Exploring postgraduate universities and funding options in Ohio

By Jenna Barufka | In All blogs, Studying in the U.S., Financial Tips | 29 April 2025 | Updated on: April 29th, 2025

Ohio may not be the first state that comes to mind when you imagine studying in the U.S., but the Buckeye State is one of the top destinations for international students studying abroad on a budget. Ohio’s competitive academic institutions, low cost of living and natural beauty attract students from across the globe.

Learn more about why so many international students choose to study at a top Ohio university and how an MPOWER international student loan for postgraduate degrees can support you.

Why study abroad on a budget in Ohio?

If you’re an international student looking to study in the U.S. without breaking the bank, Ohio’s may be the place for you. The state’s relative affordability and Midwestern hospitality ensure that international students enjoy a high quality of life.

Many students studying abroad on a budget flock to schools in the dynamic cities of Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, which offer exciting cultural institutions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Outside of major cities, international students at Ohio’s smaller liberal arts colleges enjoy an intimate campus culture and exploring the outdoors.

Despite the relatively low cost of living in Ohio, many international students struggle to pay for a postgraduate degree with personal funds alone. If you need help covering costs, consider funding your degree with an MPOWER student loan for postgraduate degrees. With MPOWER, you can borrow up to US$100,000 at a fixed, competitive interest rate without a cosigner or collateral.

Check your eligibility for an MPOWER education student loan today.

 

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Best MPOWER-eligible Ohio universities for studying abroad on a budget

You can fund your education with an MPOWER student loan for postgraduate degrees at many of Ohio’s top universities, including:

The Ohio State University (OSU)

Located in the capital city of Columbus, Ohio, OSU is one of the largest public universities in the U.S., known for its robust academics, popular football team and respected Wexner Medical Center. Popular postgraduate programs include:

  • Biological and agricultural engineering
  • Analytical chemistry
  • Nursing
  • Supply chain management

Case Western Reserve University

This private research institution in Cleveland is ideal for students studying abroad on a budget who want a small campus community with access to a big city. It is known, in part, for its special association with the Cleveland Clinic, which prepares students for clinical practice and research in the health sciences. Popular postgraduate programs include:

University of Cincinnati (UC)

UC, located in the employment hub of Cincinnati, is the global founder of cooperative education. Students can participate in the school’s renowned co-op program, which emphasizes real-world learning. Popular postgraduate programs include:

 

Over 500+ eligible schools in the U.S. and Canada accept MPOWER education student loans. MPOWER evaluates all the institutions in its network based on graduation rates, postgraduate employment rates and alumni earnings, setting you up for academic and career success.

Funding your Ohio education with a student loan for postgraduate degrees

Once you’ve decided to pursue your postgraduate education at an MPOWER-eligible Ohio university, it’s time to figure out how to fund your degree program. So what funding options are available for international students studying abroad on a budget?

Financial aid

International students, while not eligible for federal or state financial aid, can apply to their universities for institutional aid in the form of scholarships, grants, fellowships and assistantships. Case Western and UC offer limited departmental assistantships and fellowships. International students at OSU can apply for certain grants and scholarships, but eligibility is restricted to students of particular backgrounds and academic interests.

OSU also provides students with a database of internal and external funding opportunities, ScholarshipUniverse. Students might also wish to pursue scholarship search engines such as MPOWER Financing Scholarships, Study Abroad, FinAid, eduPass and IEFA.

Education student loans for international students

Seeing as international student financial aid is often very limited and selective, you may choose to cover your education with a no-cosigner, no-collateral student loan for postgraduate degrees from MPOWER.

MPOWER is more than your typical education lender. Because MPOWER wants to see you succeed, all MPOWER customers gain access to MPOWER’sPath2Success program, which will guide you through the student visa process, set you up with a U.S. credit card and bank account and provide you with specialized career services for international students.

Final thoughts: Studying in Ohio with an MPOWER student loan for postgraduate degrees

With financial support from an MPOWER education student loan, experience Ohio’s welcoming atmosphere, top-notch postgraduate degree programs and diverse employment opportunities. MPOWER customers enjoy a streamlined loan process and comprehensive support, both during your education and after you graduate.

Jumpstart your international education with MPOWER. It takes less than a minute to get started.

 

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Author: View all post by Jenna Barufka

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