This article comes from the Campus Contributor Network. Over the course of the semester, students from across our campus outreach program will analyze their school’s finances and assess the overall return students see on their educational investments.
In 2016, Ohio State Tuition is higher than it used to be, but remains a good value when compared to its state counterparts. Despite the complexity and size of this institution that serves 64,000 students, Ohio State has comparatively low student tuition when compared to other public institutions in the state.
College tuition in general in the United States increased much faster than inflation, and incomes have not kept up with these increases. Cuts in government funding have also fueled rising tuition costs, whereby institutions are putting more of the financial burden of the cost of attendance on students. Therefore, working families struggling with financial stability must often stretch for someone in their household to attend college, and oftentimes end up burdening themselves with debt.
Tuition hikes
Several different factors have affected Ohio State’s tuition fluctuation through the years. Tuition has remained the same from 2013 to the present for in-state undergraduate residents at $10,037. Ten years ago the in-state tuition annual rate was $8,082, showing a 30% rise. Of course, there has been about 20% inflation in the past ten years, so even inflated adjusted, tuition has still gone up significantly (p. 35). Notwithstanding, consider that in 2002, tuition was only $4,788, or $6,425 in 2016 dollars, and you will see how low college tuition was barely a generation ago.
Tuition increases have gone recently because of the growth of public funding streams. Previously, the reduction of in-state support prior to 2007 created more reliance on students’ tuition for maintaining the university’s revenue. However, 2008 was the first year since 1987 that resident tuition costs didn’t rise. Ever since, better in-state support has kept tuition from increasing significantly past four years. Today, students are benefiting from a 2015 in-state tuition freeze for all undergraduate students, while non-resident fees will increase modestly, 5 percent, next year.
Overall, tuition covers about 70 percent of Ohio State’s revenue dedicated for funding educational costs (p. 17). Most students pay this tuition with the expectation that their dollars are being used in the department where they study. However, because many students pay practically the same amount for all majors, the question of whether some tuition money is used to subsidize other departments is a common concern.
Breaking down the cost of attendance
The tuition numbers that we’ve covered at Ohio State include instructional and mandatory fees. Students must take 12 or more credit hours to hold full-time student status though, which means a $4,584.00 instructional fee, which is a significant portion of the $10,037 total tuition that in-state students pay.
In sum, there’s a $382.00 instructional fee per credit which is added to overall tuition. Of course, there are other categories that encompass the final tuition cost include general fee, student activity fee, recreational fee, student union facility fee, COTA Bus Service Fee, Learning Technology Fee and the program fee.
Takeaway
I believe that the Ohio State University has made advancements in achieving an affordable and accessible education for its students. By making this a priority, the university secured more state support to provide more scholarships and financial aid. In addition, the university has applied for grants to provide the necessary funds needed to improve college programs and build valuable facilities. Ohio State has connected with local agencies, corporate sponsors and private foundations to fund research facilities.
These tuition discounting practices help limit increases in student tuition while funding these projects. It appears the university’s objective with these initiatives is to create a more affordable route for students to receive a worthwhile education. The university hopes to provide $20 million in student aid during this year.
The Ohio State University’s efforts are admirable in its dedication to lessen the stress of tuition costs for its students. However, many students and families remain unaware of these commitments. The university should emphasize to its students the importance of decreasing the financial-burden of a college education, and the actions they are taking to make this happen.
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