Ohio State Introduces Free Tuition Program for Regional Campus Students

The Ohio State University has unveiled the Regional Campus Commitment, a groundbreaking initiative set to commence in the autumn semester of 2026.

 

This program is designed to cover all tuition and mandatory fees for eligible low- to middle-income students beginning their studies at regional campuses, including those in Mansfield, Wooster, and Newark.

 

Announced by President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. during his State of the University address on September 17, this initiative is a cornerstone of the "Education for Citizenship 2035" strategic framework.

 

The program underscores Ohio State's commitment to making higher education more accessible and affordable, thereby supporting economic development and fulfilling the university's mission to serve Ohio and its communities.

 

"This is a bold initiative for all Ohioans and a purposeful investment for students who seek new and expanded opportunities," stated Jason Opal, dean and director of The Ohio State University at Mansfield.

 

He emphasized that the program represents a significant leap toward achieving the university's goals of accessibility and affordability.

 

Ohio State's regional campuses enable students across the state to pursue their degrees while staying close to home.

 

Through the Regional Campus Commitment, eligible new first-year students enrolling at campuses in Mansfield, Lima, Marion, Newark, or at Ohio State ATI in Wooster can now attend without the burden of tuition or mandatory fees.

 

Students have the option to complete an associate or bachelor's degree at a regional campus or transition to the Columbus campus.

 

These regional campuses play a vital role in fueling workforce development pipelines in their respective regions.

 

Students can embark on over 200 majors, including programs that prepare them for in-demand careers in fields such as advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, health care, agriculture, business, information technology, and environmental resource management.

 

This initiative is part of the university's broader commitment to increasing the number of two- and four-year degrees awarded across Ohio to meet workforce demands and improve educational attainment.

 

"The Regional Campus Commitment makes an Ohio State degree attainable for more students across the state," said Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda.

 

"By removing financial barriers, we are expanding opportunity and preparing more graduates to contribute to their communities and to Ohio's future."

 

Program Details:

 

The award covers the remaining tuition and mandatory fees after applying other federal, state, and institutional aid.

 

Similar to the Buckeye Opportunity Program, which covers tuition and mandatory fees for Ohio residents on all campuses who are Pell Grant eligible and demonstrate significant need, this new program aims to alleviate financial burdens for students.

 

To qualify, students must:

 

• Be Ohio residents.
• Enroll at an Ohio State regional campus or Ohio State ATI in Wooster.
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually by the priority deadline.
• Maintain full-time enrollment at Ohio State.
• Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or less, as verified through FAFSA.

 

Over the past two years, new first-year student enrollment on Ohio State's regional campuses has increased nearly 20%.

 

This program aims to build on that momentum, creating more pathways for students to earn their Ohio State degree while continuing to strengthen the workforce and communities across the state.

 

For more information on the Regional Campus Commitment program, prospective students are encouraged to visit Ohio State's official website or contact the admissions office of their preferred regional campus.