Ohio’s new state budget, signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine and effective July 1, will strengthen the state’s higher education system and its economy, Chancellor Randy Gardner said.
“This budget continues the DeWine Administration’s focus on student-centered education policies, addressing affordability and accessibility of higher education that brightens Ohio’s economic future,” Gardner said in a statement.
The new budget increases Ohio College Opportunity Grants for students with the greatest financial needs by at least $500 per student over the next two years, the chancellor said.
“Combined with a similar increase in the first DeWine-Husted budget, eligible students will receive $1,000 more per year than they did in 2018 – a 44% average increase in student aid under Governor DeWine’s leadership,” the state said. Under the new budget, tuition and general fees will be frozen for incoming freshmen at four-year public undergraduate universities with no increases during the next three consecutive years.
“We have reviewed ‘guarantee’ programs in other states, and we believe Ohio has the best guaranteed tuition strategy in the nation,” Gardner said.
The budget widens access to the College Credit Plus program – which allows students to earn college credits while still in high school, a way to make college more affordable.
“To date, College Credit Plus has resulted in an estimated $725 million in tuition savings for students and families over the past five years, with more than 1,000 certificates and more than 3,000 associate degrees earned for free by students participating in the program,” the state said.
The budget also increases funding for Ohio Technical Centers, which provide customized workforce training.
“The new budget means OTC funding will have increased by 31% over the past four years under Governor DeWine,” the state said. “OTCs provide postsecondary career and technical education at 54 sites across Ohio, in collaboration with secondary career centers, high schools, and joint vocational schools.”
