As the state's #1 public university, Ohio State is committed to providing all Ohioans with access to a college education.
Ohio State attracts students from all 88 counties to our campuses.
To help prepare more Ohioans for success in work and life, Ohio State is part of the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) Network. Through STARS, you can receive free resources, like college counseling, financial workshops, funded campus visits, scholarships and more. Together, we are removing barriers and widening pathways for academically talented, rural, first-generation students from across the state.
At Ohio State, creating access to a college education includes our Buckeyes First initiative — a program that provides information, mentoring, and financial aid and scholarships to first-generation students.
Join our mailing list to learn more about Ohio State!
In the meantime, watch the video below to learn about all the benefits the STARS Network provides for rural and small-town students!
What our rural and small-town students are saying
Raegan Feldner
Living in a city like Columbus opened my eyes to a world I never knew. My beliefs and values stayed the same, but my perspective changed for the better.
Peyton Freshwater
Don't be afraid to come here! I know this school and city may seem big, but getting involved in clubs, making new friends, and taking advantage of Ohio State's resources will definitely help this place seem a lot more manageable.
Owen Angle
Ohio State, while big, is a comfortable place to be. The saying "you can make a big school feel small" really is true, and Ohio State has so many ways for you to get involved, meet good people and succeed all around.
You aren't going through this alone, either — your advisors, professors, and pretty much everyone here would do anything in their power to help you with anything they can.
Sinai Roberts
I have found so many ways to enhance my experience here. Some of my favorites have been attending the involvement fair in the fall so that I can see all of the ways to be active on campus, attending Black Student Association events (as a Black student this has given me a large sense of belonging in my community), and having a job at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center.
I believe that being a student here has not only given me the space to grow academically but also as an individual.
Grace Mullett
Moving to Columbus after growing up in the middle of the woods was certainly an adjustment! I felt overstimulated at times, but I gradually adjusted to the city. Now I love living in such a walkable city and campus, and there are so many awesome places that are just a short drive or bus ride away.
