Ohio Private Colleges Unite to Address Federal Higher Education Changes

🎓 Ohio Private College Leaders Rally in Washington Amid Federal Reforms

Recently, leaders from several Ohio private colleges put aside their competitive differences to travel to Washington, D.C., united in a mission to discuss the profound effects of sweeping federal higher education changes. Organized by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO), presidents from eight institutions met with lawmakers and officials, including those from the offices of U.S. Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted. This collaborative effort highlights a rare moment of solidarity among typically rival schools, all grappling with the same challenges posed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a landmark piece of legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025.

The trip, tacked onto a national conference, focused on educating policymakers about unintended consequences for small, tuition-dependent private colleges. Tim Collins, president of Walsh University in North Canton, led the charge, drawing from his prior lobbying experience at Johns Hopkins University. "We're trying to give them a perspective where they're like, 'Oh yeah, we hadn't thought about that,'" Collins remarked. C. Todd Jones, AICUO's president and general counsel, emphasized partnership: "The association believes that advocacy works best when institution leaders and elected officials work as partners to understand the impact of policy and legislation on higher education and the workforce in Ohio."

This unity comes at a critical time. Ohio's roughly 60 private nonprofit colleges educate about 150,000 students annually, often with higher graduation rates than public counterparts—14% more students complete in four years, according to AICUO data. Yet, these schools receive far less state and federal direct funding, making them vulnerable to shifts in student aid availability.

Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The OBBBA represents a comprehensive overhaul of the federal student aid system, aiming to curb skyrocketing student debt—now exceeding $1.7 trillion nationally—and promote accountability. Proponents argue it introduces transparency by tying aid to program outcomes, while critics, including Ohio private college leaders, warn it could limit access for deserving students.

Key to the bill is a restructuring of federal loans, previously allowing Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS loans up to the full cost of attendance. Now, strict caps apply, effective July 1, 2026. This shift forces reliance on private loans, which carry higher interest rates (often 8-12%) and fewer borrower protections like income-driven repayment forgiveness.

Beyond loans, the bill implements a "Gainful Employment for All" framework. All degree programs (except undergraduate certificates) must demonstrate that graduates' median earnings four years post-completion exceed benchmarks—high school graduates for sub-baccalaureate programs or bachelor's holders for graduate ones. Failure twice in three years means losing federal loan eligibility for two years, though Pell Grants remain available.

📊 Detailed Breakdown of Student Loan Changes Under OBBBA

To grasp the scale, consider the specifics:

• Parent PLUS Loans: Capped at $20,000 per year per dependent child and $65,000 lifetime aggregate per child, regardless of cost of attendance.
• Graduate Non-Professional Degrees: Annual limit $20,500; aggregate $100,000.
• Graduate Professional Degrees (e.g., MD, JD, PharmD): Annual $50,000; aggregate $200,000.
• Lifetime Cap: $257,500 across all federal loans (excluding PLUS for transitions).

Transition rules allow current Grad PLUS borrowers until June 30, 2029, or program completion. Part-time enrollment prorates limits. These changes are projected to save the government $44 billion over 10 years but could reduce federal lending by $8-10 billion annually, per Brookings Institution analysis.Brookings Institution report.

Why Ohio Private Colleges Feel the Squeeze

Unlike public universities bolstered by state appropriations—Ohio publics receive about $2.5 billion annually—private colleges like Walsh (2,160 students), Kenyon College (1,800 students), and University of Findlay (4,800 students) depend on tuition for 70-90% of revenue. Federal aid fills gaps for 80-90% of their students.

"There are students that would have had an opportunity that now won’t have the opportunity because of some of this stuff," Collins said, likening loan caps to government price controls on minivans ignoring production costs. Programs in arts (e.g., Cleveland Institute of Art) or liberal arts risk failing earnings tests, threatening viability.

Nationally, private nonprofits (1,700 institutions) educate 20% of undergraduates but face enrollment pressures from demographics—fewer high school graduates post-2025—and declining trust in higher ed. Ohio privates saw modest growth in 2025 (e.g., Capital University +24.5% first-year), but OBBBA could reverse that.

Spotlight on Key Players: Colleges and Leaders

The D.C. delegation included:

• Walsh University: Catholic institution emphasizing health sciences, business; President Tim Collins.
• Cleveland Institute of Art: Specialized in visual arts; vulnerable to earnings metrics.
• Kenyon College: Elite liberal arts college in Gambier; strong outcomes but tuition-sensitive families.
• University of Findlay: Known for equestrian, health programs; larger enrollment.
• Five others, representing small-to-mid-sized privates.

AICUO, founded 1969, advocates for 36 members educating 152,000 Ohioans. Explore university jobs at these institutions via AcademicJobs.com.

Broad Federal Landscape and Repayment Reforms

OBBBA pairs loan caps with repayment simplification: New borrowers choose standard (10-25 years tiered by balance) or Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)—income-based with 1-10% AGI tiers, $10 minimum, 30-year forgiveness. Saves $271 billion over 10 years but raises payments for low earners.

Pell Grants get $10.5 billion boost, Workforce Pell for short credentials, but exclusions for high SAI or full scholarships affect few. Tax perks like employer loan repayment ($5,250 indexed) help. Endowment taxes expand to smaller privates (1.4-8% tiers), exempting <3,000 tuition-payers.

Private colleges agree on accountability but seek tweaks. National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) FAQs highlight concerns.NAICU OBBBA FAQ.

Potential Impacts: Enrollment, Costs, and Student Choices

Projections: 25-40% of grad borrowers hit caps, shifting to private loans costing families $5,000+ more yearly. Programs like fine arts (median earnings ~$40,000 vs. $60,000 benchmark) at risk; 1.8% students affected nationally, higher for privates/for-profits.

In Ohio, privates' 69% enrollment coverage could dip. Students may favor publics or community colleges (e.g., Columbus State +8% 2025). Advice: Calculate aid early via FAFSA; consider scholarships, part-time work.Federal Student Aid updates.

Photo by Olivia Anne Snyder on Unsplash

• Prioritize high-ROI majors (e.g., nursing, business).
• Seek employer tuition aid.
• Explore scholarships on AcademicJobs.com.

Outlook: Advocacy, Adaptation, and Opportunities

No quick fixes—the bill is law—but AICUO pushes for revisits. Collins: "I think we’ll get another crack at it." Colleges adapt via cost cuts, endowments, private partnerships. Positive: RAP ensures progress; accountability weeds low-value programs.

For Ohio families, privates offer small classes (15:1 ratios), personalized advising. Rate professors at Rate My Professor for insights.

In summary, Ohio private colleges' D.C. push underscores resilience amid federal higher education changes. As OBBBA unfolds, staying informed aids navigation. Browse higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Share your thoughts in comments below.