Miami University of Ohio strives to achieve elite reputation

Associated Press

OXFORD, Ohio

A public university in southwest Ohio seeking to be considered among the nation’s elite schools wants to keep upgrading its recruiting classes.

But Miami University’s quest to lure more top students to Oxford will need more funding. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Miami’s latest freshman class came with an average ACT score of 27.5, a full point higher than last year. The goal is for a student average of 30 within six years.

School officials are looking for more private donations for scholarships and to attract more out-of-state students who pay higher tuitions.

Miami also wants to keep its best prospects from deciding to go to Ohio State, Cincinnati, the University of Michigan or other leading competitors in the region.

Miami has long touted itself as a “public Ivy” school, and wants to keep building its prestige.

“We are competing against a different set of schools with every move forward,” said Michael Kabbaz, associate vice president of enrollment. “That doesn’t come without a cost.”

And Miami also wants to stay affordable for Ohioans. Miami already has high tuition rates for an Ohio public school, with in-state tuition and fees totaling more than $13,220.

The school wants a diverse student body that includes low-income students and students of color.

Kabbaz said one way to “change the game” would be doubling donor-funded scholarships, while also recruiting more out-of-state freshmen. The school has been making budget cuts while offering more scholarship money.