LGBTQ at Ohio State

Financial Assistance

Financial resources and assistance are available at Ohio State, Columbus, and beyond!

Financial aid is available to LGBTQ+ Buckeyes in the form of merit- and need- based scholarships from both Ohio State-specific organizations and national organizations dedicated to supporting students around the country. Check out our page on Student Financial Aid.

Everyone deserves to have their basic rights met, such as access to food, housing, and utilities. For resources on accessing free or low-cost services, visit our Food, Housing, and Utilities Support page.

To search for additional Ohio State financial resources, visit the Health and Wellness Resource Guide.

Scarlet and Gray Financial Coaching

Scarlet and Gray Financial is a nationally recognized peer financial coaching program housed in the Student Wellness Center in the RPAC. The program assists thousands of Ohio State students each year in creating the life they desire through the use of a goal-driven financial process..

Student Emergency Fund

The Student Advocacy Center provides emergency financial assistance to students who may otherwise be at risk of dropping out of college due to an unexpected financial emergency. If you, or a student you know, are experiencing an unplanned expense, there may have emergency funding available (resources are limited). Applications are open and eligible students may be awarded up to $1,000. Learn more about The Student Emergency Fund.

Mental Healthcare Financial Assistance

The Student Advocacy Center is currently able to provide financial assistance to students experiencing a financial barrier to seeking mental health treatment, or who are struggling financially as a result of recent mental health care costs. This funding helps make mental health care more affordable and alleviate the stress of outstanding, mental health-related debts. Awards can be up to $1,500. Learn more and apply.

The following organizations have mental health funds that offer free or reduced cost mental health services:

TransOhio Funds

TransOhio's Emergency Fund

Following the passage of Ohio HB 68, which bans gender affirming medical care for minors in the state, TransOhio now offers an emergency fund. TransOhio's Emergency Fund will provide financial assistance for families facing crises such as a lack of access to gender-affirming care, relocation costs, and other essential resources. To learn more, request assistance, or donate to the fund, visit transohio.org/emergency-resources.

Name Change/Gender Marker Change Financial Assistance

TransOhio offers a Micro-Grant for Name Change/Gender Marker Change to help trans folks with the completion of the filing process for name change and/or gender marker change in your Ohio county of residence. Many times in the trans community, individuals lack financial resources to complete this important process in their journey. TransOhio has secured six grants so that resources are available to such individuals to complete this legal hurdle. 

Financing Gender Confirming Medical Care

MoneyGeek created a guide on Financing & Support for Gender Confirmation Surgery. The guide covers topics such as medical transition options, average costs, health insurance coverage, financial support options, resources, and more.

The following organizations have funds available for transition-related medical care: