Benefits of the Partnership
Cost Savings
$2 million saved annually through shared operations, staffing and space utilization
Our partnership is rooted in efficiency, equity and shared purpose.
- Costs are allocated fairly using formulas based on enrollment, space usage or direct expenses. Flexible resource use ensures that fluctuations in enrollment never compromise student services.
- Strategic plans at both institutions commit to protecting and strengthening the partnership. Key administrators are tasked with the responsibility of protecting the equity of the relationship as well as looking for additional opportunities for expansion.
- Approximately 80 staff members in joint departments — facilities, advancement, business and finance, student life, library, IT, public safety, and marketing — serve both institutions.
Robust Student Services
5,606 total students enrolled at both institutions in autumn 2025
Collaboration allows our two smaller institutions to realize the economies of scale and associated benefits of a much larger institution.
- Together, COTC and Ohio State Newark provide a complete spectrum of educational opportunities from certificates and technical degrees at COTC to bachelor’s degrees at Ohio State Newark, including a seamless transition to complete 200-plus majors at Ohio State’s Columbus campus.
- Students at both institutions have access to holistic support from a shared student life office, including career services, counseling services, disability services, on-campus housing, recreation center and sports, student activities and organizations.
- A combined $2.9 million in scholarships for COTC and Ohio State Newark students helps more local students access postsecondary education.
Community Support
$75 million in infrastructure upgrades and new campus facilities since 2017 thanks to support from the community
- Major campus projects like the John and Mary Alford Center for Science and Technology and Louella Hodges Reese Hall were funded through a blend of shared resources and tens of millions of dollars in community support.
- Our campus is home to signature events, such as the Independence Day Concert and Fireworks attracting an estimated 25,000 people annually, and smaller events for public enrichment.