Many students choose to start their college education at a community college because of the more affordable tuition and convenience these schools offer. The best community colleges in Ohio serve as an effective stepping stone into both new careers and higher education opportunities for students.
This article includes an overview of 10 of the best community colleges in Ohio, as well as the top programs they offer, their graduation rates, and other key details. In addition to reasonable tuition rates, these schools have strong ties with four-year universities, making transferring credits easy for students. For those who are interested in distance learning, we’ve also included a list of the best online community colleges in Ohio.
How Many Community Colleges Are in Ohio?
There are 23 community colleges in Ohio. These colleges provide two-year associate degrees and other short postsecondary education programs in online and on-campus formats. Some also provide four-year undergraduate degrees in various fields of study or make credit transfer to four-year universities easy for students.
What Is the Biggest Community College in Ohio?
The biggest community college in Ohio is Eastern Gateway Community College, with over 25,000 students enrolled. Cuyahoga Community College and Columbus State Community College come in second and third respectively, with around 23,000 and 22,000 students.
What Are the Best Community Colleges in Ohio?
Ranking | Community College | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Rhodes State College | 47% | 9:1 |
2 | Zane State College | 44% | 20:1 |
3 | Northwest State Community College | 39% | 24:1 |
4 | Edison State Community College | 38% | 24:1 |
5 | Washington State Community College | 32% | 12:1 |
6 | Columbus State Community College | 28% | 20:1 |
7 | Sinclair Community College | 27% | 17:1 |
8 | Lorain County Community College | 27% | 15:1 |
9 | Cuyahoga Community College | 24% | 16:1 |
10 | North Central State College | 18% | 16:1 |
The Best Community Colleges in Ohio: Explained
The following list of the best community colleges in Ohio was ranked according to each school’s graduation rate, which is a good indicator of the quality of education provided as well as the support offered by teachers and other faculty. In addition to its strong community college options, Ohio also offers numerous recreational and professional opportunities, making it a great place to live.
Best Online Community Colleges in Ohio
- Cuyahoga Community College. Over 30 online degree, certificate, and professional development programs offered by Tri-C make it one of the best online community colleges in Ohio. Hybrid programs are also an option for students.
- Columbus State Community College. This community college offers a wide range of online certificates, many of which are unique to Columbus State. It also has online associate degree programs in a wide range of fields, such as accounting, criminal justice, advertising, and logistics.
- Stark State College. There are a variety of online associate degrees available from Stark State College, including in business, finance, IT, and the liberal arts. Online certificates are also available in a variety of study areas.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Other Ohio Community College Rankings
The best overall community colleges in Ohio and the best online community colleges in Ohio aren’t the only high-ranking community colleges in the state. Here are some others that excel in areas like bachelor’s degrees offered and ease of transferability. Because nursing is such a popular field of study, we also included the best Ohio community colleges offering nursing programs.
Best Community Colleges in Ohio for Transfer
- Sinclair Community College. More than 100 colleges and universities have signed agreements with Sinclair to allow students to transfer their courses to apply to their bachelor’s degree. Areas of study include the liberal arts, business and public service, STEM, and health sciences.
- Cuyahoga Community College. This community college provides students with associate degrees that offer transferable credits to partnering four-year universities.
- Columbus State Community College. Through coordination with nearly 40 different universities and colleges both in state and out of state, CSCC allows students of all of its programs to easily transfer credits toward the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.
Best Community Colleges for Nursing in Ohio
- Lakeland Community College. Lakeland’s associate degree program for nursing students is highly regarded and reputed in Ohio. In 2021, the college had an NCLEX-RN licensure exam pass rate of almost 90 percent, while producing an average of 117 graduates in nursing every year.
- Owens Community College. Owens provides a variety of degree and certificate programs in nursing. Its nursing associate degree holders have an NCLEX pass rate of 91.8 percent, and the school produces nearly 190 nursing graduates annually.
- Mercy College of Ohio. Mercy’s program for registered nurses can be completed in five semesters. Its graduates have an NCLEX pass rate of 88.3 percent. More than 130 nursing students graduate from the program every year.
