Columbus State and OSU Launch Tuition-Free Bachelor's Program via Buckeye Bridge

New Initiative Offers Tuition-Free Pathway to Bachelor’s Degree

A groundbreaking collaboration between Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College is set to provide students with a debt-free route to earning a bachelor’s degree. This initiative, called the "Buckeye Bridge" program, is designed to support low- to middle-income Ohioans who have earned an associate degree from Columbus State. Once they complete their associate degree, these students will be eligible for full tuition and mandatory fee coverage at Ohio State, making higher education more accessible and affordable.

The program is scheduled to launch in 2026. OSU President Ted Carter emphasized that this initiative will enhance the competitiveness of Ohio’s workforce and create a strong pipeline for future talent. He highlighted that the program sends a powerful message to young people: “We want you here, and we’re working hard to reduce the barriers to a college education.”

Columbus State President David Harrison described the program as having a “transformational impact” on central Ohio. He explained that Buckeye Bridge offers a clear, predictable, and guaranteed pathway to an Ohio State bachelor’s degree without the burden of student debt. Harrison added that the partnership aligns with Columbus State’s mission of fostering talent development and economic prosperity for both students and the region.

Imanie Williams, a 25-year-old Columbus State student planning to transfer to Ohio State in 2026, shared her excitement about the program. As a caretaker for her grandmother, she said the financial support provided by Buckeye Bridge gives her the confidence to pursue her goals. “It takes a lot of my time, and I have my classes on top of that, but I try to squeeze as much time as I can in for studying,” she said. “I have support, a lot of support, from Ohio State.”

Currently, over 1,000 students each year transfer from Columbus State to Ohio State, making it the largest transfer partnership in the state. The Buckeye Bridge program aims to increase this number by building on existing pathways. In addition to financial aid, Ohio State and Columbus State will offer coordinated support services to help transfer students overcome other obstacles to academic success.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel praised the partnership, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in strengthening the state’s economy. He drew a parallel to sports, saying, “If your best players are really your best teammates, you have a chance to be a good team.” He noted that Ohio State and Columbus State are showing their commitment to working together for the benefit of students and the region.

How the Program Works

The Buckeye Bridge program guarantees admission to Ohio State’s Columbus campus for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. It is available to all students who meet the eligibility criteria and can be used for up to eight semesters or until the completion of a first bachelor’s degree. However, some majors and colleges at Ohio State may have additional admission requirements or competitive processes.

To qualify for the program, students must:

• Be an Ohio resident
• Complete an associate degree at Columbus State
• File a FAFSA annually, by the priority deadline
• Maintain full-time enrollment at Ohio State
• Have a family Adjusted Gross Income of $100,000 or less (verified through FAFSA)

The program officially launches for students graduating from Columbus State in spring 2026, who will then begin their studies at Ohio State in the following autumn semester.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in making higher education more accessible and affordable for students across Ohio. By reducing financial barriers and providing comprehensive support, the Buckeye Bridge program is poised to transform the educational and career opportunities for thousands of students in the years to come.