School of Film Scholarships and Aid

Funding Your Film Degree

The vast majority of graduate students in the School of Film receive some level of funding. Funding comes in two forms - tuition waivers and graduate stipends. Compared with the cost of graduate schools elsewhere, we most definitely are a very good financial value. In return for funding, students are asked to complete a service assignment in the school.

On top of the generous funding packages offered by the School of Film, the cost of living in Athens is quite reasonable. Many of our students find apartments or shared housing arrangements that cost $350-500/mo. per person. And with most of our students living within a mile of campus, transportation by bike or walking can cut down your expenses even more.

Tuition Information

Please refer to the bursar's page for the current and official Ohio University tuition and fees. Exploring estimated fees and tuition for the future? See all expenses on the Admissions site.

Other Sources of Support

Betty Thomas Filmmaking Award

Through a generous gift from actor/director Betty Thomas (Class of 1969), this annual award is granted in support of the thesis project of a female filmmaker (or filmmakers) in the Film Division.

I. Hollis Parry/Ann Billman Fine Arts Award

Offered in the spirit of new creation to stimulate thoughts, insights, and ideas, this grant is awarded to a talented graduate student allowing the students to realize a project that may not have been possible due to financial restrictions. The award may be used for, but not limited to: international travel and research, collaborative performance, travel to an “on-location” film shoot, or to build, purchase or rent equipment, etc. Film students have won this award in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.

Graduate Creative & Scholarly Activity Travel Support

The Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts has established a fund to help support graduate students’ professional activity. Awards of $100.00 (minimum) to $250.00 (maximum) to help defray travel costs will be made to Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts graduate students whose creative and/or scholarly work has been accepted for presentation. Students are limited to one award per academic year.

GSS Original Work & Travel Grants

Every semester, the Graduate Student Senate awards grants for graduate-level projects and research and to further graduate education through participation in seminars and conferences and foster professional development to further students’ careers.

Student Enhancement Awards

Competitive awards to support undergraduate, graduate, and medical student research, scholarship, and creative activities. Awards of up to $6,000. Film students have won this award each of the last four years.

CRSCA Discretionary Fund

Small awards of up to $500 to fund unique opportunities or emergencies for undergraduate, graduate and medical student research, scholarship, and creative activity are available upon application and approval by the current CRSCA Chair.

Contact Us

Need some help navigating your program requirements or applying for an assistantship? Let us know. We’re here to help. If you have questions or need more information, feel free to contact us at 740.593.1323 or film@ohio.edu.