Scholarships
Do online students qualify for scholarships?
Yes! ODU students can apply for and receive scholarships whether they study on campus, online, or a mix of both.
In order to apply for a scholarship, you must meet the scholarship's criteria. Each award has different eligibility requirements.
For example, some scholarships are based entirely on academic achievement. Other scholarships are only available to students who demonstrate financial need. Some scholarships are very specific, only awarded to alumni of a particular high school, students majoring in a particular field of study, or residents of a specific city.
Start researching early, and meet deadlines, and you may be on your way to scholarship success!
Remember, scholarships are gifts. They don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by ODU, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations.
Find and apply for as many scholarships as you can—it’s free money for college!
Getting Started
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year that you are enrolled. Many need-based scholarships use FAFSA data to determine eligibility.
When applying for admission to ODU, new incoming freshman and transfer students can select "YES" to the institutional scholarship indicator. Various scholarship options will be listed with in the admissions application.
You will receive written notification of any scholarship you are to receive. All scholarships must be formally accepted in writing. Accepting a scholarship may impact other financial aid you receive.
Explore scholarships with ODU's Office of Financial Aid
How to Avoid Scholarship Scams
- Never pay someone to fill out your FAFSA.
- Never pay to apply for a scholarship, even a "processing fee."
- Don't trust companies that guarantee you'll receive a scholarship or grant.
- Don't provide your credit card to "confirm eligibility."
- If you're not sure, ask a guidance counselor or the financial aid office to verify if a scholarship opportunity is legitimate.
Check out the FTC's great tips on avoiding scholarship scams
Highlighted Scholarships
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Pathway Retention Award
This award recognizes the value that diverse students bring to the university, including students from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Each year ten students are selected to receive a Meal Plan and Bookstore Award, and three students are selected to receive an ODU Bookstore Award only.
Students taking all their classes online are eligible to receive the ODU Bookstore Award.
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Entering Freshman
All first-time freshmen and transfer students will automatically be considered for academic and endowed scholarships based on their admissions application. The majority of scholarships offered to Old Dominion University students are based on information submitted during admission.
ODU offers merit-based Dominion Scholarships to entering freshman. General requirements:
- Minimum 3.8 cumulative GPA
- Rank in the top 10% of your graduating class
- Score 1280 or better on the SAT
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ODUGlobal International Student Scholarship
A scholarship for international students who are taking classes through ODUGlobal while residing outside the U.S.
This scholarship is awarded once a semester to one recipient.
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ODUGlobal Disabled Servicemember Scholarship
We partner with the Military Connection Center to offer an annual scholarship to current or former servicemembers disabled in the line of duty, their spouses, and their dependents.
This includes all branches, including the Coast Guard, National Guard, Air National Guard, or Reserves. Applications must include a documented disability sustained in the line of duty.
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Graduate Fellowships
A fellowship provides financial support to graduate students to pursue their studies without any associated teaching or research responsibilities.
Fellowships are generally merit-based awards to support a student in a full-time course of study. Some are focused on a specific area of study, while others are not.