Ohio State reaffirms tuition freeze

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WDTN) - The Ohio State University announced that it does not plan to raise tuition for resident undergraduate students for the 2009-2010 academic year despite recent state budget revisions.

“Now more than ever, we must assure that young people are able to pursue their dreams, earn a degree, and use their talents to catalyze long-term economic vitality for our state and our nation,” said Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee.

Gee credits cost- cutting measures undertaken by the university, increased state support and enrollment growth as factors behind the decision to freeze tuition at $8,406 for the third straight year.

“I am deeply grateful for the strategic vision and leadership demonstrated by Governor Strickland and leaders of both parties in the Ohio House and Senate. For our part, all of us at the University are redoubling efforts to serve as the engine of prosperity and to extend educational access to talented young people, regardless of their families’ resources.”

Last December, Ohio State unveiled Students First, a series of steps designed to help enrolled students who face economic hardship tap into the financial assistance necessary to enable them to complete their degree programs. This included a renewed commitment of additional financial aid, emergency loans and tuition assurances.

Ohio State expects to welcome its biggest class of the decade this fall, when approximately 6,550 new freshmen will enroll on the Columbus campus. Admissions officials also believe that this will be the best-prepared class in the school’s history.

Tuition at Ohio State remains one of the lowest among selective admissions institutions in the state. Three-fourths of students enrolled in 2007-2008 received financial aid, with an average award of more than $2,300.

Ohio State has achieved $94 million in cost savings over the past year, including savings in health care and energy costs.