Best Ohio Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor’s Degrees
- Eastern Gateway Community College. At EGCC you can earn online bachelor’s degrees in three different majors in association with Kent State University. These include the Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Insurance Studies.
- Sinclair Community College. Sinclair provides two bachelor’s degrees to accommodate the workforce in its locality. The areas of study are Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot (AVTP.S.BAS) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS.S.BAS).
- Lorain County Community College. This college has been named one of the most affordable community colleges in Ohio for associate and bachelor’s degrees. It was the first school in Ohio to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Micro Electromechanical Systems.
Best Associate Degrees
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Best Community College Programs in Ohio
The best community college programs in Ohio offer an education that leads to in-demand jobs with good pay. This includes programs in the fields of information technology and engineering, the liberal arts, nursing, criminal justice and law, and business administration and management.
Nursing
Almost all of the community colleges on our list of best community colleges in Ohio offer programs in nursing. It is among the most popular majors pursued at public colleges in Ohio and across the US. There are a variety of programs available for prospective students in the form of bachelor’s and associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a registered nurse in Ohio is $71,640. This makes getting a college education in nursing a smart and lucrative move for those looking for employment in the ever-booming healthcare industry.
Business Administration and Management
Associate Degrees in Business Administration and Management are widely offered by community colleges in Ohio. These are often Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Business degrees. Associates of Applied Science degrees are also prevalent.
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
A healthy percentage of students who attend a community college enroll in programs related to criminal law and criminal justice. Popular associate degrees in this field are in computer forensics, law enforcement, and criminal justice technology.
Liberal Arts
Liberal arts degrees encompass many areas of study and provide a broad college education. This makes it the most popular degree option for community college students. Almost all of the Ohio community colleges on our list offer degrees and certificates in majors related to liberal arts.
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Information Technology and Engineering
Programs like web development, cyber security, and network administration are in high demand all over the world because jobs in these fields are booming. Programs related to IT and engineering can be found at most community colleges and, due to their technological nature, are typically offered both online and on campus.
Ohio Community College Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for community colleges in Ohio include a high school transcript, entrance exam scores, letters of recommendation, an application form, a personal statement, and an interview.
Ohio Community College GPA Requirements
Most community colleges in Ohio don’t have a specific GPA requirement for incoming students, as evident from the list of colleges given above. However, students enrolled in their programs do have to maintain a minimum GPA in order to graduate and be awarded their certificate or degree.
Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in Ohio
The residency requirements for community colleges in Ohio are fairly consistent across the board. You must provide proof of having lived in the US or in the state of Ohio for the 12 months preceding the starting date of the degree program. If students want to change their residency to Ohio, they should also update all relevant legal items, like their driver’s license and voter ID.
Residency status is crucial to be eligible for lower tuition rates and other community college costs. For example, at Sinclair college, the tuition for in-district students is $136 per credit hour, for out-of-district students is $183 per credit hour, and for out-of-state students is $339 per credit hour.
Ohio Community College Age Requirements
Many Ohio community colleges require that students be at least 18 years of age to enroll. For example, Cuyahoga Community College’s general admission requirements state clearly that candidates should be a minimum of 18 years of age. However, there are colleges on our list that do not specifically mention an age requirement for admission.
Ohio Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary
- Application form
- High school transcripts
- Entrance exam scores (SAT or ACT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Why Study in Ohio?
You should consider studying in Ohio because it has more than 120 public and private institutions of higher education that offer affordable degree programs. Look to Ohio schools for particularly strong programs in IT, engineering, nursing, business, and liberal arts. In addition to solid education options, Ohio offers a vibrant, urban, wealthy environment for students to enjoy.
It is one of the most business-focused states in the US, which makes it a good place for entrepreneurs and other business professionals. From its award-winning libraries to its renowned vacation destinations, Ohio can be a great place to get your college education and experience life in general. A lower cost of living than other US states helps ensure that you can experience all Ohio has to offer.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Ohio is lower than the national average and is also lower than the cost of living in neighboring states such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. Costs associated with housing, healthcare, and transportation all score lower than the average for the nation as well.
Educational Opportunities
With 120 higher education institutions, including 23 community and technical colleges, Ohio likely has your educational needs covered. Students who want to begin their postsecondary education at a community college with the intention of transferring credits to a four-year university later should have no problem finding one that makes this easy for them.
