Ohio State, Columbus State partner to create new 4-year degree completion program

Buckeye Bridge will cover all Ohio State tuition, mandatory fees toward bachelor’s degree

Campus News | Monday, September 15, 2025

Presidents Ted Carter and David Harrison after signing the Buckeye Bridge agreement.

Presidents and mascots.

Columbus State student Imanie Williams shares her story of starting college as an adult and her plans to pursue an electrical engineering degree at Ohio State.

Presidents Ted Carter and David Harrison with Columbus State students planning to transfer to Ohio State

A new initiative between The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College will provide students with a tuition-free path to finish their bachelor’s degree.

Buckeye Bridge creates a stronger connection to Ohio State for Columbus State graduates, enabling more central Ohioans to earn their bachelor’s degrees. The program is a key element of Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr.’s “Education for Citizenship 2035” strategic framework, delivering on his commitment to access and affordability priorities and supporting workforce development and service to the state of Ohio.

Low- to middle-income Ohioans who earn an associate degree from Columbus State will qualify for the new program at Ohio State, which will cover all tuition and mandatory fees.

“Buckeye Bridge is an exciting new opportunity to expand access and affordability for Ohio students and meet the workforce needs of our state. With this program, students will be able to develop the skills they need for in-demand careers that require four-year degrees. We’re so pleased to join with our longtime partners at Columbus State on this important effort.”
Ted Carter, Ohio State President

More than 1,000 students per year transfer from Columbus State to Ohio State, the largest transfer partnership in the state. Buckeye Bridge promises to increase that number as the college and university build on their long-established transfer pathways.

“Buckeye Bridge will have a transformational impact. This is a guaranteed opportunity for a debt-free bachelor's degree, designed to make it easy and predictable for students and families. Together, Columbus State and Ohio State are not only helping students launch successful careers, we’re strengthening the talent ecosystem that drives our region’s economic prosperity.”
David Harrison, Columbus State President

Buckeye Bridge will enable more central Ohioans to complete a four-year degree program and will offer tools to help students throughout their academic career. Beyond the financial aid offered through the program, Ohio State and Columbus State will provide intentional and coordinated support for transfer students to address other barriers to student success.

The new program guarantees admission to Ohio State’s Columbus campus and is available to all students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Students will be eligible for the Buckeye Bridge program for up to eight semesters or through the completion of a first bachelor’s degree. However, some majors and colleges at Ohio State have additional admission requirements or competitive processes.

To qualify, students must:

Be an Ohio resident
Complete an associate degree at Columbus State
File a FAFSA annually, by the priority deadline
Maintain full-time enrollment at Ohio State
Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or less (verified through FAFSA)

Buckeye Bridge will officially launch for students graduating from Columbus State in Spring 2026 and seeking to start at Ohio State that autumn semester. For more information, visit www.cscc.edu/buckeyebridge.

Go to 2025 Archive Go to Campus News