Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program | Lake Erie College

Since 2022, Lake Erie College has been awarded over $4.2 million in Choose Ohio First (COF) grants by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the State of Ohio. These scholarships are designed to attract and retain top STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) students—strengthening Ohio’s future workforce and innovation economy.

If you’re pursuing a degree in a STEMM field, this is your opportunity to join a supportive, career-focused program backed by the state.

COF Scholarships: Funding & Eligibility

Scholarship awards are based on both academic merit and financial need. Funding can be applied to:

• Tuition

• General fees

• Textbooks

• Meal plans

Continued eligibility depends on:

• Maintaining program participation

• Meeting GPA requirements

• Continued state funding

Why Join the COF Scholars Program at LEC?

A Tight-Knit Scholarly Community Learn alongside a motivated group of peers, guided by full-time professors. Participate in:

• Journal clubs

• Peer mentoring (both giving and receiving)

• Study support teams

Real-World Connections Build your resume with:

• Experiential learning opportunities

• Internship placements

• Career coaching from campus-based professionals

Reserved Seats in Graduate & Medical Programs COF Scholars receive special consideration and reserved interview opportunities for graduate programs, including:

• Guaranteed interviews for LEC’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PAS) program

• Reserved seats at:

  • Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (not affiliated with LEC)

  • University of Findlay College of Pharmacy

  • Cleveland State University Nursing programs

Click here for more details on partner programs.Click here for more details on partner programs.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if you:

• Have a 3.0 or higher high school GPA

• Have completed the FAFSA

• Plan to major in one of LEC’s STEMM programs:

School of STREAMS School of STREAMS Programs of Study:

• Biology (BA or BS)Biology (BA or BS)

• Chemistry (BA or BS)Chemistry (BA or BS)

• Environmental Science (BS)Environmental Science (BS)

• Mathematics (BS)Mathematics (BS)

• Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PAS)Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PAS)

Not sure if you qualify? Reach out to our admission team at admission@lec.edu; we’re happy to help!

High School Students: Get a Head Start!

Our STEMM Bridge Program lets high schoolers begin college-level work as early as 10th grade, fulfilling prerequisites for their chosen major before graduation. Students who complete the program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may qualify for COF scholarships.

Interested? Talk to your guidance counselor and connect with our team to learn more.

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