Final State Budget Enacted, OCOG Funded at $41 Million for 2- and 4-Year Independent Colleges

Ohio's state operating budget, Amended Substitute HB 153, was approved by both chambers and signed by Governor Kasich on June 30. The appropriations level for the OhioCollege Opportunity Grant was left at the level originally proposed by the governor. Independent college students will receive $41 million in each year of the biennium for need-based aid through OCOG.

According to financial aid staff members at the Board of Regents, OBR will have the final award amounts available by late July — barely a month before the fall term begins at many public and independent campuses. Financial Aid offices on member campuses will receive notification directly from OBR on those appropriated amounts.

AICUO would like to thank the Governor, House of Representatives, and the Senate for their continued support of need-based aid for college students in Ohio. The OCOG program is an essential ingredient in the mix of support to ensure that the low-income students in this state can complete their education and contribute to the success of our state.