New Ohio State scholarships expand veterans’ access to full-time MBA degree

New Ohio State scholarships expand veterans' access to full-time MBA degree

Fisher College, National Veterans Leadership Foundation collaborate to support military-connected individuals

The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business, in collaboration with the National Veterans Leadership Foundation (NVLF), has announced the availability of up to five full-tuition scholarships for highly qualified veterans and military-connected individuals to attend Fisher's Full-Time MBA (FTMBA) program.

The joint venture will empower those who are transitioning from active duty to civilian life, as well as individuals with connections to the military, by creating access to Ohio State's flagship graduate business education program.

"The varied experiences, discipline and leadership skills that veterans and our military-affiliated students bring to our learning community are incredibly valued at Fisher and Ohio State," said Trevor Brown, interim dean at Fisher. "We are pleased to expand our work with the National Veterans Leadership Foundation to create yet another pathway for veterans to access a career-shaping business education while redefining and repurposing the valuable experiences they gained as members of the military."

Creation of the new FTMBA scholarships is the latest step in Fisher's growing collaboration with the NVLF, Brown said. In October 2024, the college announcedthe creation of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation Scholarship Program, which supported military-connected individuals interested in pursuing specialized executive education programs at Fisher.

"Veterans in our Full-Time MBA programconsistently stand out as leaders in the classroom, within student organizations, and in the community," said Lori Kendall, academic director of the FTMBA. "We're excited to offer these scholarships to continue fostering a learning environment enriched by their unique perspectives, and to support their development as agile, principled business leaders."

The new scholarships build on Fisher and Ohio State's reputations as institutions that are highly supportive of military-connected individuals, Brown said. Fisher has been acknowledged by USA Today, G.I. Jobsand the Military Timesfor its leadership in aiding military-connected individuals. Military-affiliated students represented 11% of the 2024 incoming FTMBA class.

Similarly, Ohio State has been recognized as one of the top universities for military-connected students, ranking 15th among public institutions and 22nd overall in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 rankings. The university serves over 2,100 military-connected students and employs approximately 1,600 faculty and staff members who have served in the armed forces.

"The Ohio State University has long been dedicated to providing meaningful educational opportunities for veterans and military-affiliated students," said Jim Miller, president of the NVLF. "These new scholarships strengthen the university's and Fisher's standing as institutions committed to our veterans. We're proud to collaborate with them to create educational opportunities that will help refine their skills, apply their field experiences in new ways and develop into principled and effective leaders."

Scholarships are open to qualified veterans and military-connected individuals who enroll in the FTMBA program for matriculation in Autumn 2025. The final application deadline for admissions consideration to the program is June 6, 2025.

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