Job Opportunities
A total of 5.7 million civilians make up Ohio’s growing workforce. Jobs in all sectors, excluding the farming industry, have grown steadily over the past several months, with a 2.2 percent overall jump year-over-year in April 2022.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, there has been an unprecedented increase in the availability of jobs within the state. As more job vacancies are created and fewer workers are available to fill them, students graduating from the best community colleges in Ohio get more bargaining power in terms of their starting salary.
Ohio Employment Outlook for Community College Students
With a gross domestic product (GDP) of almost $676 billion in 2018, Ohio’s economy ranked seventh in the United States and 36th globally. On the other hand, the state lags behind several other states in terms of production. For example, its GDP per capita is lower than that of the US overall. In a 2019 analysis of 121 of the largest metropolitan areas of the US, Ohio areas rated above average in terms of occupation opportunities and employment outlook.
5 In-Demand Ohio Jobs
The top five most in-demand jobs in Ohio that usually require an associate degree are related to the medical, information technology, engineering, business management, and therapy fields. Let’s look at the best Ohio jobs in these industries.
What Community Colleges in Ohio Have Dorms?
None of the community colleges in Ohio on our list has dorms. However, many junior colleges and technical institutes in the state do offer students on-campus housing. These schools include Hocking College, Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, Rosedale Bible College, and Bradford School. Living on campus tends to cost more than living off campus.
Ohio Community Colleges With Dorms
- Bradford School
- Hocking College
- Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
- Rosedale Bible College
What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in Ohio?
A winter intersession is a fast-tracked session of just a few weeks offered by schools between the fall and spring semesters. Instead of taking this time off or working, some students prefer to enroll in the winter intersession so that they can complete their degree faster or take fewer credit hours during the regular semesters.
In Ohio, Washington State Community College provides a winter intersession, and Columbus State Community College provides flexible five-week classes for specific majors during the winter break.
Ohio Community Colleges With Winter Intersession
- Washington State Community College
- Columbus State Community College
What Community Colleges in Ohio Have Summer Classes?
Some of the best community colleges in Ohio that offer summer classes are Columbus State Community College, Stark State College, and Lorain County Community College. Summer courses provide the same opportunity that winter intersessions do. They can help students complete their study programs quicker or spread out their credits over the year if they have other responsibilities in addition to school.
Ohio Community Colleges With Summer Classes
- Columbus State Community College
- Cuyahoga Community College
- Stark State College
- Lorain County Community College
How to Apply to Community College in Ohio
Although each community college in Ohio will have its own specific admissions process, there are a few requirements that they generally all have in common. This includes completing an online application, paying the associated fee, and providing all the required documents, such as academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation.
Ohio Community College Application Steps
- Select the appropriate online application for your program and complete it.
- Submit all required documents, such as high school or college transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, a personal statement, etc.
- Pay any associated application fee.
- Apply for financial aid.
- Schedule an appointment with an advisor and attend orientation.
Cost of Community Colleges in Ohio
The cost of tuition for community colleges in Ohio averages $4,330 per year for an in-state student, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and $7,528 for an out-of-state student. The data we obtained from the schools on our lists shows that their tuition for in-state students ranges from $119 to $189 per credit.
Are Community Colleges Ever Free in Ohio?
No, there are no free community colleges in Ohio. However, there are ways to get some free, or almost-free, credits. Ohio students in grades seven to 12 can take advantage of Ohio’s College Credit Plus program, which enables them to take courses at local community colleges before graduating high school.
Which Community Colleges Are Free in Ohio?
There aren’t any colleges that provide free programs to students, with maybe one exception for Columbus City School’s graduating seniors. Based on the Columbus Promise program, these students are now able to enroll in Columbus State Community College and receive free tuition for up to six terms, allowing them to complete two-year degrees and shorter certificates for free.
Who Qualifies for Free Community College in Ohio?
According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, any person age 60 or over can take courses for free at two-year community colleges and four-year universities in the state. This policy was adopted to make education opportunities more inclusive to all age groups and to develop the culture of learning irrespective of age.
