COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Promise program, which has allowed eligible Columbus City Schools graduates to attend Columbus State Community College free of charge since 2022, faces some uncertainty after being excluded from the city's proposed 2026 budget.

The program is a partnership between the city of Columbus, Columbus City Schools, Columbus State Community College and I Know I Can. It provides free tuition, a $500 per semester stipend and additional student services.

Earlier this year, city officials announced plans to raise $25 million between public and private sources to keep the program running. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther says the city has invested $7 million in Columbus Promise to date.

However, funding for the program is not included in the city's 2026 proposed budget.

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