COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State University is facing criticism after announcing a tuition increase for incoming freshmen this fall.

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio State tuition is increasing for incoming freshmen

  • The cost will be frozen for four years

  • OSU says this is due to program needs, changes in costs, and market data

In-state tuition, not including room and board, will be close to $12,500 dollars per year.

The university said on its website that it sets rates based on program needs, changes in costs, and market data.

Still, Ohio State sits in the middle for tuition at public universities in Ohio. Incoming students at Miami University will pay more than $16,000 dollars per year, while those at Kent State will pay a little less than $12,000.

Many schools offer a tuition guarantee, meaning the price won’t increase in the time it takes a student to earn their degree.

For those incoming OSU students, the increase will be an extra $549 from what it is now. The board of trustees also voted to increase room and board costs by 4.6%.

OSU says tuition increases have been below the inflation rate ever since it switched from quarters to semesters in 2012.

The university’s announcement didn’t sit well with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who issued a statement saying, “Ohio families are suffering from significant cost increases due to inflation… I am disappointed that Ohio State is raising tuition on incoming first-year students. This is not a wise decision.”