Responding to our time, preparing for our future
State of the Budget
In a time of uncertainty and disruption, our call as a university remains to build a sustainable future for the students we serve, to be stewards of this remarkable and historic institution, and to help this and future generations grow in knowledge, wisdom, and lifelong learning.
To achieve these goals, we must respond swiftly to fiscal challenges that have been significantly amplified by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, we must do so in a way that does not diminish our academic quality or the student experience we deliver, but rather ensures that we continue to strengthen both.
This task will require collaboration, innovation and ongoing, purposeful commitment to our students and their success.
Quick Links
Enrollment and the Pandemic Have Collective Impact
Enrollment Changes and the Pandemic
Ohio University saw significant increases in enrollment through 2016, making us one of America’s fastest growing universities. In the last four years, however, we have seen a steady decline in enrollment. The arrival of the pandemic increased the urgency of our response to that change. Hear from University leaders on enrollment challenges.
COVID-19 fuels decline in tuition, fees
The arrival of COVID-19 increased the University’s urgency to respond to longer-term enrollment challenges. The pandemic drove $22.8 million in COVID-19 revenue losses in FY20 and is anticipated to drive increased enrollment decline. In the wake of the arrival of COVID-19 universities across the country have seen enrollment impacts and OHIO is no exception. This has amplified enrollment challenges that predate the pandemic and will force further unexpected revenue declines in FY21.
What This Means for Bobcat Students – Our Continued Commitment
As we make necessary changes in response to financial challenges, we can and we will protect the student experience, evolving in ways that are responsive to students’ interests and needs.
- We will continue to invest in in-demand programs that current and future generations of Bobcats are seeking through our strategic reserve funds.
- We remain committed to affordability, predictability and cost transparency through our OHIO Guarantee+ program – providing level-rate housing, dining and fees, locked in for 12 consecutive semesters
- We will remain dedicated to protecting the unique Ohio University student experience and ensuring the best possible student outcomes. That commitment will drive our decisions.
- We will address the institution’s current budget challenges together while continuing to monitor and react to national changes in the higher education sector.
Ask Us
We are committed to transparency with our University community regarding our financial challenges and how we are responding to them. We also invite your constructive solutions and ideas. We will continue to update our FAQ both with new information on this developing situation and answers to your specific questions.