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Keeping college affordable

September 02, 2015

Ohio State’s affordability summit engaged the university community in a robust discussion on how it will lead the national conversation on affordable excellence.

The value of an Ohio State education is a function of cost and excellence — and the university’s goal is to drive ever-increasing value.

That was the overriding message of Ohio State’s first affordability summit, an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to gather and discuss ways the university will lead the conversation on an issue of national prominence.

“When we talk about access, affordability and excellence, we must talk about all three of them together,” said President Michael V. Drake, whose 2020 Vision for the university includes a focus on reducing costs while continually increasing the quality of teaching and research.

“We are a great example of what higher education can and ought to be." - President Drake

The summit is the latest step in Ohio State’s long-term commitment to affordable excellence. The university introduced a comprehensive cost freeze, including tuition and room and board, for Ohio undergraduate students as well as $15 million in President’s Affordability Grants (part of a $100 million increase in need-based aid to students over the next five years).

Already considered one of the best values in higher education, Ohio State is also part of the University Innovation Alliance, a group of 11 large research institutions committed to making high-quality college degrees accessible to a diverse body of students.

The affordability summit focused on the future as well as campus-wide collaboration. The summit included leaders from numerous offices across campus, including Distance Education and eLearning, Student Life, Academic Affairs, Human Resources and Government Affairs. Topics for discussion included: 

  • balancing affordability with continued improvements to the desired student experience
  • the role of philanthropy
  • the role of advising in improving students’ time to graduation
  • public policy’s role in affordability
  • regional campuses and pathway programs

Drake said he and university leaders will examine the recommendations of the breakout groups to help inform future decision making surrounding access, affordability and excellence.

“We are a great example of what higher education can and ought to be,” Drake said. “I feel a personal responsibility to help us be the absolute best we can be.”