COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Dominican University announced Monday it would be enacting a freeze on tuition and room rates for the 2022-23 academic year.

The decision, which was approved Dec. 3 by the ODU Board of Trustees, was made in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the university said.

The plan includes tuition for students in ODU’s undergraduate, adult and continuing education and the majority of those in its graduate programs to remain at its current rate, while board rates will see a 2% increase.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption in many of our students’ lives, especially in ways that have impacted them and their families financially,” said ODU President Connie Gallaher. “More than ever, we are committed to doing everything possible to ensure our students have the ability to pursue and complete an ODU education. I am most grateful to our Board of Trustees for making this important decision, and I hope our students – both those currently attending ODU as well as future Panthers – find comfort in this announcement and see it as our way of affirming our commitment to providing an outstanding and affordable Catholic college education.”

Approximately 99% of ODU’s full-time undergraduate students received some form of financial assistance in 2021-22, including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study, the university said in a press release, with more than $32 million being awarded to students from university, federal and state funds, as well as private donations.

The university said all first-time ODU freshmen are considered for Merit Scholarships, which for incoming students in fall of 2022 could mean as much as $21,000 in tuition assistance each year during a four-year period. In addition to that amount, students also may earn an Honors Scholarship, which can range from $1,000 per year to as much as full tuition.

To learn more about ODU’s financial aid options, click here.