Awards & Scholarships

Please note:  The following list does not include all university awards and scholarships.  Students should also check with their major and college advisors for scholarships and awards that may be available through the college or major. 

Awards designated with an asterisk (*) are selection awards.  Please contact your SASSO Counselor if you have any questions.

The Ohio State University Academic Awards & Scholarships

• The Ohio State University Scholar-Athlete Award
• A.K. and Judith A. Pierce Phoenix Award*
• Corwin A. Fergus Memorial Award*
• Leann Grimes-Davidge Award*
• M/I Homes Foundation Award*
• The Men’s Varsity “O” Award*
• Women’s and Men’s Varsity “O” Top Team GPA
• Women’s and Men’s Varsity “O” Most Improved Team GPA Awards

Big Ten Conference Awards & Scholarships

• The Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor*
• Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award*
• Academic All-Conference Team

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Awards & Scholarships

• The Walter Byers Scholarship*
• NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships*
• Ethnic Minority & Women’s Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarship for Careers in Athletics*
• The Freedom Forum-NCAA Sports-Journalism Scholarship Program*
• The NCAA Internship Program*
• The NCAA Degree Completion Program*
• Today’s Top VIII Award*

National Organizations Awards & Scholarships

• Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Awards
• NACDA / John McLendon Memorial Minority Postgraduate Scholarship Program
• ESPN the Magazine / CoSIDA Academic All-American Award
• CoSIDA Post-Graduate Scholarship
• Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award (National Association of Academic Advisors of Athletics)
• The Vincent dePaul Trophy, presented by HealthSouth
• National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame National Scholar-Athlete Awards
• Woody Hayes National Scholar-Athlete Awards

 The Ohio State University Academic Awards

The Ohio State University Scholar-Athlete Award

• • Achievement of a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average after the winter quarter while participating on a varsity team.  Scholar-athletes will be invited to attend a scholar-athlete banquet in the spring quarter and all award winners will be recognized for this achievement.  All active, varisty athletes are eligible.

*For the following selection awards, combined athletic and academic achievement is important; however, the most influencing factor is contributing beyond athletic involvement such as leadership in organizations and community service.  GET INVOLVED!  Leadership and service opportunities are available to you through the Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB), campus, social and academic organizations, and Columbus community charities and service groups.  Selection awards are designated with an asterisk (*)

A.K. and Judith A. Pierce Phoenix Award*

• • The award provides a post-graduate scholarship to a senior scholar-athlete who will attend graduate school at The Ohio State University.  Perference is given to one who intends to enroll in the Fisher College of Business, but is open to anyone who has excelled in academics, athletics, and personal growth attained through perseverance and hard work.
  • Qualifications:  Student-athlete who will exhaust athletic elgibility during the current academic year; must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA as of the end of winter quarter.

Corwin A. Fergus Memorial Award*

• • Fergus scholars are athletes who have excelled in athletics, achieved academically, demonstrated positive qualities of character and citizenship, and shown potential for success in a graduate or professional program.  These $5000 post-graduate scholarships, each renewable for up to three years, are a potion of funds from the Fergus endowment which generously supports our student-athlete educational programs in many ways.  This award can be utilized for graduate study or professional programs at The Ohio State University only.
  • Qualifications:  Student-athlete who will exhaust athletic eligibility during the current academic year; must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA as of the end of winter quarter.

Leann Grimes-Davidge Award*

• • This award is a tribute to Leann Grimes-Davidge recognizing her many contributions to athletics at The Ohio State University.  The recipient of this award is a female athlete who reflects Leann’s outstanding qualities of athletic performance, scholarship, character, campus or community involvment, and leadership.  Among her most remembered qualities was her love of life and wonderful ability to live it to the fullest.  This award can be utilized for graduate study or professional programs at The Ohio State University only. 
  • Qualifications:  Female student-athlete who will exhaust athletic eligibility during the current academic year; must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA as of the end of the winter quarter.

