College is possible. We promise.
The Columbus Promise
Free tuition plus $500/semester scholarship, and dedicated support so you can succeed
The Columbus Promise is a joint initiative of the City of Columbus, Columbus City Schools, I Know I Can, and Columbus State Community College to boost college-going, student success, and social mobility for area students. We believe that without the worry of paying for tuition, and with your own dedicated advisor to help you access academic advising, career counseling, social and wellness opportunities, and essential support services, you can thrive in college and succeed in a well-paying, in-demand career of your choice.
The Columbus Promise Scholarship
Find out the requirements for earning and maintaining your Columbus Promise scholarship.
New Students
Get a head start on next steps for incoming students and make the most of our free career and college readiness programs.
Contact Us
Meet the team! We’re available by phone, email, virtual drop-in, and in person.
Scholar Resources
Incoming and current Columbus Promise Scholars, orient yourself to Columbus Promise and Columbus State.
Accept Your Columbus Promise
- Apply to Columbus State
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (Columbus State's FAFSA School Code is 006867)
- Complete The Columbus Promise application
The Smart Choice
At Columbus State, we believe there’s a smarter way to move from high school to college to career for people who want more – and more affordable – options than the traditional four-year path. If your goal is to get the education and training you need for a good-paying job in an in-demand field as soon as possible, we offer two-year associate degrees that will prepare you to get hired in one of Columbus’ top industries. If your goal is a bachelor’s degree, we offer two-year associate degrees designed to help you transfer to a four-year university for half the usual cost. Our Preferred Pathway partners guarantee admission to Columbus State grads.
Like all Columbus State students, you will have over 150 areas of study to choose from. You’ll also benefit from Columbus State’s small class sizes, instructors who put teaching first, and ample in-person and online tutoring options.
A Promise You Can Count On
At Columbus State, we know that life and learning are connected, so we’re creating a Columbus Promise experience that incorporates both. We also know that sometimes life and learning get complicated, so we use our superpowers – community and connection – to help students keep going. As a Columbus Promise Scholar at Columbus State, here’s what you can count on from us:
A college degree that’s valued and affordable.
Your Columbus State degree is valued by employers and four-year universities. Employers recruit our grads because they’re prepared with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to hit the ground running. And our university partners guarantee our grads admission to their schools because they know our students graduate ready for success in any classroom. With free tuition and a $500/semester scholarship, you’ll be part of a community of students coming from Columbus City Schools, each making the same smart choice to get 2+ years of college for FREE.
A jumpstart on success.
Get ahead and stay ahead. As a Promise Scholar at Columbus State, you’ll get an early start to exploring academic and career opportunities through summer programming. At the Columbus Promise Summer Bridge Program, you will develop study skills and success strategies to prepare for your first semester of college. At Orientation, you’ll learn how to get involved in campus clubs and organizations and access Columbus State supports, like tutoring, food assistance, and accessibility services. After Orientation, your Columbus Promise Advisor will personally guide you through course selection and registration for your first semester. And through it all, you’ll start building that network of college friends that you’ll have with you for the rest of your life!
An advocate to help you find your way.
As a Promise Scholar at Columbus State, you’ll have your own dedicated Columbus Promise Advisor who will help you transition from high school to college, find career and educational goals that match your interests, make a plan, and stay on track to achieve those goals.
A home away from home.
We’ve created a homebase just for Columbus Promise Scholars—our newly renovated Columbus Promise Scholar Space—where you can relax between classes, study, connect with other Promise scholars, talk with your advisor, participate in social, wellness, financial literacy, and career exploration activities, or just be.
An instant community.
From the start, you’ll have lots of opportunities to connect with other Promise Scholars who share your experience. And since college is also about meeting new people, exploring different interests, and building a community of your own, you’ll also have access to everything else Columbus State has to offer—from the Black Student Union, CSCC Pride, and Latin American Student Association to concert band, chorus, theatre, Honors Program, and STEM Club. If you’re looking to get a head start on your career, you’ll want to consider our paid apprenticeship programs that get your foot in the door and put money in your pocket.
A career plan and coach.
After you get oriented to college life, your Columbus Promise Advisor will help you design a personal academic and career plan to help you meet your goals. You’ll have the opportunity to explore different career paths and get the academic and study skills support to stay on track. As you make progress towards your degree, you’ll work with your Career Coach on your resume, internships and mentorships, job search, and interview preparation to help you get hired.