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Regional Campus Commitment Program

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

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

As part of Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr.’s “Education for Citizenship 2035” strategic framework, the Regional Campus Commitment program enhances affordability and accessibility for more low- to middle-income students to attain an Ohio State degree, while supporting economic development and advancing the university’s mission to serve Ohio and its communities.

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

“The Regional Campus Commitment makes an Ohio State degree attainable for more students across the state,” said Ohio State 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.”

Ohio State’s campus locations across the state are vital in fueling the workforce development pipelines in their regions. Students who attend a regional campus or Ohio State 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’s 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 Ohio State, such as the Buckeye Opportunity Program, 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 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 (verified through FAFSA)

New first-year student enrollment on Ohio State’s 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 Ohio State 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’s degree on a regional campus or Ohio State 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 Ohio State regional campus or Ohio State ATI in Wooster
  • File the 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 (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’s 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 Ohio State’s financial aid awarding structure. There may be other funding sources at Ohio State for summer study and students should work with the financial aid office at Ohio State 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 Ohio State’s 200+ majors on a regional campus or Ohio State 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 Ohio State 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’s adjusted gross income (AGI) rises above $100,000 (as determined by FAFSA), they will no longer qualify for the scholarship. Students will work with Ohio State financial aid advisors to explore other aid options based on need.

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

Yes, if you start on a regional campus or Ohio State ATI you can receive the award if you transition to the Columbus campus or the university locations in Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark and Wooster (Ohio State 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 Ohio State GPA of 2.0 or above.

Do I qualify for the award if I apply to the Columbus campus and I’m 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