New program makes it possible for eligible students (families with an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less 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
"Since the founding of the regional campuses鈥攚hich are, and remain, proudly open-access鈥攅very Ohio citizen has always had the right to earn an 91导航 degree. The Regional Campus Commitment doubles down on that right: for families who earn under $100,000/year, this initiative makes it possible for their children to obtain a world-class education as a Buckeye with their tuition and fees completely covered," said Dean & Director of 91导航 at Marion, Dr. Jennifer Schlueter.
"And that Buckeye degree can be earned in the way that best fits a student鈥檚 life, whether at a regional campus like 91导航 Marion, rooted in community and close to home, or, if they choose to campus change, in Columbus, on one of the largest campuses in the world," she added.
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.