College & Education in Ohio

17 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Ohio

Ohio has dedicated Domestic Relations Courts and Juvenile Courts (which handle paternity and unmarried-parent custody) in most counties. The Office of Child Support operates under JFS. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron anchor the major metros. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and Community Legal Aid cover the state.

17 Resources

1. Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) — Free

State-funded grant for Ohio residents with the highest demonstrated financial need. Awards up to $4,000 per year for attendance at Ohio public colleges and up to $5,000 for private nonprofit Ohio colleges. No repayment required — it is a grant, not a loan. Apply by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov each year. Call 614-466-6000 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for eligibility questions. Automatic consideration after FAFSA is submitted to an Ohio school.

614-466-6000 · 25 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Apply through FAFSA; Mon-Fri business hours

2. Ohio Department of Higher Education — Free

State agency overseeing Ohio's public colleges and universities, administering state financial aid programs including OCOG and Choose Ohio First scholarships, and providing resources for degree planning and college transfer credits. Call 614-466-6000 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit highered.ohio.gov. Located at 25 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215. Also manages the Ohio Transfer Module — a system of transferable courses across all Ohio public colleges and universities.

614-466-6000 · 25 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Federal Student Aid / FAFSA — Free

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid unlocks Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study programs for Ohio students at any accredited college or trade school. Always free to file at studentaid.gov. Call 1-800-433-3243 Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET for help. File as early as October 1 each year for the best aid. Have your Social Security number, tax returns, and bank statements ready when completing the form.

1-800-433-3243 · Online resource · Phone Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET; online 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Federal Pell Grant Program — Free

Largest federal grant for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Maximum award up to $7,395 per year with no repayment required — it is a grant, not a loan. Apply by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Call 1-800-433-3243 Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET for assistance. Available to eligible Ohio students at accredited colleges, community colleges, and vocational programs. Renewable each year with continued FAFSA filing.

1-800-433-3243 · Apply via FAFSA online · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Columbus State Community College — Paid

Ohio's largest community college offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training with flexible scheduling options for working parents including online, evening, and weekend classes. Open-admission policy. Call 614-287-2669 or email admissions@cscc.edu. Located at 550 E Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215. Visit cscc.edu for program listings. Financial aid including Pell Grants and Ohio OCOG available for eligible students who complete FAFSA.

614-287-2669 · 550 E Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) — Paid

Northeast Ohio's largest community college with four campuses in Cleveland, Westlake, Highland Hills, and Brunswick offering affordable degrees, certificates, and workforce training. Strong support services for adult learners returning to school after a gap. Call 1-800-954-8742 or visit tri-c.edu for program listings and enrollment. Financial aid including Pell Grants and Ohio OCOG available for eligible students. Hours vary by campus — call to confirm before visiting.

1-800-954-8742 · 2900 Community College Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115 · Mon-Fri (hours vary by campus) · Visit Website

7. Ohio State University Extended Education — Paid

Ohio State University's program for adult and non-degree-seeking students who want to take undergraduate courses at one of the nation's top public universities without formal admission. Flexible scheduling including evening and online options. Call 614-292-8860 or email ExtendedEd@osu.edu. Located at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210. Visit extendeded.osu.edu for course listings. Tuition applies per credit hour — financial aid availability varies for non-degree students.

614-292-8860 · The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 · Mon-Fri (business hours) · Visit Website

8. Aspire Adult Education / GED Programs — Free

Ohio's free adult education program helping adults earn their GED diploma, improve reading and math skills, and prepare for college or career advancement. Classes offered at career centers, community colleges, and libraries statewide with many evening options for working adults. Call 1-800-228-7434 or visit education.ohio.gov to find a program near you. Bring photo ID when enrolling. All classes and testing are free for qualifying Ohio adult learners.

