Ohio State University officials are hopeful that a new initiative will allow more students from low- and middle-income families to take classes on the Columbus campus.
Under what school leaders call “an unprecedented affordability commitment for in-state students,” all in-state students who qualify for federal Pell Grants – which typically go to students from families making less than $50,000 a year – will receive aid packages that cover the full cost of tuition and mandatory fees.
The program begins in fall 2018 and only applies to students at the Columbus campus.
“Ohio State’s tuition coverage program will help bring the American Dream closer to many more individuals and families throughout the Buckeye State. We are thrilled to open our doors even wider to so many more deserving students,” Ohio State president Michael Drake said in a written statement.
The tuition initiative is expected to cost Ohio State about $11 million per year.
The current cost of tuition at Ohio State for in-state students is $10,591 a year.
The tuition coverage program follows a 2015 move to direct $100 million in need-based aid to Ohio State students. Ohio State also recently vowed to freeze tuition and fees for incoming first-year students for their four years on campus.
