It's not too late to become a Buckeye!

COLUMBUS -- The lazy, hazy days of summer may be fraught with anxiety for those who have yet to nail down their future educational plans.

The Ohio State University wants Ohio's recent high school graduates to know that it's not too late to apply to college.

Ohio State's regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark and its Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster will be accepting applications up until the first day of class on September 23.

"There has never been a better time to be a Buckeye," said University President E. Gordon Gee. "Today's knowledge-based economy makes clear the need for a college degree, and Ohio State's regional campuses are great, affordable places to start."

Many degree programs can be completed at the regional campuses. Students also can transfer to the university's Columbus campus to complete their degrees, once they have amassed 45 credit hours while maintaining a minimum of a "C" average.

All of the regional campuses also welcome non-traditional students whose work or family obligations require them to stay close to home. More than 7,500 students attend Ohio State's five regional campuses.

"Whether students take classes at our regional campuses or at the Columbus campus, they are offered the same high-quality Ohio State education," said Gee.

Prospective students can visit the website, www.osu.edu/ApplyNow, to learn more about the application process for the regional campus of their choice.