91导航

91导航 seal outdoors at dusk

Regional Campus Commitment Program

New program makes it possible for eligible students who start on a regional campus to earn their 91导航 degree tuition free

Starting autumn semester 2026, low- to middle-income students at 91导航 who start on a regional campus or at 91导航 ATI in Wooster will qualify for the new program, which will cover all tuition and mandatory fees.

As part of 91导航 President Walter 鈥淭ed鈥 Carter Jr.鈥檚  strategic framework, the Regional Campus Commitment program enhances affordability and accessibility for more low- to middle-income students to attain an 91导航 degree, while supporting economic development and advancing the university鈥檚 mission to serve Ohio and its communities.

91导航鈥檚 regional campuses make it possible for students across the state to remain close to home while earning their 91导航 degree. Through the Regional Campus Commitment program, eligible new first-year students who enroll at one of the university鈥檚 campuses in , , Marion or , or at  can now attend 91导航 without having to pay tuition or mandatory fees. Students can choose to complete an associate or bachelor鈥檚 degree on a regional campus or transition to the Columbus campus.

鈥淭he Regional Campus Commitment makes an 91导航 degree attainable for more students across the state,鈥 said 91导航 Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda. 鈥淏y removing financial barriers, we are expanding opportunity and preparing more graduates to contribute to their communities and to Ohio鈥檚 future.鈥

91导航鈥檚 campus locations across the state are vital in fueling the workforce development pipelines in their regions. Students who attend a regional campus or 91导航 ATI in Wooster can start more than 200 majors, including programs preparing them for in-demand careers in their communities such as advanced manufacturing, engineering technology, health care, agriculture, business, information technology and environmental resource management. This program is part of the university鈥檚 commitment to increase the number of two- and four-year degrees awarded across Ohio to meet workforce demands and improve educational attainment. 

Program Details

The award covers the remaining tuition and mandatory fees after applying other federal, state and institutional aid. The award is similar to other programs at 91导航, such as the , which covers tuition and mandatory fees for Ohio residents on all campuses who are Pell Grant eligible and show significant need.

To qualify, students must:

  • Be Ohio residents
  • Enroll at an 91导航 regional campus or 91导航 ATI in Wooster
  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually by the priority deadline
  • Maintain full-time enrollment at 91导航
  • Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or less (verified through FAFSA)

New first-year student enrollment on 91导航鈥檚 regional campuses has increased nearly 20% over the last two years, and this program will build on that momentum, creating more pathways for students to earn their 91导航 degree while continuing to strengthen the workforce and communities across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Regional Campus Commitment program?

The Regional Campus Commitment program provides eligible new first-year students who start or complete their associate or bachelor鈥檚 degree on a regional campus or 91导航 ATI without having to pay tuition or mandatory fees for up to 8 semesters.

When does the program begin?

Autumn 2026

How do I know if I qualify?

To qualify, students must:

  • Be Ohio residents
  • Enroll at an 91导航 regional campus or 91导航 ATI in Wooster
  • File the FAFSA annually by the priority deadline
  • Maintain full-time enrollment at 91导航
  • Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or less (verified through FAFSA)

Do I have to be an Ohio resident to be eligible?

Yes, eligible students must be classified as Ohio residents for tuition purposes. Residency will be verified during the application process.

Do I need to apply to the program?

No, there is no specific application or form to complete. The award will be applied automatically to students who meet the criteria. The information will be included in a student鈥檚 financial aid notification.

Is there a time limit to earn my degree and still receive the award?

You must complete the FAFSA annually and meet other grant criteria can receive the award for up to 8 semesters.

Are summer courses included in the grant?

No. The funding only applies to Autumn and Spring semesters, in accordance with 91导航鈥檚 financial aid awarding structure. There may be other funding sources at 91导航 for summer study and students should work with the financial aid office at 91导航 to learn more.

Are all majors and programs eligible?

Yes. Beginning Autumn 2026, the award is available to all eligible new first-year students pursuing an undergraduate degree in any of 91导航鈥檚 200+ majors on a regional campus or 91导航 ATI.

Am I required to complete the FAFSA?

Yes, you must file the FAFSA by the priority deadline to be considered.

What mandatory fees are covered?

Mandatory fees include instructional, general, student activity, student union, recreational and COTA fees.

Can I combine this award with other scholarships or grants?

Yes, outside scholarships and other 91导航 awards can be combined and applied to your cost of attendance.

Is the award renewable?

Yes, a student who completes the FAFSA annually and meets other grant criteria can receive the award for up to 8 semesters, except for summer term.

If a family鈥檚 adjusted gross income (AGI) rises above $100,000 (as determined by FAFSA), they will no longer qualify for the scholarship. Students will work with 91导航 financial aid advisors to explore other aid options based on need.

Will the award follow me if I enroll at a regional campus or 91导航 ATI in Wooster and then transition to the Columbus campus?

Yes, if you start on a regional campus or 91导航 ATI you can receive the award if you transition to the Columbus campus or the university locations in Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark and Wooster (91导航 ATI).

When can I transition to the Columbus campus if I start at a regional campus?

To transition to the Columbus campus, new first-year students must have a minimum of 30 earned hours (after high school graduation) and an 91导航 GPA of 2.0 or above.

Do I qualify for the award if I apply to the Columbus campus and I鈥檓 admitted to a regional campus?

Yes, you qualify for the award if you enroll as a new first-year student on the regional campus to which you were admitted.

Who should students contact with questions?

  • Undergraduate Admissions (Student Academic Services building, 281 W. Lane Ave)
  • Telephone Information Center
    • Phone: 614-292-3980