Upjohn Author ORCID Identifier
DOI
10.17848/pbp2026-17
Issue Date
September 2026
Abstract
The Columbus Promise is a place-based, tuition-free college program designed to expand postsecondary access and economic mobility for graduates of Columbus City Schools. Launched with the high school class of 2022, the three-year pilot provides tuition support at Columbus State Community College (CSCC), a $500-per-semester stipend, and dedicated coaching and academic services. This evaluation, conducted by the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, examines outcomes for all three cohorts (2022, 2023, and 2024), using administrative data, a comparison group of Columbus City Schools graduates from 2017–2021, regression-adjusted estimates of academic outcomes, and a synthetic difference-in-differences analysis of overall college enrollment. Findings show that the Columbus Promise substantially increased college-going by Columbus City Schools graduates to more than double the pre-Promise rate. Higher enrollment also translated into higher credential attainment. The program increased overall college enrollment rather than simply shifting students from four-year institutions to CSCC. Academic outcomes are improving across successive cohorts. Program effects varied across student subgroups, with generally stronger outcomes for women, students with above-median high school GPAs, College Credit Plus (dual enrollment) participants, students from households with higher incomes, and students graduating from higher-performing high schools. Overall, the pilot demonstrates success in widening access and increasing credential attainment. However, the study also highlights persistent disparities that warrant targeted support as the initiative continues beyond its pilot phase.
Sponsorship
City of Columbus
Subject Areas
EDUCATION; Postsecondary education; Postsecondary access; Promise scholarships; LABOR MARKET ISSUES
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Citation
Miller-Adams, Michelle, Kyle Huisman, Kevin Hollenbeck, and Bridget Timmeney. 2026. "The Columbus Promise: Three-Year Pilot Evaluation Report." Report prepared for the City of Columbus. http://dx.doi.org/10.17848/pbp2026-17