It's true that The Ohio State University offers something for everyone, and veteran and military students are certainly no exception. Ohio State offers an extensive community and many support systems for veterans.
What sets Ohio State apart?
Ohio State is a leader in the world of higher education. As a land grant-institution, Ohio State is proud to serve the state of Ohio and its citizens while preparing students to become leaders in a fast-changing world. Ohio State balances its close-knit community atmosphere with being one of the largest universities in the country. Students have endless opportunities for academic and social enrichment through the university and its surrounding communities.
At Ohio State, you'll join over 2,180 current veterans, dependents, active duty, National Guard and reserve members attending as undergraduate and graduate students; approximately 1,600 current faculty and staff veteran employees; and over 400 in the Air Force, Army and Naval ROTC programs.
Columbus, Ohio, is home to the comprehensive Chalmers P. Wylie VA Care Center, which includes one of the only full VA Women’s health clinics in the United States.
Ohio State also offers veteran and military students the support they need to succeed through a variety of services, programs, and activities, as well as strong relationships with off-campus veterans resources. New undergraduate students at the Columbus campus can work with a peer sponsor during their transition to Ohio State. The peer sponsors will host social, developmental and networking events throughout the school year where all military and veteran students are invited to participate. Vets 4 Vets is an organization created by and for veteran students to establish a social community for veterans on campus.
Ohio GI Promise
The Ohio GI Promise seeks to make Ohio the most veteran-friendly state in the country for higher education. To encourage veterans from across America to bring their families, leadership, motivation and maturity to Ohio's colleges and universities, former Gov. Ted Strickland, as part of the executive order creating the Ohio GI Promise, outlined criteria that would allow qualified veterans, and their dependents, from anywhere in the country to skip the 12-month residency requirement and attend the university system of Ohio schools at in-state tuition rates.
By demonstrating at least one year of honorable service and upon establishing domicile in Ohio, veterans and their families will be immediately treated as in-state residents for tuition, state educational subsidies, and financial aid purposes. Ohio State is pleased to offer this opportunity to our nation's veterans.
Ohio GI Promise Frequently Asked Questions
Yellow Ribbon Program
Did you know that Ohio State is a Yellow Ribbon School?
The Yellow Ribbon Program was established by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fee rate in their state. The institution can contribute a specified dollar amount of those expenses, and VA will match the contribution — not to exceed 50% of the difference. This provides the possibility for you to earn a degree at no cost.
For information on your eligibility and more, visit the Yellow Ribbon website. To learn about Yellow Ribbon funds at Ohio State, contact Mike Forrest at 614-247-8387.
Choosing a campus
In addition to our flagship campus located in Ohio's capital city, Columbus, Ohio State has campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark, as well as the Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster. You can even take a virtual tour of each campus.
Our regional campuses may be a beneficial option for incoming students who live nearby, prefer smaller class sizes or feel they may adjust to college more easily by starting at a regional location. There are several degrees that can be completed entirely at the regional campuses as well.
Scheduling a visit
Come visit Ohio State! Whether you are interested in the Columbus campus or one of our regional campuses, you can schedule a tour and/or an information session through our visits and events page.
If you're far from Columbus, click here to take a virtual tour that highlights several areas of campus.
Ohio Veteran Bonus Program
In addition to the GI Bill and other financial support programs, eligible veterans may receive $100 for each month spent on active duty (up to $1,000) in a number of locations. You can quickly determine your eligibility and apply by visiting the Ohio Veteran Bonus Program website.
Online programs
Ohio State offers a growing number of online programs taught by the same faculty, with the same admissions standards, and the same high-caliber learning experience as traditional degrees earned on campus. Ohio State’s Online Programs offer a more flexible way for former and current military students to earn a college degree any time, anywhere. Tuition for online degrees is eligible for the GI Bill or other military tuition assistance awards.
Visit the Ohio State Online website or contact your advisor to learn more. Online education will play an increasingly important role in Ohio State’s vision to be the leading land-grant university of the world. By having the opportunity for uncapped enrollment and to expand into new territories, Ohio State Online will help lead the university into the future of higher education.