Ohio panel on college affordability backs tuition guarantees

A legislative committee that studied how to improve college affordability recommends that Ohio’s public universities adopt tuition-rate guarantees for undergraduates and that the state discontinue a tuition freeze and instead limit how much those institutions can increase tuition.

The new report from a bipartisan panel of 10 lawmakers also suggests the state continue the Ohio College Credit Plus Program, which allows students to complete college-level coursework while they’re in high school.

The committee’s chairman, Republican Sen. Steve Wilson of Maineville, says it’s important that Ohio make higher education and workforce training more attainable, with more jobs requiring a degree or certification.

The group considered input from college administrators, faculty and students at five public hearings over the past few months before sending its recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders.