Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) has announced that eligible first-time freshmen and students switching majors into select STEM programs may qualify for a state-funded scholarship. This announcement was made in a press release on April 24, 2025.
According to the press release, MVNU has been awarded more than $650,000 from the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarship program. This funding is part of a $32.5 million statewide investment over five years aimed at supporting first-time freshmen and students changing majors into four STEM fields: computer science, engineering, nursing, and speech-language pathology and audiology. The initiative seeks to build Ohio’s STEM talent pool and encourage graduates to remain in-state after earning their degrees.
The COF scholarships may be renewed for up to eight semesters if students maintain academic progress in one of the designated programs. These awards can be combined with other MVNU scholarships and grants. To be considered for funding, students must be accepted to MVNU and submit a COF scholarship application by May 16, 2025.
"We are thrilled to be part of the Choose Ohio First program, which aligns perfectly with our mission to provide a transformative education that equips students for both professional success and meaningful lives," said MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman. He added that this funding will significantly impact their ability to support Ohio’s future STEM workforce while offering more opportunities for their students to thrive in these dynamic fields.
Founded in 1968, Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts college located in central Ohio and affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. Grounded in Wesleyan-Arminian theology, MVNU combines academic study with spiritual growth, fostering Christ-centered leadership, learning, and service. The university's main campus spans 327 acres and serves approximately 2,100 students from 22 states and 21 foreign countries. The campus community includes students from over 40 Christian denominations and emphasizes a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, over 30 sports teams, and strong financial aid support.
