The Oberlin Midwest Merit Scholarship
Oberlin College loves the Midwest, and we’re excited to welcome more Midwestern students just like you.
From the Great Plains to the Great Lakes, the region is as eclectic and spirited as our campus. We know that when you’re from the Midwest, you’re more likely to stay after graduation, enriching local communities with your knowledge and career aspirations. That’s why we’re proud to help out families like yours who call our vibrant region home.
The Midwest Merit Scholarship recognizes the academic and musical excellence of top students from our region by granting $100,000 to all admitted students from Oberlin’s home state of Ohio as well as 11 additional Midwestern states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Starting in fall 2025, all new enrolling students from these states will automatically qualify to receive $25,000 each year, for a total of $100,000 over four years.
Do I qualify for Oberlin’s Midwest Merit Scholarship?
You are automatically eligible for the scholarship (with no separate application required) if you:
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Either permanently reside or graduate from a high school in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin
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Are a first-year or transfer student entering for the first time in fall 2025 or later
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Are enrolling in Oberlin’s College of Arts and Sciences and/or Conservatory of Music (Double-Degree students enrolling in both divisions are eligible to extend the scholarship for a fifth year, for a total of $125,000.)
Can I receive more financial aid in addition to the Midwest Merit Scholarship?
Yes. Oberlin proudly meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. If your financial need will exceed $25,000 per year, you should complete the need-based financial aid application process. Midwest Merit Scholarship recipients will also be considered automatically for additional merit scholarships. The Midwest Merit Scholarship includes the $10,000 Commitment Scholarship, which will not be awarded separately.
Are there any exceptions?
Beneficiaries of other Oberlin-affiliated full-tuition scholarship programs (QuestBridge, Posse, Oberlin High School, employee children) or GLCA tuition remission are not eligible for additional funding from the Midwest Merit Scholarship.
If you receive substantial scholarship support from outside organizations, your Midwest Merit Scholarship award amount may be reduced so that your total financial aid does not exceed the full cost of attendance.