Scholarships for Community Colleges in Ohio
There are many options for scholarships for community colleges in Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, these scholarships include the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, the Ohio College Opportunity Grant, the Ohio War Orphans & Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship, and many others.
How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in Ohio
- Make sure that you meet all of the scholarship’s requirements, such as a minimum GPA.
- Complete the scholarship application, which is usually available online.
- Submit all of the required documents.
- Check your application status for notification of any award received.
Ohio Community College Scholarships List
- American Legion Auxiliary of Ohio’s Department President’s Scholarship | Amount: $1,000-$1,500. This scholarship is granted to college freshmen who are descendants of a veteran.
- Ohio College Opportunity Grant | Amount: $800. This is awarded to students with a high need for financial support, as determined through their FAFSA application.
- American Chemical Society Rubber Division’s Undergraduate Scholarship | Amount: $5,000. These scholarships are awarded to students who show an interest in technical disciplines relevant to the rubber industry.
Other Ohio Community College Financial Aid Options
Besides scholarships, there are plenty of other Ohio community college financial aid options, including college or government grants and federal student aid programs. You can also look into forms of financial aid related to your specific field of study, such as scholarships and grants for engineering students.
Federal Student Aid Programs
There is a wide range of federal aid available to community college students. Some of it is the type that needs to be paid back, such as federal loans, while other types do not. For example, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants provide funding that doesn’t need to be repaid. For students who want to work to help pay for their education, the Federal Work-Study Program helps with part-time job placement.
College Student Aid Programs
Many community colleges offer their own funding options. For example, the emergency aid provided by Lorain County Community College is for students who need immediate financial assistance. Support is in the form of a loan that must be paid back. However, community colleges also typically offer scholarships and grants that don’t require repayment.
State Student Aid Programs
The Ohio Department of Higher Education offers several funding opportunities for community college students. The Choose Ohio First Scholarship is for students pursuing education in eligible STEM fields, such as aerospace, medicine, and information technology. There are also aid programs specifically for students in other fields, veterans, and others.
Student Loans
Most of the money that students borrow in the form of loans to pay for school comes from the federal government. However, there are also loans available from state agencies and private organizations like banks. This money and any accrued interest will need to be paid back. Before accepting a loan, be sure that you understand the full amount of the loan and the payment plan.
The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation
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What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in Ohio?
The financial aid requirements for community colleges in Ohio start with submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Once your application is approved, you are then eligible for multiple financial aid options through state, federal, or private sponsored funding.
Ohio Financial Aid Requirements: Overview
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Enrollment in any college-level degree or certificate program
- Valid social security number
- Maintain a good academic record throughout the degree program
Should You Attend Community College in Ohio?
Yes, you should consider attending a community college in Ohio for a number of reasons. First, a community college education can be more affordable in Ohio than in other states. Lorain County Community College, for example, has the most affordable bachelor’s degree program in the state and the 17th most affordable one in the nation. Ohio also has a lower cost of living than the nation’s average.
With solid job growth happening in most sectors, Ohio offers strong job prospects for college graduates. Even though the state has a lower cost of living than its neighboring states and the nation as a whole, its salaries match and sometimes beat the national average, making your money go farther.
Ohio Community College Rankings: Methodology
Our ranking of Ohio community colleges is based mainly on graduation rate. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect a student’s chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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Best Ohio Community Colleges FAQ
Yes, community colleges are a good option for higher education. They charge less per credit hour than four-year universities do, and many of their programs qualify graduates for the same entry-level jobs as bachelor’s degrees do. You can also likely transfer at least some of your credits earned at a community college toward a bachelor’s degree, reducing its cost to you.
Cuyahoga Community College is the cheapest community college in Ohio, charging just $119 per credit for an in-state student. Keep in mind that the total cost of your education includes more than just tuition. Fees, housing, books, and other costs must also be considered.
Ohio currently does not offer a College Promise program. The Ohio College Community Grant is Ohio’s only needs-based grant, and it is currently underfunded. The state plans to expand its needs-based aid to be able to better serve its long-term education and workforce development goals in the near future.
Ohio community colleges are funded mostly by the state’s taxpayer money, which is regulated by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
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