1-800-228-7434 · Programs at career centers and community colleges statewide · Varies by location; many offer evening classes · Visit Website

9. Cincinnati State Technical & Community College — Paid

Open-admission community college offering affordable degrees, workforce certificates, and cooperative education programs in the Cincinnati area. Strong partnerships with local employers and a co-op program that lets students earn while they learn. Call 513-861-7700 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit cincinnatistate.edu. Located at 3520 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45223. Financial aid including Pell Grants and Ohio OCOG available for eligible students.

513-861-7700 · 3520 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45223 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Sinclair Community College (Dayton) — Paid

Largest community college in the Dayton region offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs in healthcare, IT, business, and skilled trades. Open-admission policy with flexible scheduling for working adults. Call 937-512-3000 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit sinclair.edu. Located at 444 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402. Financial aid including Pell Grants and Ohio OCOG available for eligible students.

937-512-3000 · 444 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Stark State College (Canton) — Paid

Community college serving Stark County and the Canton area with affordable associate degrees, workforce certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Open-admission with flexible scheduling for working adults. Call 330-494-6170 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit starkstate.edu. Located at 6200 Frank Ave NW, Canton, OH 44720. Financial aid and Pell Grants available for eligible students who complete FAFSA before enrolling.

330-494-6170 · 6200 Frank Ave NW, Canton, OH 44720 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. GI Bill – VA Education Benefits in Ohio — Free

Post-9/11 GI Bill covers 100% of tuition at Ohio public universities, plus a monthly housing allowance and annual book stipend for eligible veterans and dependents. Yellow Ribbon Program extends benefits at private Ohio colleges. Call 888-442-4551 or visit va.gov/education to apply. Processing typically takes 30-60 days — apply early before the semester starts. Bring your DD-214 and school enrollment confirmation to your VA education counselor.

888-442-4551 · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

13. Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program — Free

Covers 100% of tuition at Ohio public colleges and universities for Ohio National Guard members — one of the most generous state education benefits in the nation. Call 614-336-7032 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit ong.ohio.gov to apply and verify eligibility. Guard members must maintain satisfactory academic standing and military service requirements. Apply each semester — processing takes several weeks, so submit early before classes begin.

614-336-7032 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Khan Academy – Free Online Learning — Free

100% free online courses in math, science, computing, economics, history, and standardized test preparation including SAT and GED. Fully self-paced with video lessons, interactive practice exercises, and personalized learning paths. No registration fee — create a free account at khanacademy.org to get started. Available 24/7 on any device. Widely used by Ohio adult learners, GED students, and parents helping their children with schoolwork.

Online 24/7 · Visit Website

15. Ohio Means Jobs – Apprenticeship Programs — Free

Earn a paycheck while learning a skilled trade through registered apprenticeships in construction, healthcare, IT, and other skilled trades across Ohio. Apprentices receive on-the-job training plus related classroom instruction. Call 614-466-3250 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit jfs.ohio.gov/apprenticeship for current program listings. Apprenticeship programs are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and lead to nationally recognized credentials.

614-466-3250 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Lakeland Community College (Kirtland) — Paid

Community college serving Lake and Geauga counties east of Cleveland with affordable associate degrees, workforce training certificates, and university transfer programs. Open-admission with flexible scheduling for working adults. Call 440-525-7000 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit lakelandcc.edu. Located at 7700 Clocktower Dr, Kirtland, OH 44094. Financial aid and Pell Grants available for eligible students who complete FAFSA before enrolling in classes.

440-525-7000 · 7700 Clocktower Dr, Kirtland, OH 44094 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Lorain County Community College — Paid

Community college serving Lorain County west of Cleveland with affordable associate degrees, workforce certificates, and the LCCC University Partnership allowing students to earn a bachelor's degree from a partner university on LCCC's campus. Open-admission with flexible scheduling. Call 440-366-4032 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit lorainccc.edu. Located at 1005 N Abbe Rd, Elyria, OH 44035. Financial aid available for eligible students.

440-366-4032 · 1005 N Abbe Rd, Elyria, OH 44035 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.