How should I compare merit scholarship offers from the University of Minnesota and Ohio State?

Compare the offers by calculating your four-year net cost at each university, not by comparing the scholarship dollar amounts alone. Start with each school’s billed costs, especially tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meal plan, then subtract grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid. This matters particularly if you are an out-of-state student, because a scholarship that looks larger may offset only part of a higher nonresident tuition charge.

For the University of Minnesota, confirm which campus issued the award, since Twin Cities costs and scholarship terms may differ from other UMN campuses. For Ohio State, make sure the offer applies to the Columbus campus if that is where you plan to enroll; some awards and costs can vary by campus, residency classification, and program. Use each university’s official cost-of-attendance estimate, but separate direct billed expenses from estimates such as books, travel, and personal spending.

Read the renewal language closely. Record the required cumulative GPA, minimum credits or enrollment status, number of renewable years, whether the award can be used in summer, and whether it is reduced if you receive outside scholarships or other institutional aid. Also ask whether tuition increases, housing increases, and nonresident surcharges are likely to remain your responsibility after the scholarship is applied.

Make a simple side-by-side sheet showing: first-year net billed cost, guaranteed scholarship per year, renewal requirements, maximum total value over four years, and your family’s realistic travel and personal costs. If the financial gap is still close after this comparison, the academic program, campus environment, and career opportunities should break the tie rather than the headline scholarship amount.