M/I Homes Foundation Award*

• • This award was among the first designated specifically to recognize and promote women’s achievements in intercollegiate athletics at The Ohio State University.  The recepient of this scholarship has not only demonstrated academic and athletic success, but has contributed to the community as well through involvement in civic or University organizations.  This award can be utilized for graduate study or professional programs at The Ohio State University only.
  • Qualifications:  Female student-athlete who will exhaust athletic eligibility during the current academic year; must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA as of the end of winter quarter.

The Men’s Varsity “O” Award*

• • This award will provide an outstanding male scholar-athlete with a one time stipend of $4000 for post-graduate studies in the program of his choice at The Ohio State University.  The recepient of this scholarship will be a student-athlete who has not only demonstrated academic achievement and athletic success (a varsity letter winner), but one who has also participated in community service, performed charitable work, and/or participated in non-athletic activities or organizations at Ohio State.  This award can be utilized for graduate study or professional programs at The Ohio State University only.
  • Qualifications:  Student-athlete who will exhaust eligibility during the current academic year; must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA as of the end of winter quarter.

Women’s and Men’s Varsity “O” Top Team GPA Awards

• • Awards given to the men’s and women’s teams with the highest average cumulative GPA as of the end of winter quarter.  A stipend is given towards the head coach’s discretionary fund.

Women’s and Men’s Varsity “O” Most Improved Team GPA Awards

• • Awards given to the men’s and women’s teams with the most improved average cumulative GPA as of the end of winter quarter as compared to the previous year’s winter quarter.  A stipend is given to the head coach’s discretionary fund.

 Big Ten Academic Awards

The Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor*

• • In 1914 the Conference established a Medal of Honor to be awarded annually at each member institution to a student in the graduating class.  An additional award for the top female was instituted in 1982.  Chosen by the Athletic Council, the winners of this most prestigious award are the male and female senior student-athletes who have attained the greatest proficiency in both academics and athletics.  This honor includes a $5000 post-graduate scholarship which can be used at an institution of the recipient’s choice.
  • Qualifications:  Must be nominated by a sport administrator, coach, or SASSO counselor; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 as of the end of the winter quarter, and exhaust athletic eligibility by the end of the current academic year.

Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award*

• • In recognition of the Big Ten’s leadership in fully integrating athletics into the academic mission of its member institutions, the Indianapolis Big Ten Community Partnership has initiated the Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award.  The Award is named for the former Big Ten Conference commissioner who served from 1971-89.  While leading the Big Ten, Duke spent much of his time working to improve academic standards and graduation rates for student-athletes.  For 2009, each award is $5000.
  • Qualifications:  The award is an annual scholarship recognizing one male and one female Big Ten senior student-athlete pursuing a postgraduate degree for achievements in academics, athletics, civic service, and leadership.  Each Big Ten institution may nominate one male and one female student-athlete.

Academic All-Conference Team*

• • Conference recognition for academic achievement.
  • Qualifications:  Student-athlete must be a letter winner in at least his/her second academic year at their institution and carry a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.

 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Awards & Scholarships

The Walter Byers Scholarship*

• • One male and one female student-athlete are annually awarded a postgraduate scholarship in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and potential for success in postgraduate study.  The basic stipend is $21,500 for one academic year.  If the graduate school where the Byers Scholar is enrolled provides evidence of satisfactory performance and progress, the grant may be renewed for a second year.
  • Qualifications: 
  • • Be nominated by the Faculty Athletics Representative or chief academics officer;
    • have an overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better;
    • have competed in athletics as a member of a varsity team;
    • be a graduating senior or be enrolled in graduate study at an NCAA member institution;
    • have intentions of applying for admission into a graduate degree program at a properly accredited, nonprofit educational institution or into a post-baccalaureate professional degree program at a professionally accredited law school, medical school, or the equivalent without restriction as to the national site of the institution;
    • be committed to work on a full-time basis toward a graduate degree or toward a post-baccalaureate professional degree;
    • have evidenced superior character and leadership;
    • have demonstrated that participation in athletics has been a positive influence on the nominee’s personal and intellectual development.
    • Relative success in athletics is important but not of overriding significance;
    • and enroll into a graduate degree program within five years of being named a Byers Scholar. 

