In a world where access to higher education can often feel like a privilege rather than a right, the University of Mount Union is stepping up to help level the playing field for Cleveland students chasing their college dreams. 

In an exciting new partnership with Say Yes Cleveland, Mount Union has announced it will provide five full-tuition scholarships each year to eligible first-year undergraduate students from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and its partnering charter high schools. It’s a move that not only speaks to Mount Union’s commitment to education equity, but also represents a lifeline for families for whom college costs might otherwise feel insurmountable. 

What’s the catch? Just a dream and determination. To be eligible, students must meet three key criteria: 

  • Live in the city of Cleveland*; 
  • Attend a CMSD or eligible charter school from 9th grade through graduation; and 
  • Come from a household with an annual income of $75,000 or less. 

These five scholarships from the University of Mount Union cover the full cost of tuition and technology fees for up to eight semesters—a powerful promise of stability in a time when the rising cost of college often pushes students to take on crushing debt. As a Say Yes Compact partner, eligible students interested in attending the University of Mount Union whose household income exceeds $75,000 will be eligible for a Say Yes scholarship of up-to $5,000 for tuition. 

“We are grateful for the partnership with the University of Mount Union through the tuition scholarships for Say Yes students. Mount Union’s commitment to Cleveland students helps break down the financial barriers they face and invests in the future of our community,” adds Ann Mullin, chair of the Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship Board. 

Say Yes’s partnership with the University of Mount Union is more than just dollars and cents. It’s about rewriting the story for Cleveland students—particularly those from low-income households—who might not have otherwise seen college as a realistic option. Say Yes Cleveland continues to expand its network of higher education partners, building a broader safety net for students determined to succeed despite financial odds. In a time when headlines often focus on what’s broken in education, Mount Union and Say Yes Cleveland are offering a different kind of story—one where students are seen, supported, and told, “Yes, you can.” 

For students interested in this new partnership with the University of Mount Union, the application process is refreshingly straightforward. Students simply need to: 

  • Apply and be admitted to Mount Union; 
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and 
  • Have their eligibility verified through the Say Yes Cleveland scholarship portal. 

Learn more about scholarship opportunities at the University of Mount Union here. For more on Say Yes Cleveland and to explore how to apply for the Say Yes Cleveland scholarship, visit sayyescleveland.org. 

(*Aside from the City of Cleveland, eligible residency includes areas within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District boundaries, which include Bratenahl, Linndale, Newburgh Heights, and parts of Brook Park and Garfield Heights whose property taxes are assigned to CMSD.)