Columbus State proposes free tuition tax levy

Columbus State Community College plans to put a property tax levy before November voters to fund a free tuition program for all new high school graduates who live in Franklin County.

Why it matters: College president David Harrison says this plan to expand free tuition would strengthen our local workforce by connecting more people with good-paying jobs.

• If approved, it would also offer discounted tuition to all other Franklin County residents —$1,000 less per academic year for a full-time student with 30 credit hours, per a news release.

State of play: Columbus State has offered free tuition to all Columbus City Schools graduates since 2022 through its Columbus Promise program.

• The college reports 80% of its graduates stay and work in Central Ohio.

Follow the money: The proposal would cost all Franklin County homeowners $67 for every $100,000 of home value, per unofficial estimates.

• It would generate $95 million annually.

The big picture: The request is a first for the college, made possible by a 2025 change in state law included in the biennial budget.

• In 2020, voters approved the college's first bond issue to support ongoing capital improvements on campus.

What's next: Aug. 5 is the deadline to place the tax issue on the Nov. 3 ballot.

• If passed, the new tuition rates would take effect in fall 2027.