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships*

• • The NCAA awards up to 174 postgraduate scholarships annually, 87 for men and 87 for women.  The scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who excel academically and athletically and who are in their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition.  The one-time, non-renewable grants of $7500 each are awarded for fall sports, winter sports and spring sports.  Each sport season (fall, winter, and spring), there are 29 scholarships available for men and 29 scholarships for women.
  • Qualifications:
  • • Be nominated by the institution’s Faculty Athletics Representative or a designee;
    • have an overall undergraduate minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20, including all undergraduate hours earned at all undergraduate institutions attended (the GPA may not include any graduate-level hours);
    • be nominated in his or her final season of intercollegiate athletics and competition under NCAA legislation for the sport in which the student-athlete is nominated, regardless of the student-athlete’s graduation date (in other words, the season the student-athlete’s eligibility clock is officially expiring for that sport);
    • Note:  A student-athlete who is not in his or her final season of competition may be nominated if he or she will no longer be using his or her available athletics eligibility;
    • have performed with distinction as a member of the team;
    • intend to continue academic work beyond the baccalaureate degree and enroll in a graduate degree program on a part- or full-time basis at an academically accredited graduate or degree granting professional school;
    • be an outstanding citizen and an excellent role model for the institution and intercollegiate athletics as a whole;
    • An award recipient may not use more than one NCAA award for postgraduate studies;
    • Foreign student-athletes are eligible to receive the scholarship.

Ethnic Minority & Women’s Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarship for Careers in Athletics*

• • The NCAA awards 13 scholarships to ethnic minorities and 13 scholarships to female college graduates who will be entering their initial year of postgraduate studies.  Teh applicant must be seeking admission or have been accepted into a sports administration or related program that will help the applicant obtain a career in intercollegiate athletics, such as athletics administration, coach, athletic trainer or other career that provides a direct service to intercollegiate athletics.  Each award recipient will receive $6000 for one year of full-time graduate study at an NCAA member institution.  This scholarship is not renewable.  The award recipient may not use more than one NCAA award for postgraduate studies.
  • Qualifications:  Applicants must be seeking admission or have been accepted into a sports administration or sports-related program that will assist the applicant obtain a career in intercollegiate athletics; may not have begun any initial postgraduate studies; must be a U.S. citizen; must have performed with distinction as a student body member; involvement in extracurricular activities, course work, commitment to pursuing a career in intercollegiate athletics and promise for success in such a career will be considered. 

The Freedom Forum-NCAA Sports-Journalism Scholarship Program

• • The Freedom Forum, through a grant to the NCAA, supports eight $3000 scholarships to college juniors who have career goals in sports journalism and major in journalism or have experience in campus sports journalism.  The program assists deserving full-time students in their final year of study and is designed to foster freedoms of speech and press while promoting quality sports journalism education at the collegiate level.
  • Qualifications:  College junior with career goals in sports journalism and major in journalism or experience in campus sports journalism.

The NCAA Internship Program

• • The NCAA offers one-year internships at its national office in Indianapolis, Indiana, providing on-the-job learning experiences for college graduates from a four-year institution who express an interest in pursuing a career in the administration of intercollegiate athletics.  These are paid, 12-month positions.
  • Qualifications:  Must be a graduate from a four-year NCAA member institution.

The NCAA Degree Completion Program

• • The NCAA Division I Degree Completion Award Program was established in 1989 to assist student-athletes who could not complete their education during their five-year eligibility period.  Student-athletes receiving this award will now receive an amount equivalent to tuition and fees, and they will also receive a book allowance based on the number of hours in which they are enrolled.
  • Qualifications:  Applicant must be a student-athlete who has completed eligibility at an NCAA Division I member institution; must be within 45 quarter hour of completion of his/her first undergraduate degree; must have enrolled originially in or before September 2003; must have received athletics-related financial aid; must be entering at least his/her sixth year of post-secondary education, and shall have exhausted institutional eligibility (five years) for athletics-related aid.  If this application is for full-time status, all remaining hours  (maximum of 45) must be attaninable in not more than three consecutive quarters. 

