Columbus State will not pursue 2026 ballot issue

Campus News | Wednesday, July 29, 2026

After careful consideration, Columbus State Community College will not be moving forward with a proposed ballot issue in 2026.

“While we are as committed as ever to preparing Central Ohioans for successful careers, we have decided that this isn’t the moment to move forward with this proposal,” said President David T. Harrison. “We appreciate that our community has many priorities, and we will continue to do our part to provide affordable, career-focused education that improves the lives of Central Ohioans.”

The levy would have provided resources to expand investments in job-focused education, student success, and affordability. The measure would have reduced the cost of college for all Franklin County residents, including by making tuition-free education available to all new high school graduates who live in the county and through reduced tuition rates for other students.

The decision to rethink the levy will not affect existing students who receive tuition-free education through Columbus Promise, a program available to Columbus City Schools graduates. About 1,300 Columbus Promise students currently attend Columbus State.

In addition, the college will ensure that Columbus Promise is available for the Columbus City Schools students who are starting at Columbus State this fall and for the high-school graduating class of 2027. Funding has not been identified for Columbus Promise beyond 2027. The college will work with elected officials, business partners, and community leaders to determine the future of the program.

“We thank all of the organizations throughout Central Ohio who are helping people lead better lives,” Harrison said. “While this initiative is not moving forward right now, we remain laser-focused on meeting our students where they are and helping them achieve their goals, debt-free.”

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