Making Central Ohio Stronger
Columbus State Community College is Central Ohio’s front door to higher education, preparing thousands of students each year for good jobs. We are the region’s workforce engine, advancing economic prosperity by helping graduates prepare for good-paying jobs that also meet employers’ needs.
Columbus State is accelerating our progress in student success, workforce development and community impact through high-quality affordable education, job-focused degrees, campus improvements and addressing non-academic barriers.
All of these initiatives are rooted in community partnerships – including the support of Franklin County residents, whose 2020 approval of a $300 million bond issue has already leveraged an additional $150 million of federal, state, and private funding to improve options for Central Ohioans on our campus.
Community Impact Report 2026: Making Central Ohio Stronger
The Making Central Ohio Stronger community impact report details our momentum on student success and workforce development. Take a look to find out how Columbus State is applying innovative solutions to community needs.
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Stronger Students
Columbus State is the state’s largest community college, serving more than 41,000 students annually by providing affordable, accessible pathways to higher education. We are committed to student success outcomes that prepare graduates for good-paying jobs and fulfilling careers.
Tuition-Free Program/Columbus Promise
The Columbus Promise removes financial barriers to higher education by providing a tuition-free college education for Columbus City Schools graduates. The Promise program is working, by preparing hundreds of additional students for good jobs in Central Ohio.
Buckeye Bridge and Transfer Pathways
Starting in 2026, eligible Columbus State graduates will be able complete their bachelor’s degree at The Ohio State University – tuition-free. Buckeye Bridge builds on our successful track record of transfer pathways with Ohio State and the region’s other great universities.
College Credit Plus (CCP)
More than 11,000 high school students annually get a jump start on their careers and reduce the total cost of a degree by earning no-cost college credit through the state's dual enrollment program.
Veterans Services
Columbus State provides dedicated resources and support systems to help veterans and service members transition from military life to successful academic and professional careers.
Delaware Campus
The Delaware Campus serves as a vital regional hub, offering convenient access to high-quality academic programs and workforce training for students in the northern part of Central Ohio.
Stronger Workforce
Columbus State serves as Central Ohio’s primary workforce engine, collaborating directly with employers to align academic programs with the region’s high-growth job sectors. By providing job-focused degrees and hands-on training, the college ensures that thousands of graduates are prepared annually to fuel the prosperity and growth of our local community.
Health Care
Through a strategic partnership with OhioHealth, Columbus State is doubling its healthcare pipeline and creating and expanding dedicated learning spaces to meet the critical demand for nursing and allied health professionals.
Engineering Technology and IT
As a leader in engineering tech and information technology education, the college is developing advanced curriculum in emerging fields like biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing to prepare students for the specialized roles defining the region’s tech talent landscape.
Construction and Skilled Trades
The college partners with trade unions and employers to offer training, apprenticeships, and specialized bootcamps that equip a rapidly growing workforce to build and maintain the region’s essential infrastructure.
Stronger Community
Columbus State is committed to building a stronger Central Ohio by addressing the essential needs that impact student success and regional stability. Through partnerships, the college works to address barriers, such as gaps in wellness, childcare, and affordable housing, that can derail students and other community residents from their goals.
Child Care and Fitness
A new 50,000-square-foot Columbus State YMCA will provide downtown fitness amenities and drop-in childcare services to help student-parents stay on track toward graduation.
Opportunity Pointe
Developed through a strategic partnership, Opportunity Pointe will provide 166 units of affordable workforce housing near campus, including 20 units specifically dedicated to supporting Columbus State students.
Campus Improvements
Bond dollars approved by Franklin County voters have been put to work to create modern classrooms and labs, expand high-demand academic programs, and fix aging buildings and infrastructure on Columbus State’s Downtown campus. Through 2025, the college has committed more than two-thirds of those dollars, with more projects in the wings.
OhioHealth Hall
A new $66.5 million academic building will enable the college to prepare more students for health care careers. The college broke ground on OhioHealth Hall in September 2026. The building is set to open by fall semester 2027.
Franklin Hall
This $31.5 million renovation will create a modern classroom building while addressing significant deferred maintenance issues. The Franklin Hall project, using bond funds and state capital dollars, is scheduled to open in January 2027.
Infrastructure/Deferred Maintenance
The college is investing in core infrastructure projects, like roof replacements, elevator upgrades, boiler and chiller replacements, and fire alarm improvements. Thus far, these projects total more than $15 million.
Automotive Technology Education
A new home for Automotive Technology education is expected to break ground in early 2027 and be completed in summer 2028. The $27 million project will feature high-bay labs designed to support the existing Ford ASSET and incoming Honda PACT academic training programs.
Classroom and Lab Upgrades
Both general education and specific in-demand programs have been upgraded, an investment of $3.3 million to date. For example, labs have been created for hydraulics and vacuum technology education to support the growth of advanced manufacturing in the region.
The Nestor Hall Auditorium
This $11.4 million renovation was completed in 2025 to upgrade the college’s 13,300-square-foot performing arts education space. The project provides professional-caliber systems and spaces for career instruction in fine arts design, production, and performance.
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Community Meeting Space
The college’s Conference and Event Services department provides a variety of meeting spaces and professional event services at two top-quality facilities on Downtown campus.
Conference space is also available to the community at Columbus State’s Delaware campus. Email us to learn more.
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