By leveraging the university’s broad resources, Ohio State will deliver a Signature Undergraduate Experience, providing every Buckeye with a transformative and accessible education through high-impact learning, expanded student support and a redesigned first-year experience that ensures students begin their academic journey prepared and empowered to thrive.
Create enhanced, high-impact practices and learning experiences
Impact points
- Career Services Center of Excellence: Launching Jan. 1, 2026, this hub will advance university-wide career development strategy and innovation. Building on the expertise of college-based career services and the Office of Student Life’s Buckeye Careers, it will expand access, streamline resources and connect students with employers and opportunities. The new framework will strengthen the relationship between learning, citizenship and career readiness, with the goal of 80% of students completing an internship by 2035.
- Honors Program Expansion: Ohio State will strengthen and grow the University Honors Program to attract and support the nation’s top students. The program will increase the number of high-impact Honors courses, expand global learning opportunities, enhance communications and recruitment, and provide personalized financial literacy training and support — broadening access and elevating the Honors experience as a powerful tool for recruiting and retaining exceptional talent.
Expanding affordability and lowering college debt
Impact points
- President’s Ohio Scholarship Program: This new scholarship offers outstanding 2026 high school students the chance to create their own signature Ohio State experience. These exceptional scholars, who represent less than 1% of students nationwide, will receive full tuition and fees. The scholarship is available beginning autumn semester 2026 to new first-year Ohio residents at Ohio State’s Columbus campus who achieve a perfect ACT score of 36 or SAT score of 1600.
- Regional Campus Commitment: Students from families with an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less who begin their studies at an Ohio State regional campus or Ohio State ATI in Wooster can earn an Ohio State degree tuition-free. By removing financial barriers, this program, available starting in autumn semester 2026, expands opportunity, preparing more graduates to contribute to their communities and Ohio’s future.
- Buckeye Bridge: In partnership with Columbus State Community College, this program expands access and affordability by covering tuition and fees for qualifying Ohio residents transferring to Ohio State from Columbus State, providing a tuition-free path to complete their bachelor’s degree. Starting in autumn 2026, the program provides coordinated support to help transfer students overcome barriers to success, while also strengthening Ohio’s workforce and preparing students for in-demand careers that require four-year degrees.