Posted 10/22/25

In HB 96, Ohio’s biannual budget bill passed earlier this year, the State of Ohio made a commitment to encourage more of Ohio’s top achieving students to stay in state for college. Announced in a webinar with high school administrators and high school counselors on October 22, the Ohio Guaranteed Admission Program is now live for the Class of 2026. Guaranteed Admission includes all Ohio public institutions as well as several private colleges and universities. 

Here is what we know so far. We will update this blog as more information is released. 

First, the top five percent of any high school graduating class in Ohio should have already been notified that they can receive the Governor’s Merit Scholarship. https://highered.ohio.gov/educators/financial-aid/sgs/gms/gms
Therefore, those students in the top five percent of their graduating class also should know that they will be included in the Ohio Guaranteed Admission Program. They should expect to receive additional information by November 1. 

For the rest of the ten percent, Ohio high schools are now charged with determining who those students are through locally defined criteria. According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, those students should be notified no later than November 1. 

While the November 1 date seems troublesome for high school seniors who have already submitted their applications, there will be a way for those students to report their qualification for the Guaranteed Admission Program to their college admission offices. 

And if a senior learns that they qualify for the top ten percent, it will not be too late to apply through regular admission pathways as they will already have guaranteed admission. 

The Ohio Department of Higher Education has published more information online, including the list of colleges and universities, at https://highered.ohio.gov/guaranteed-admission 

States like Texas and Illinois already have very successful guaranteed admissions programs. After the success of the Governor’s Merit Scholarship, it is exciting to see Ohio step up again to encourage Ohio students to stay in Ohio for college. This news is coming out very fast in late October; please give your high school guidance counselors a few days to work through the details. 

As always, we are here to answer any questions you may have. You do not have to be a Class 101 student to reach out to us. We are here to support all students and families in making a successful transition after high school. To reach us, call 937-705-5113.