The Ohio State University (OSU) has recorded the largest first-year class in its history, welcoming 9,530 students to its Columbus campus for the 2024-25 academic year, contributing to a total enrollment of 66,901, which is a 2.3% increase from the previous year. Graduate student enrollment also reached a record high of 11,408. Ohio State President Walter Carter Jr. emphasized the university's commitment to providing affordable and accessible education, noting that 71.1% of incoming freshmen are from Ohio. The university's four-year graduation rate has improved, now standing at nearly 73%. Meanwhile, Cleveland State University also reported increased enrollment figures, with almost 2,800 new undergraduates, over 1,000 new graduate students, and a 12.5% rise in transfer students. Both institutions reflect a growing demand for higher education in their respective regions.