Eligible Indiana counties shift to in-state tuition

Residents of 29 Indiana-Ohio border counties are now eligible to pay in-state tuition at Miami University’s Oxford campus. The decision expanded a reciprocity agreement that has long applied to the Hamilton and Middletown campuses.

The change comes as Miami raises tuition, room and board and course fees for incoming students. According to university estimates, the total direct costs for Ohio residents at Oxford’s campus in the 2025–26 academic year will be roughly $40,000 per year, while non-residents will pay about $62,800.

David Creamer, senior vice president for finance and business services, said the agreement reflects a partnership between Ohio and Indiana to improve affordability for nearby students.

“Miami is pleased to be part of a collaborative program between Ohio and Indiana that makes more affordable higher education opportunities available to the residents of western Ohio and eastern Indiana,” Creamer said.

Rachel Beech, vice president of enrollment management and success, said the expansion builds on the success of the existing regional campus agreement.

“Miami University has long seen the success of the Indiana-Ohio reciprocity agreement at our Hamilton and Middletown campuses,” Beech said. “That success encouraged us to expand the agreement to include all academic programs across all campuses, including Oxford.”

Beech said the change also simplifies the admissions process for families and counselors.

“It was a crucial move that helped to clear up confusion for students, families and high school counselors from the included region,” she said. “While students entering in fall 2025 benefited, we expect an even larger impact on fall 2026 enrollment.”

Applications from the eligible Indiana counties have already tripled compared to last year, an increase of about 166%.

Bethany Perkins, director of admissions, said extending the reciprocity to Oxford was a natural next step.

“We have for some time offered this benefit for our regional campuses,” Perkins said. “It was a critical move to extend this opportunity to Oxford as well. We’re thrilled to expand our travel to these counties and continue building relationships with students there.”

The 29 eligible Indiana counties bordering or lying close to Ohio include Adams, Allen, Dearborn, Franklin, Jay, Randolph, Ripley, Switzerland, Union and Wayne counties.

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Some returning Indiana students have expressed disappointment that the new rate applies only to incoming students beginning in fall 2025. University officials said the policy will make Miami more competitive with nearby institutions and strengthen enrollment in the years ahead.

“Expanding affordability and access is central to Miami’s mission,” Beech said. “We’re excited to welcome more Indiana students into the Miami community.”

kwanwz@miamioh.edu