See what Findlay's published rules mean for your student's numbers. Takes 30 seconds.
The merit-aid verdict at Findlay
Findlay publishes a fully automatic GPA/test merit grid ($18,500–$25,000/yr) and takes whichever path — GPA or test — pays you more, with a +$2,000 bump for a 30 ACT/1360 SAT; full-tuition awards run through invitation-only Competition Days.
Common merit-aid mistakes at Findlay
UF takes the HIGHER of the GPA-based or test-based amount 'in your favor' — applying without scores still places you on the GPA grid; submitting strong scores can only raise the award (and a 30 ACT/1360 SAT adds $2,000).
Those are invitation-only competitions where only one or two students win full tuition; everyone else receives a smaller participation tuition scholarship ($1,000–$2,000).
The merit grid is the 2026-27 academic year, but the published cost-of-attendance page is 2025-26 — confirm 2026-27 costs before computing net price.
Who this school is for
Students who want a predictable, published automatic award from GPA OR test scores (test-optional), and high achievers (28+ ACT or 4.0 GPA) willing to attend a Competition Day to chase full tuition.
Tuition / cost of attendance: Approximately $53,100 for 2025-2026. Source
Institutional merit aid tiers
Every tier below is sourced to the school’s own published financial aid pages. Renewal terms apply only if the student maintains the stated GPA.
CLT accepted (67 Deans to 89 Trustee). Test-optional: UF applies the HIGHER of the GPA-based or test-based amount. A 30 ACT / 1360 SAT or higher adds a +$2,000 bump.
Renewal terms
Renewal terms not specified on the scholarships page (the grid lists annual award amounts).
Notes
Full 2026-27 first-year grid (verbatim below). Highest qualifying amount is applied; GPA-only path tops out at the Faculty/Merit tiers when no test score is used.
Most prestigious UF scholarship; ONE student selected for full tuition. Invitation-only Competition Day. All competitors receive a $2,000 participation tuition scholarship. Minimum ACT 28/SAT 1310 OR cumulative GPA 4.0+ to participate.
TWO outstanding student leaders selected for full tuition. Competitors receive a $1,500 participation tuition scholarship. Minimum ACT 22/SAT 1100 OR cumulative GPA 3.85+ to participate.
ONE future Oiler awarded full tuition via team-building activities, tour, and conversations. Competitors receive a $1,000 participation tuition scholarship. Minimum GPA 3.65+ to participate.
By GPA or test score — Findlay applies whichever yields the highest amount. The first-year grid runs $18,500 (Merit) to $25,000 (Trustee), with a $2,000 bump for a 30 ACT/1360 SAT or higher.
Are test scores required for merit?
No. UF is test-optional and will award on GPA alone (Faculty $20,000 / Merit $18,500 tiers), but a qualifying test score can move you to a higher tier.
How do I get a full-tuition scholarship?
Through an invitation-only Competition Day (Elite, Leadership, or Oiler). Call Admissions at 419-434-4732; eligibility is based on the stated ACT/SAT/GPA minimums.
How Findlay compares across our verified dataset
669 of 750 verified schools publish at least one four-year renewable merit award.
Findlay is one of them. The cohort minority (81 schools) only awards one-year scholarships, which means the four-year value families assume on a brochure quote isn't guaranteed at every school.
Sources used on this page
Every claim is checked against Findlay’s own published materials. Below is the full reference set.
