A new proposal in Ohio is sparking debate across the state: make college tuition completely free for every in-state student – and pay for it by taxing the wealthiest residents.
What the Bill Would Do
House Bill 854, introduced by Representatives Munira Abdullahi of Columbus and Tristan Rader of Lakewood, would prohibit Ohio’s public colleges and universities from charging in-state residents instructional, general, or special fees for up to eight semesters – roughly the length of a four-year degree.
In plain terms: an Ohio student attending a state school could earn a bachelor’s degree without paying tuition. With average tuition around $13,000 a year, supporters estimate the plan could cover more than 244,000 students.
How It Would Be Paid For
The funding mechanism is what’s drawing the most attention. The bill proposes a new income tax on Ohioans earning more than $500,000 a year, with a higher bracket kicking in above $1 million. It also includes a 1% fee on residential properties that sell for $2 million or more.
Backers project the combined revenue could reach roughly $3.1 billion – the amount they say is needed to make the tuition guarantee work statewide. The structure is designed so that the cost falls on the highest earners rather than middle-class taxpayers.
The Debate
Supporters argue the plan would open higher education to working families and help reduce the crushing weight of student debt that follows graduates for decades. They frame it as an investment in Ohio’s workforce and future economy.
Critics raise a different set of concerns. Some worry that raising taxes on top earners could push wealthy residents – and their tax dollars – out of the state. Others question whether the revenue projections are realistic and whether the program could remain solvent over the long term. Republicans, who control the Ohio legislature, have generally opposed new taxes on high earners.
What Happens Next
For now, House Bill 854 is just that – a bill. It has been assigned to the Workforce and Higher Education Committee but has not yet received a hearing. Given the political makeup of the legislature, its path forward is uncertain.
Still, the proposal taps into one of the most persistent debates in the country: who should pay for college, and how far should government go to make it affordable? Ohio’s plan puts that question squarely on the table.
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