The Mansfield campus of Ohio State University has recorded a fourth year in a row of rising enrollment, Richland Source reported.
A total of 470 first-year students began studies there this autumn. Compared with the prior year, that is 16 percent more freshmen, and the two-year gain exceeds 40 percent, the outlet said.
Recruitment spans a 21-county region across north central and northeastern Ohio. Half of the new class comes from Richland, Crawford and Ashland counties, with additional students from Canton, Akron and the Cleveland area, per the report.
Dean and Director Jason Opal pointed to the Regional Campus Commitment, which he said eliminates tuition for qualified students from lower- and middle-income families. According to Richland Source, the program covers households with adjusted gross income below $100,000 and works alongside Buckeye Opportunity Grants, which handle tuition and fee costs left after Pell awards. The combined aid applies when students begin at Mansfield and finish within four years, the outlet reported. Opal said more than 60 percent of the new class chose Mansfield rather than Columbus.
Biology, Business and Engineering Technology drew particular interest, the report said, while Psychology and English also grew. Education and Social Work remain core majors.
Opal told the outlet he expects enrollment to continue climbing.