Today’s Top VIII Award

• • The Today’s Top VIII Awards provide the Association with the opportunity to honor eight outstanding senior student-athletes of the preceding calendar year.
  • Qualifications:  The nominee must be a varsity letter-winner; must complete intercollegiate eligibility in winter or spring during the current academic year to be eligible for the winter/spring award or in the fall of the following academic year to be eligible for the fall award; must attend the January awards celebration; an institution may nominate more than one student-athlete in a sport(s) – no more than three winners may come from any sport.  There is no limit on winners from one institution. 

 National Organizations Awards & Scholarships

Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Awards

• Diverse: Issues In Higher Education established the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Awards in 1992 to honor undergraduate students of color who excel both academically and athletically.  Inspired by tennis legend Arthur Ashe Jr.’s commitment to education, as well as his love for the game of tennis, we invite every college and university in the country to participate in this annual awards program by nominating their outstanding student-athletes.  In addition to their athletic ability, Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars must exhibit academic excellence and community activism.
• Qualifications:  To be included, students have to compete in an intercollegiate sport during the current academic year; have completed at least one academic year of course work; be enrolled for the fall term of ’07; maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.20; be a student of color; be enrolled for the fall term of the academic year being nominated; and be active on their campuses and/or communities.

NACDA / John McLendon Memorial Minority Postgraduate Scholarship Program

• Presented to senior-level minority students who intend to pursue a graduate degree in athletics administration.  Each recipient will receive a $10,000 grant.
• Qualifications:  Full-time status as a senior at the time of nomination OR an undergraduate degree with two years of work experience, preferably in athletics administration; minimum GPA of 3.00; official classification as a minority as defined by federal guidelines; intention to attend graduate school or earn a degree in athletics administration; and involvment on the college/university or community level.

ESPN the Magazine / CoSIDA Academic All-American Award

• The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) selects Academic All-America teams in 12 programs:  football, women’s volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball, men’s track & field/cross country, women’s track & field/cross country, men’s at-large and women’s at-large.
• Qualifications:  To be nominated, the student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA for his/her career.  No athlete is elgible until he/she has reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution (thus, true freshmen, red-shirt freshmen and ineligible transfers are not eligible).  In the cases of transfers, graduate students and junior college graduates, the athlete must have completed one full academic year at the nominating institution to be eligible.

CoSIDA Post-Graduate Scholarship

• Designed to assist outstanding students in sports information offices who have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in collegiate sports information, and who require some financial assistance for their education.  Two $5000 post-graduate scholarships awarded per year.  Awards paid out in $2500 installments in September and January.
• Qualifications:  Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 for all undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) academic work to date; intention to pursue a career in sports information; proof of enrollment in the graduate school of the student’s choice before funds are released; must graduate from college prior to the beginning of the fall term for the academic year of the award with projected completion of graduate degree no sooner than end of award academic year. 

Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award (National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics)

• Intended to honor young men and women who have overcome great personal, academic and/or emotional odds to achieve academic success while participating in intercollegiate athletics and have made significant personal strides toward success.  Nominations are made by the student-athlete’s academic counselor. 
• Qualifications:  Must have completed four quarters at the nominating institution with at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA for 48 quarter hours; must be in good academic standing; must be a letter winner.

The Vincent dePaul Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth

• Often referred to as the “Academic Heisman,” recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.  Winner also receives a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame National Scholar-Athlete Awards

• Consists of graduate fellowships that are awarded on an annual basis to a select group of college football players in their senior year of eligibility who have demonstrated outstanding academic success, exemplary community leadership and superior football performance.  Approximately 15 awards of $18,000 each are given out each year.

Woody Hayes National Scholar-Athlete Award

• Six nationally selected outstanding scholar-athletes will receive the Woody Hayes National Scholar-Athlete Awards.  These awards are presented to the outstanding male and female scholar-athlete in each of the three collegiate divisions.  Presented by The University Sertoma Club.
• Qualifications:  Must be nominated by his/her Sports Information Department; demonstrated leadership in one or more varsity sports; demonstrates excellence in an academic field or endeavor; demonstrates leadership in a socially responsible organization of activity organized to serve mankind, and exemplifies strong moral character.