Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) is expanding its Coshocton County Promise and Knox County Promise programs to offer free college tuition to more residents of Coshocton and Knox counties.

The Coshocton County Promise and Knox County Promise have provided students from each county with an annual household income of $60,000 or less the opportunity to receive free tuition at COTC since 2018 and 2022, respectively. They may take classes at any of the college’s four campus locations and online.

As a part of its rollout of new and enhanced Promise programs — including the brand-new Licking County Promise — COTC is raising the maximum income requirement to $100,000.

This inclusive change will go into effect beginning this summer semester, which starts on May 18, and is open to current and new students. New students have until May 6 to apply for the summer semester.

The exciting upgrade of this program affords an opportunity to forever change the educational access of the region we serve,” said John M. Berry, PhD, president of COTC. “This financial support exemplifies our steadfast commitment to changing futures for the better. I can’t wait to see its lasting impact.

COTC’s data analysis predicts that the higher household income threshold and increased funding for both the Coshocton County Promise and Knox County Promise programs could allow more than 50 residents of those two counties to be newly eligible for a Promise program.

Through these initiatives, tuition — comprised of instructional and general fees — is entirely covered by institutional, federal and state aid as well as private scholarships for eligible students. The cost of books, course fees and living expenses are not included in the program, although they may be covered by additional financial aid.

Coshocton County Promise

The Coshocton County Promise has been possible through a strong and sustained partnership between COTC and the Coshocton Foundation’s Grace and Clarence Miller Scholarship endowment. Each year going forward, the foundation will generously grant the exact amount needed to cover the tuition of every student eligible for the Coshocton County Promise.

Our trustees are thrilled to help expand this program,” said Bob Pell, Coshocton Foundation Executive Director. “We expect to see even higher levels of participation from Coshocton County students who have a dream for their future. No longer faced with the financial roadblock of affording tuition, they can seek higher education to achieve that dream and truly transform their lives.

Knox County Promise

The growth of the Knox County Promise is possible through a strong and sustained partnership with the Knox County Foundation. Generous gifts from the Ariel Foundation, Mark and Denise Ramser, Marsha Rinehart, and Gordy and Fran Yance helped establish initial funds for the program. From now on, it will also be supported by a funding agreement through COTC’s innovative deal with the City of Mount Vernon to share Ariel Hall, which has housed the college’s Knox campus since 2012.

We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with COTC and excited about the expansion of the Knox County Promise program,” said Jeffrey Scott, Knox County Foundation Executive Director. “What started as a limited pilot program is now secured for years to come. We’re thrilled about extending opportunities to even more Knox County residents.

Eligibility

The Coshocton County Promise and Knox County Promise programs are open to new, current and returning students who don’t already hold an associate or a bachelor’s degree. To qualify, students must also:

• Live in Coshocton County or Knox County, and have been a resident for at least one year
• Have an annual household income of $100,000 or less reported on the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Enroll in at least one credit hour in an aid-eligible certificate or degree program at any of COTC’s four campus locations or online

Current and returning students must also meet the standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress, which includes maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA.

With no lifetime dollar limit, students can receive free tuition for every semester they attend COTC and continue meeting the Promise program requirements. Visit go.cotc.edu/promise for more details.

There is no special application for the Coshocton County Promise or Knox County Promise. Students are automatically considered if they enroll at COTC, complete the FAFSA each year and submit all documentation required to complete the financial aid process.

Learn More

To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with an admissions representative, contact the COTC Gateway Enrollment Center at 740-366-9222 or cotcadmissions@mail.cotc.edu.

COTC Promise Programs