Reps. Troy, Brennan Provide Sponsor Testimony on Legislation to Lower the Cost of College in Ohio

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Daniel Troy (D-Willowick) and Sean Brennan (D-Parma) Wednesday provided sponsor testimony in the Ohio House Higher Education Committee on House Bill (HB) 462. If enacted, the legislation would re-establish the Ohio Student Choice Grants Program that existed for approximately 20 years, but was eliminated in 2009 due to a state budget crunch.

“What the program did, and would once again do, is provide uniform grants to all full-time undergraduate students from Ohio at a private, nonprofit university or college to narrow the tuition gap between public universities and colleges,” said Rep. Troy.

“AICUO supports House Bill 462 to revive the Student Choice Grant Program to help retain Ohio’s future workforce. Ohio’s independent institutions have a strong return on investment given that they receive no operating dollars from taxpayers. Ohio’s independent colleges have the highest graduation rate of the higher education sectors, as well as the lowest student default rate – meaning our students get jobs.  AICUO institutions have the capacity and desire to graduate as many current and future students as possible, bringing more economic growth to Ohio and building the state’s workforce pipeline,” said C. Todd Jones, President and General Counsel, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio

Under the program, an eligible private, nonprofit-enrolled Ohio student would receive a grant equaling 25% of the average per-pupil state subsidy (i.e. State Share of Instruction (SSI)) at public universities in the previous biennium. Based on average numbers, that 25% annual award per student would be $1909 (calculated against the 2023 average state subsidy of $7635).

“I am proud to be a part of this bill that will help turn the brain-drain into the brain-retain and brain-gain in Ohio. The Choice Grant played a role in my success as a student and making this investment in Ohio’s learners will pay big dividends for them, the communities in which they learn and live, and the entire state of Ohio,” said Rep. Brennan.

“I believe that this program made a lot of sense during its existence. It incentivizes an Ohio student to remain in Ohio, to attend an Ohio institution of higher education, and does so at ¼ of the cost to the state budget as compared to enrollment at a public state institution. It is estimated that this program would see student participation of approximately 50,000 individuals,” said Rep. Troy.

Rep. Troy and Rep. Brennan both graduated from the University of Dayton. Rep. Brennan was a recipient of the Ohio Student Choice Grants, and went on to be a public school teacher for 30 years.

The legislation awaits further hearings and a vote in the Ohio House Higher Education Committee before advancing to the Ohio House floor. 

The testimony is available to watch here.