McKnight Scholars Leadership Program
What you'll receive:
- A full out-of-state tuition waiver for four years
- $5,000 per year for four years
- A McKnight Scholars study abroad program
- Exclusive access to leadership courses
- Individual mentoring from fellow McKnight Scholars
- Leadership aptitude testing and coaching
- Connections to current and past McKnight Scholars
Eligible students will be selected, based on demonstrated leadership ability, community service and/or work experience, academic success and extracurricular activities. To be eligible, students must be from out of state, with preference given to students from rural communities. Transfer students are eligible.
About the application process
The McKnight Scholars Leadership Program begins with the selection of a dynamic community of out-of-state students with a passion for service and extraordinary potential for influence. Applications for the 2026-27 cohort open on August 1!
- Applicant timeline
- Selection criteria
Students are chosen based on the following requirements:
- Out-of-state, incoming student
- Acceptance to OSU
- Proven leadership ability
- Commitment to service
Additional criteria that is considered but not required includes:
- 27 ACT or 1220 SAT or above
- 3.75 GPA
- Preference for rural communities
- Do I need to submit an official transcript for my McKnight Scholarship application?
- What standardized tests are required to apply?
- Who should I ask to fill out a nomination form for me?
- Do I have to complete my OSU application before I submit the McKnight Scholarship application?
- Will the McKnight Selection Committee have access to my OSU application?