UC launches Bearcat Affordability Grant

The new grant will provide a pathway to tuition-free college for students of families who make less than $75,000 per year. Beginning in fall 2026, the Bearcat Affordability Grant will cover the remaining cost of tuition for Ohio residents who are Pell eligible.

This move is another step in addressing college access and affordability for Ohio residents and especially students from Cincinnati. UC launched its Next Lives Here strategic direction in 2018 with the goal of ensuring that more students in this region received a college degree.  

"This grant program will be transformational for students, families and for this region," shared Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management. "Despite their dreams and years of hard work, college is just out of reach for so many students and families. This grant will make dreams a reality for literally thousands of students."

Combined with the CPS Strong initiative, which addresses readiness, access and student success for graduates of CPS who want to attend UC, the Bearcat Promise ensures students receive a career-focused education, adds Miner.

The Bearcat Affordability Grant will help ensure opportunities for students and a strong workforce in southwestern Ohio. Since the launch of the Next Lives Here strategic direction, the University of Cincinnati has grown by nearly 9,000 students.

“The Bearcat Affordability Grant strengthens families and communities across Ohio, from our largest cities to our rural regions," says UC President Neville Pinto. "By removing financial barriers and expanding access to a UC education, we are preparing many more students to enter high-demand fields and contribute to a workforce that keeps our state competitive. This is an investment not only in individual students, but in Ohio’s long-term prosperity and the employers who depend on a strong, steady talent pipeline.”

The launch of this grant follows UC's Decision Day on Dec. 10, 2025, where students received their admission letters and a personalized video welcoming them to the UC community.

The celebration and fanfare also included surprises for 10 high school students who received Marian Spencer Scholarships, which cover the total cost of tuition, books, room and board and a study abroad service trip. The scholarship celebrates high-achieving students from the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) district.

Overall, UC received more than 35,000 applications for admission for fall 2026, almost a 15% increase over last year.

The Bearcat Affordability Grant is open to freshmen students who are admitted to begin classes in fall 2026 and is open to all three UC campuses. The grant covers any remaining tuition costs for students after their Pell Grant and Ohio College Opportunity Grant have been applied.

Visit uc.edu/affordability-grant for more information.

Featured top image of UC students in Langsam Library. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.