Ohio State University announced a groundbreaking initiative Wednesday that will provide free tuition for all in-state undergraduate students from families earning less than $100,000 annually, beginning with the fall 2026 semester.

University President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. unveiled the “Buckeye Promise” program at a ceremony on the Columbus campus, calling it “the most significant investment in educational access in our university’s 156-year history.” The program is funded through a combination of the university’s $7.8 billion endowment, state funding, and private donations.

An estimated 28,000 current and incoming students will benefit from the program, which also includes reduced tuition for families earning between $100,000 and $150,000. Governor Mike DeWine praised the initiative as a model for public universities nationwide.