Ohio University’s new tuition program got a shout out in a Toledo Blade editorial headlined “Locking in Tuition” for addressing affordability by taking the guesswork out of budgeting for four years of college.
The OHIO Guarantee, which began in Fall 2015, enables students (Ohio residents and nonresidents alike) to pay a single fixed rate that covers tuition, room and meal plan, and fees for four years. Costs remain steady across a student’s four years at OHIO.
“Letting students plan for their tuition costs without worrying about increases is a good idea,” says the Blade editorial:
Ohio’s next state budget may let public colleges and universities raise tuition only if they promise entering freshmen that their tuition won’t go up over their four years.
The idea, which is in a version of the budget in the state House, is a good one. Ohio University already does something similar. Under the “Ohio Guarantee,” each entering class’ tuition and fees are set from the start. If the institution raises tuition, that means the next year’s incoming freshmen pay more throughout their tenure, but students who complete their degree on schedule never see their own tuition go up. Even meal plans are nailed down, along with the cost of housing (although there’s no guarantee dorm rooms will be available for all four years).
That protection means students and their families can make financial plans without worrying that tuition will turn out to be more than they expect — or can afford — at least assuming future General Assemblies have the decency not to alter the deal on people who are relying on it….
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