Tuition & Fees

Tuition Waivers

§381.170 of Am. Sub. H.B. 49 of the 132^nd General Assembly requires any waiver of tuition for a student or class of students not otherwise permitted by law at a state-assisted institution of higher education be approved by the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Submitting a Request

On April 17, 2009 the Chancellor signed Directive 2009-011 setting forth the procedures for submitting a tuition waiver request. The procedures are as follows:

• First, the institution's Board of Trustees should adopt a resolution authorizing the tuition waiver. While the form and content of the resolution may vary, the board resolution should include, at a minimum, the following information:

1. The specific amount to be waived
2. Students to whom the waiver applies
3. The time frame of the waiver
4. Language that states the waiver request will be submitted to the Chancellor for approval

• Upon adoption of a resolution by a Board of Trustees, institutions may submit a tuition waiver request. The request must include:
  • the specific tuition waiver request,
  • the rationale for the request,
  • the time period during which the waiver would be in effect, and
  • the number of students that are anticipated to be served under the request.
• The request must also include a statement of the goals to be realized by virtue of the implementation of the waiver and the methods that will be used to gather data and make determinations about whether such goals are accomplished.
• Submission of the request in writing. Use one of the following methods:
  • Email (preferred method): Kathryn Shipley, kshipley@highered.ohio.gov
  • Mail: see our mailing address

Once the submission is complete, the Chancellor's staff will make a recommendation within two business days. Institutions are encouraged to work with the Chancellor’s staff prior to submission to ensure the timeliness of the process. Following the required two-week public comment period, the Chancellor may approve the request.

Current Tuition Waivers

Tuition waiver requests are posted for public comment on the Tuition Requests page. Previously approved directives are available on the Signed Directives page. Tuition waivers from previous biennia that are now expired can be found on the Expired Tuition Waivers page.

Tuition Guarantee Programs

Ohio law allows for institutions of higher education to adopt tuition guarantee programs. Ohio Revised Code 3345.48 allows for four-year institutions to adopt such programs. Ohio Revised Code 3333.33 governs the adoption of tuition guarantee programs for two-year institutions.

Submitting a Request

Four-year institutions are required to submit the rules that govern the program to the Chancellor for approval prior to the implementation of the program. 

• Institutions should submit the rules and board resolution using one of the following methods:
  • Email (preferred method): Kathryn Shipley, kshipley@highered.ohio.gov
  • Mail: see our mailing address
• Institutions are encouraged to work with the Chancellor prior to official board action in the event the Chancellor has concerns or suggested modifications to the program rules.

Two-year institutions are required to obtain the Chancellor’s approval prior to the establishment of a tuition guarantee program.

On September 16, 2014, the Chancellor issued Directive 2014-018 setting forth the procedures for submitting a request to approve a tuition guarantee program. The procedures are as follows:

• Notification made to the Chancellor’s staff that the institution intends to adopt a tuition guarantee program.  Please note that this should be done prior to board approval so that the Chancellor can ensure the requirements of the program are met.   The institution should provide notice using one of the following methods:
  • Email: Kathryn Shipley, kshipley@highered.ohio.gov (preferred method)
  • Mail: see our mailing address
• When the Chancellor’s staff advises that the program meets the requirements, the Board of Trustees must pass a resolution adopting the tuition guarantee program.
• Submit the board resolution and adopted version of the program to the Chancellor

Once the submission is complete, the Chancellor’s staff will make a recommendation within a reasonable time.  Following the required two-week public comment period, the Chancellor may approve the request.

Approved Tuition Guarantee Programs

Tuition guarantee program requests are posted for public comment on the Tuition Requests page.