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Earning a degree from ������̳ became much more obtainable in the fall of 2025, when university president Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. announced a program that allows qualifying students to attend for free.

Known as the Regional Campus Commitment, students from families that have an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less can be guaranteed a free tuition as long as they are Ohio residents, submit their FAFSA by Feb. 1, 2026, and complete their first year at one of ������̳’s regional campuses, beginning with the fall of 2026. 

“This is an opportunity that helps make college education more doable and manageable,” said Diane Kanney, director of regional campus recruitment strategies and initiatives for ������̳. “Tuition can sometimes be a barrier to families who want to send their son or daughter to college, and the university has worked very hard to remove that barrier.”

FAFSA Deadline

In addition to the Feb. 1 FAFSA deadline, students also must continue to meet ������̳’s basic guidelines for full-time enrollment. Federal funding and scholarships will apply first, and the remainder of tuition will be covered by the Regional Campus Commitment.

“It’s pretty much a guarantee that if students are interested in college and they meet the basic requirements, they can get here and not have to worry about paying for tuition,” said Rosie Driver, admissions recruitment coordinator at ������̳ Mansfield and Alumna (’21).

At Mansfield, students can begin any of ������̳’s 200-plus degrees and they can complete 12 on campus. Students can campus change to Columbus after the first year, or they can remain at Mansfield. Either way, their tuition will be covered.

“This is a major investment in the students and the regional campuses,” said Kendra Boggs, financial aid advisor at ������̳ Mansfield. “This opens up pathways for students who maybe thought they wouldn’t be able to go.”

By saving on tuition, students can focus on other life expenses like transportation, housing, food and books. 

“This can open up opportunities where they can get a superior education – for little or no debt,” said Boggs.

������̳ also continues to offer the Buckeye Opportunity Program for families who are Pell-eligible. Altogether, Mansfield students received nearly 1.1 million in scholarship funds for 2025.  This grant serves as a tuition gap-filler, covering remaining tuition costs after other aid, excluding loans, has been applied.

All Ohioans

It’s difficult to say how many students may qualify for the Regional Campus program, but ������̳ Mansfield wants to reach as many Ohioans as possible. This is part of the land-grant mission, and part of being a flagship public university.

A degree from ������̳ is a degree that stands out, according to Boggs, and it can make the difference when applying for a job. 

While career readiness is the primary reason students attend ������̳ – they also gain skills and resources that will last a lifetime. 

“A college education opens students up to more opportunities, not only with securing jobs, but also access to community resources and knowledge,” said Driver. “A degree makes you a more resilient person and gives you a great foundation for giving back to your community later in life.”

President Carter announced the program during his State of the University address Sept. 17 – a key element of his  strategic framework. The program enhances affordability and accessibility for more low- to middle-income students to attain an ������̳ degree, while supporting economic development and advancing the university’s mission to serve Ohio and its communities.

Visit Campus

If you’d like to learn more about ������̳ Mansfield and the Regional Campus Commitment, reach out to our admissions staff at mansfield-askabuckeye@osu.edu or call 419-755-4300.

The campus is also hosting Buckeye Preview Days, where future students can visit and interact with faculty and staff. Upcoming preview days will be held Jan. 23, Feb. 16, March 28 and April 24. Advance registration is encouraged at: