Unfortunately, in the newly approved state budget, funding for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant program was significantly reduced. Full-time students who had expected to receive up to $2,496 in grant assistance will now only receive up to $1,008. Likewise, part-time students will receive a reduced amount.

This was decision made by the State of Ohio. Bowling Green State University has no control over this funding. It is a grant program administered by the State of Ohio.

How many BGSU Students are affected?

Nearly 800 students enrolled in summer sessions at BGSU are affected. For the fall semester about 2,500 students are affected.

What is BGSU doing to help summer students affected by the cuts?

For students enrolled this summer, BGSU will provide “replacement grants” to cover the state cuts. Given the timing of the decision by the State of Ohio, the University felt it was important to do everything possible to assist students who had enrolled believing they would receive this level of funding.

The BGSU Replacement Grant program will cost the University about $123,000.

What is BGSU doing to assist affected students this Fall and Spring?

BGSU is one of only two universities in the State that provides some matching funds to students who received OCOG. The University will meet its commitment to students by continuing this funding through this Falcon Soars Grant.  The grant amount is based on need as determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Unfortunately, because of its own budget challenges, BGSU is unable to replace all of the OCOG funding cuts for the fall and spring semesters.

The University is also significantly increasing the amount of federally funded work-study job opportunities for students.

What should students affected by the OCOG cuts do?

Students who receive OCOG funding and are concerned about the state reductions should contact the BGSU financial aid office and/or the Bursar’s Office. Everyone’s financial situation is different.  Staff will work with the students individually to help identify other funding options.

OCOG 2009-2010 Award Chart from the Ohio Board of Regents