Office of Financial Aid

Understanding the Process

Our Financial Aid Office is here to help you understand and access the resources available to make your education affordable.

Once you’ve been accepted to Lake Erie College and submitted your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), our Financial Aid Office reviews your information to determine your eligibility for the various types of funding. You'll then be notified when your Financial Aid Offer is available to view.

Lake Erie College's FAFSA code is 003066.

ACCESS THE FAFSA FORM

Helpful Links for
Completing Your FAFSA

Scholarships

Lake Erie College Merit Scholarships

Lake Erie College recognizes academic excellence through a variety of merit-based scholarships awarded at the time of admission. These scholarships are based on your high school GPA, standardized test scores (if submitted), and overall academic achievement. For students who have been out of high school for less than a year or have less than 25 transferable credits, high school performance, and coursework will also be considered in determining scholarship eligibility.

Presidential: 3.75 GPA & Above - $23,000
Tiberius: 3.50 - 3.74 GPA - $21,000
Founders: 3.0 - 3.49 GPA - $19,000
Deans: 2.75 - 2.99 GPA - $17,000
Leadership: 2.74 GPA & Below - $15,000

Specialty Scholarships

In addition to merit awards, Lake Erie College offers several specialty scholarships that recognize unique talents, backgrounds, and areas of study. These scholarships often require additional materials, such as essays, auditions, or letters of recommendation.

Examples include:

Twin Scholarship – Half tuition for each twin
Legacy Scholarship – $2,000 for children/grandchildren of alumni
Equine Talent Scholarships – Based on equine skill and experience
Athletic Scholarships – Available for NCAA Division II student-athletes

Students interested in specialty scholarships should contact the Office of Admission or visit LEO > Financial Aid for application details and deadlines.

Cuyahoga Connect Scholarship

Stay Close, Go Far

The Cuyahoga Connect Scholarship supports qualifying students from Cuyahoga County in the Class of 2026.

$7,500 per semester or $15,000 per year
Rate locked for four years
Designed for full-time commuter students, applied directly to tuition and fees

Students considering living on campus or participating in athletics should anticipate potential additional expenses.

Tri-County Scholarship

The Tri-County Scholarship makes college more affordable for qualifying students from Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties in the Class of 2026.

$7,500 per semester or $15,000 per year
Rate locked for four years
Designed for full-time commuter students, applied directly to tuition and fees

Students considering on-campus housing or athletics should note that additional costs may apply.

Choose Ohio First Scholarship

Lake Erie College has received over $4.2 million in Choose Ohio First (COF) grants from the Ohio Department of Higher Education to support students pursuing degrees in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) fields.

Apply here.

EmpowerVetEd Scholarship

Lake Erie College proudly supports military-affiliated students through the EmpowerVetEd Scholarship.

$5,000 per year for active-duty personnel, reservists, veterans, or military spouses enrolled in any undergraduate teacher education program.
An additional $5,000 per year is provided for incidental expenses.

This award recognizes the dedication and service of our military community while supporting their path into the education field. Visit our Office of Veterans and Military Service Members for more information.

Outside Scholarships

If you’ve been awarded a scholarship from a club, organization, or high school, let the Financial Aid Office know right away. Donors usually send funds directly to the Financial Aid or Bursar’s Office for posting to your account.

Pro Tip: Start local! Your best chance of earning outside scholarships often comes from community organizations, local businesses, and schools. And remember—never pay for a scholarship application.

Here are a few trusted search tools to help you get started:

ACCESS THE FAFSA FORM

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant program assists undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate financial need, as determined by federal guidelines based on the results of the FAFSA.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant

Administered by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) provides grant funds to Ohio residents with the highest levels of financial need as determined by FAFSA results.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Funded jointly by the federal government and the College, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) provides additional assistance to students with exceptional financial need. Due to limited funding, we strongly encourage filing the FAFSA as early as possible.

Federal TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year for students pursuing a career in teaching. Recipients must agree to teach full-time for at least four years in a high-need field at a qualifying school. If these requirements are not met, the grant converts into a federal unsubsidized loan.

ACCESS THE FAFSA FORM

Federal Direct Loan (Subsidized/Unsubsidized)

Available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time with a submitted FAFSA.
Subsidized loans are need-based, and the U.S. Department of Education pays interest while you’re in school and during your 6-month grace period. Unsubsidized loans are available regardless of need, but interest accrues while you’re enrolled.

Interest Rates:

Undergraduate: 6.39%
Graduate: 7.94%
Loan Fee: 1.057%
Repayment: Begins 6 months after graduation or dropping below half-time; standard 10-year term.

Loan limits vary based on dependency status and grade level.

Federal Direct PLUS and GRAD PLUS Loans

Parents of dependent undergraduates or graduate students can apply for PLUS Loans to help cover remaining educational costs.

Interest Rate: 8.94%
Fee: 4.228%
Repayment: Standard 10-year term, with the option to defer while the student is enrolled.

Private/Alternative Loans

Private education loans are offered by banks and credit unions and typically require credit approval, as well as a co-signer for undergraduates. Loan terms vary by lender.
Lake Erie College provides a Private Loan Comparison Tool that lists lenders frequently used by our students—but you’re always free to choose any lender that meets your needs.

ACCESS THE FAFSA FORM

Choose Ohio First

Office of Financial Aid

Alison McBrady

Director of
Financial Aid

Kim Plaatje

Assistant Director of
Financial Aid

Natasha Gaines

Financial Aid Counselor

Office of Financial Aid

Understanding the Process