hours (Scholarship is pro-rated if less than full-time). 12 Credit Hours per Academic Years3.0 GPA. Not available for new freshman who may be PTK members.

Academic Achievement Award

Current YSU students are awarded the Academic Achievement Award based on academic accomplishment.

Key Deadlines and Acceptance Procedures

Several deadlines are crucial for scholarship consideration:

February 1: Priority filing date for financial aid consideration to receive a YSU financial aid offer by the end of February. Deadline for the YSU Foundation scholarship application.
February 15: Deadline to submit the YSU Undergraduate Admission Application for Scholarships for Excellence Program.

To ensure acceptance of a scholarship(s), sign and return the acceptance letter no later than May 1. Follow the instructions included with your financial aid offer to accept the awards. Students must login to their Penguin Portal account to view and accept their aid.

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