Scholarships & Costs

Incoming Student Scholarship Application

All high school seniors who have been admitted to Kent State's College of Communication and Information (CCI) are invited to apply for CCI scholarships.

The application process will open soon. By submitting your application, you will be considered for both need- and merit-based scholarships

CCI Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application

Please note: Once you start this application, you cannot save your work and come back to it later. You must restart the application. This application asks for the following supplemental materials:

A 500-word essay describing why you are choosing to study in the College of Communication and Information, how you have demonstrated leadership in your high school and the community and what drives you to excel.
Up to three work samples that demonstrate work related to your intended major. (Photos, writing samples, layouts and web work are all acceptable.)
One or two recommendation letters

On the application, you will be given the opportunity to submit a portfolio website or drive containing these materials, or you can upload the files individually. If you do not have them ready at the moment, or if you have any trouble submitting them with this application, you can send them via email (ccischolarships@kent.edu).

Available Scholarships

Carol Costello Scholarship

School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumnus and CNN anchor Carol Costello and her husband, Timothy Law Snyder, support a $500 award to an outstanding incoming freshman with demonstrated financial need who is either from Minerva High School in Minerva, Ohio, or Ohio’s Stark, Lucas or Carroll counties. No application is required to be considered for this scholarship.

Learn more about the Carol Costello Scholarship

CCI Dean's Scholarship

The CCI Dean's Scholarship is a need-based scholarship open to admitted Kent State undergraduates in:

School of Communication Studies
School of Digital Sciences
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
School of Visual Communication Design

The scholarship may be renewable for up to four years. Students who apply must also file the FAFSA.

JMC Honors College Scholarships

The Kent State University Honors College awards several merit scholarships of varying amounts designated specifically for students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication who apply for and are admitted to the Honors College.

Learn more about the Honors College

Richard Sweet Memorial Scholarship in Art

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA:

Kent Roosevelt High School student pursuing a BFA in photography or fine art, in good academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher), with a portfolio of photography or sculpture.

Award Amount: $920

*Demonstrate financial need based on FAFSA form in Financial Aid.

Wallace J. Hagedorn Photography Scholarship

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the School of Visual Communication Design award up to $200,000 to photography students annually through the Wallace J. Hagedorn Photography Scholarship. In addition to the monies available to offset tuition costs for the most talented visual storytellers, this program-enhancing gift will also provide additional resources to enrich the student experience.

Learn more about the Hagedorn Scholarship

Plan for Your College Expenses as a CCI Student

We’ve outlined the expenses to be a Kent State student, as well as any specific required purchases as a Communication and Information student. You may also qualify for scholarships that are only available to students within CCI.

Tuition & Expenses

See the cumulative cost of tuition, room & board and other expenses as a Kent State University CCI student.

View Tuition & Expenses

Estimated Additional Costs for Undergraduate Majors

In addition to university tuition and expenses, CCI majors should also consider budgeting for the following expenses. These items are provided for planning purposes only and will vary depending on your major and individual needs.

College Program Fees (Up to $120 / academic year - charged to student account)
School Program Fees (Up to $100 / academic year for VCD majors only - charged to student account)
Course Fees (up to $500 / academic year - charged to student account)
Textbooks (Up to $375 / academic year for required CCI classes)
Laptop/Hardware/Equipment (Typically one-time laptop/hardware purchase estimated at between $1,200 - $3,500 for select majors, with additional equipment costs of up to $150 / academic year)
Computer Software (up to $555 / academic year for select majors)
Class Project Materials (up to $315 / academic year for select majors)

Please contact your school or department for specific expenses and equipment costs. CCI graduate students should check with their department for estimated expenses.

See more information about CCI technology and software purchases.

Financial aid

Find out the process for applying for financial aid, loans (FAFSA) & alternative loans.

Kent State Financial Aid

Kent State Scholarships

There are over 700 scholarships offered by various Kent State University departments to both undergraduate and graduate students. Some scholarships are offered only to incoming freshman, while others are only available to returning students. Many scholarships are open to students in all schools & colleges.

View and Search for Kent State Scholarships