USDA Announces $56 Million in Community Facilities Direct Loan for Ohio Northern University

(Ada, Ohio, October 8, 2026) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen R. Smith today announced a $56 million Community Facilities Direct Loan Program to Ohio Northern University. The funds will finance a new 60,000 square-foot health and wellness center and the renovation of an 18,000 square-foot classroom and lab facility for exercise physiology and health sciences. These community facilities will serve students and local community members, expanding access to essential health and wellness services in rural Ohio.

"Under President Trump's and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins' leadership, USDA is committed to building a healthier, more prosperous rural America," said Smith. "This $56 million investment will bring modern health and wellness facilities to Ohio Northern students and their neighbors, a responsible use of taxpayer dollars that will deliver lasting returns for this community."

The new center and renovated facility will expand access to essential health services in Ada while preparing for the next generation of health care professionals.

"Under the Trump-Vance Administration's leadership, USDA Rural Development delivers investments that bring renewed prosperity and opportunity to rural Ohio," said Rural Housing Service Administrator George Kelly.

USDA Rural Development administers this funding through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, which provides affordable financing to develop essential community facilities in rural areas.

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making RD's investment data accessible to the public. For more information about USDA Rural Development programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

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