Since 2014, the number of freshmen from low-income families entering this university in Ohio has increased 32 percent. Their secret is no secret at all; they are simply giving more and more financial aid to low-income students who otherwise might not be able to go to college.
Supporting more low-income students
In 2013, Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, decided to increase need-based financial aid to reach more students from the Columbus area. It worked. Enrollment from Columbus increased from six freshmen in the fall of 2013 to 30 the following year. Last fall, the school also extended the enhanced-aid program to students graduating from the Whitehall, South-Western and Westerville school districts.
Increasing diversity
In addition, Otterbein University has had a history of enrolling students of color. The school admitted students of color before the Civil War, and have admitted women since its beginning in 1847. Also, the school has agreements with Columbus State Community College where students who complete two years at Columbus State can transfer to the four-year school for a bachelor’s degree.
All of these programs have resulted in more education opportunities for low-income students. The financial aid covers tuition and fees, room and board and other expenses for the year except for $8,000, which is far more affordable than the total listed price of more than $41,000.
For more details about their low income program, visit www.otterbein.edu/public/FutureStudents/affordability.aspx
