High-achieving students heading straight from high school to Owens Community College will have a new reason to choose Owens starting in the 2026-27 academic year: the Presidential Scholarship.
“Recognizing and supporting our most academically talented incoming students allows Owens to expand its recruitment reach in meaningful ways. A scholarship like this signals to high-achieving students that Owens is a serious choice and that we’re committed to helping them succeed from day one,” said Erin Kramer, Owens director of Admissions.
The Presidential Scholarship will award $1,000 per semester for a student’s first two semesters of enrollment. The scholarship is applicable toward tuition, fees or other approved educational costs.
“We already offer one of the most affordable pathways to a college degree, and the Presidential Scholarship builds on that. For students who have worked hard to excel academically, this award can make a real difference, reducing out-of-pocket costs and allowing them to focus on what matters most: their education,” Kramer added.
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible for the scholarship: direct-from-high school enrollment at Owens; graduation within the top 10 of their high school class; a minimum high school GPA of 2.5; and completion of the FAFSA. There are no residency requirements for the scholarship.
The Presidential Scholarship is designed to make merit-based aid accessible to a broader student base. Previously, Owens offered limited merit-based scholarships for incoming students. The Board of Trustees Scholarship is restricted to students residing within Owens’ legal service district, and the Start Here Scholarship requires completion of at least nine College Credit Plus credits at Owens.
Students can apply for the Presidential Scholarship or find more information on other forms of aid at owens.edu/scholarships.