As a high school student preparing to graduate, you may have lots of questions about college. “How do I pay for college?” is one of the biggest concerns for students and families. According to Sallie Mae’s “How America Pays for College 2024,” national study, “81%of families say they eliminated a school from consideration based on cost.” The cost of higher education can feel overwhelming, but with the right financial aid resources, earning a degree can be affordable and accessible.
At Tiffin University, we are committed to helping students achieve their educational goals by offering a variety of scholarships, grants and financial aid options. In fact, 98% of TU students receive some form of financial assistance, making it one of the most affordable private universities in Ohio. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tuition costs, financial aid opportunities and scholarships at Tiffin University.
How Much Does Tuition Cost at Tiffin University?
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the total cost of attendance at Tiffin University is $53,473. Here’s the breakdown:
While $53,473 may seem like a significant amount, the actual out-of-pocket cost for many students is much lower, at approximately $19,546.02. With nearly all students receiving some form of assistance, TU remains one of the most affordable private institutions in the state.
Now that you have a clear understanding of tuition costs, the next step is exploring the many financial aid options available. Let’s take a closer look at the opportunities that can help you finance your degree.
How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?
The most important step in securing financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines a student’s eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid. The FAFSA opens in December, and it’s strongly recommended that you file as early as possible to maximize your financial aid opportunities.
Even if you think you may not qualify for need-based aid, it is still essential to file because many scholarships and grants require a FAFSA submission. The information you provide on the FAFSA will be used to calculate your eligibility for grants, loans and work-study programs.
If you need help with the FAFSA process, the Financial Aid Office at Tiffin University is available to assist students. Meeting with a financial aid advisor or discussing options with your school counselor can help you navigate the application process and ensure that you receive all the aid you’re eligible for.
Check out our full guide to the FAFSA here.
How Do I Apply for Scholarships?
Scholarships and grants are essential tools for making college more affordable. Unlike loans, they do not have to be repaid, making them a preferred form of financial aid. Tiffin University offers a variety of scholarships to help students reduce tuition costs – including merit-based scholarships, grants and talent-based awards.
Merit-Based Scholarships
TU’s merit-based scholarships are awarded based on a student’s high school GPA. For the 2025-2026 academic year, first-year undergraduate students can qualify for scholarships ranging from $11,000 to $18,000. Here’s a chart of what you can expect to receive based on your GPA:
Grants
In addition to merit scholarships, TU provides institutional grants. For example, the FAFSA Grant awards $1,000 to new first-year and transfer students who file their FAFSA by March 1, 2025. This grant is renewable each year for students who continue to file by the deadline.
Another opportunity is the Visit Grant, which offers a one-time award of $1,000 to first-year students who complete an in-person campus visit before March 1. Since the deadline for this grant has already passed for 2025, keep an eye out for the deadline next year if you’ll be a first-time freshman in Fall 2026!
TU students who are Ohio residents may also qualify for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), a state-funded grant for students with significant financial need. Eligibility is based on FAFSA results, and students must be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree at TU. To qualify, students need an SAI (Student Aid Index) of $3,750 or less and a maximum household income of $96,000.
Legacy Scholarship
For students with family ties to Tiffin University, the Legacy Scholarship provides additional financial support. This scholarship is available to dependent children of TU alumni and is renewable each year as long as students meet eligibility requirements.
Tuition Discounts and Partnership Scholarships
At Tiffin University, we believe in making higher education accessible and affordable. That’s why we offer a variety of tuition discounts and scholarships for eligible students, including those with military backgrounds, employees of partner organizations and individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Corporate Partnership Discounts
TU proudly partners with businesses and organizations across Ohio to provide tuition discounts for employees and their families. If you or a family member work for one of our corporate partners, you may be eligible for reduced tuition rates. Some of our many partners include:
- Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
- Columbus State Community College
- Edcor
- Huntington National Bank
- Whirlpool Corporation – Clyde location
To receive a partnership discount, students must submit proof of employment each year such as a letter from their HR department or a recent pay stub.
See the full list of partner organizations here.
Bachelor’s Degree Discount
Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can receive a 50% tuition discount on undergraduate courses taken on campus. This makes it easier for degree holders to pursue further education or career advancement at a significantly reduced cost.
To qualify, students must provide an official transcript verifying their degree. Please note that those receiving this discount are not eligible for additional TU scholarships, grants or discounts.
Military Discount
TU is committed to supporting military students and their families. We offer a tuition discount to retired military personnel, Veterans, Reservists, National Guard members and dependents (spouses/children) of active-duty service members. Discounts include:
- Undergraduate students: $150 off per credit hour
- Master’s degree students: $250 off per credit hour
- Doctorate students: $150 off per credit hour
To qualify, students must submit documentation such as a DD214, military ID or proof of service letter. Documentation must be resubmitted annually to maintain eligibility.
Athletic Scholarships
At TU, we offer athletic scholarships for intercollegiate sports. For more information visit:
Tiffin University Arts Scholarships
We support the arts by offering scholarships to students who participate in creative programs. TiffinArts scholarships provide financial support to students involved in performing and visual arts – including music, theatre, dance, studio production, multimedia production, videography and photography, art and design, journalism and sports media.
All new students, regardless of major, can receive some level of financial assistance for their involvement in the arts. Learn more about audition guidelines and upcoming scholarship opportunities here:
Work-Study and Student Employment
Another option for students looking to finance their education is the federal work-study program, which allows eligible students to earn money through part-time employment while attending college. TU offers work-study positions both on campus and at approved off-campus locations for students with reliable transportation.
Unlike other forms of financial aid, work-study earnings are not automatically applied to tuition. Instead, students receive a paycheck for the hours they work, which they can use to cover personal expenses, books or other school-related costs. Once you’re enrolled at TU, you’ll have access to our career services platform, Handshake, which is a great resource for finding campus employment opportunities.
Making College Affordable with TU’s Financial Aid
At Tiffin University, we are dedicated to making higher education accessible for all students. With a combination of scholarships, grants and work-study programs, we provide multiple ways for students to finance their education – and 98% of all TU students receive financial aid. By filing the FAFSA early, exploring scholarship opportunities and budgeting wisely, students can significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
For personalized assistance when it comes to asking “How do I pay for college?” our Financial Aid Office is available to guide you through the application process. Whether you have questions about the FAFSA, scholarships or the best ways to fund your education, we’re here for you. Start your journey today and get ready for an exciting future at TU!