COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio State University President Ted Carter announced new programs guaranteeing free tuition for Ohioans on Wednesday.

During Carter’s first State of the University Address in 17 months, he provided insights into his Education for Citizenship 2035 initiative. The plan emphasizes academic excellence, top-tier clinical care, and student achievement, introducing new programs to support these objectives.

He mentioned that 57% of OSU students graduate without debt, aiming to improve this figure. Carter revealed that Ohio students with perfect SAT or ACT scores will not only be ensured admission to OSU but will also have all attendance costs covered, including tuition, housing, and dining. These students would also be granted a $5,000 research stipend.

Carter outlined that any Ohio student attending a regional campus with a family income under $100,000 annually will have their tuition paid. These students, in good academic standing after their first year, can transfer to the main campus and complete their degrees tuition-free.

He announced additional modifications, such as guaranteed positions at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center for all nursing students and the creation of a centralized office to assist students in securing internships. Carter also declared a permanent winter recess for all academic staff, allowing faculty a holiday break.

The initiatives aim to tackle the concerns of costly college education and encourage graduates to remain in Ohio. Carter expressed gratitude for the ability to announce these changes, particularly in challenging times for many universities.

“Higher education is going through a transformation right now, and some of it is pretty tough,” Carter said.

He noted that while many universities are reducing programs, instituting hiring bans, and contemplating athletic reductions, Ohio State, despite facing federal challenges, remains financially robust. Even with grant cancellations, the university has been able to sustain its 14,000 researchers.