Stark State College sets new enrollment record
with 11.3% growth and 8521 students

Stark State College, Ohio’s largest technical college, has reported the highest enrollment in the 47-year history of the College, with 8521 students on campus this fall, an increase of 11.3% over last fall semester, representing an additional 863 new students. These figures reflect official 14th day enrollment numbers reported to the Ohio Board of Regents.

This is the eighth consecutive fall semester that the College has set an enrollment record; increasing 86.6% in headcount and 107% increase in FTE (full-time equivalent) since 2000. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Stark State is the seventh fastest growing mid-size , public two-year college in the nation.

The College has experienced tremendous growth in E-learning with an increase of approximately 38% over those enrolled in distance learning classes last fall. “E-learning allows our students to learn at their convenience and at their own pace,” said Dr. Tim Quinnan, vice president for enrollment management and student services. “It fits the complex lives of our students, who often juggle family and job responsibilities while attending college.” Currently, more than 165 courses are available online. The College plans to add full degree programs online by spring semester.

Another impact on enrollment is the expansion of course offerings at satellite centers in Alliance, downtown Canton, Carrollton and Navarre. “Stark State College is responding to the needs of these communities for affordable, quality education,” said Dr. John O’Donnell, Stark State president. “These centers provide the same high quality education, small classes, personal attention, experienced faculty and affordability as main campus, while providing transportation savings to our students,” O’Donnell explained.

“The College’s sustained growth reflects the community’s recognition of Stark State’s quality and affordability,” said Quinnan, “We continue to educate the workforce of tomorrow with market-driven degree programs that meet the needs of our students and area employers.” Each year, more than 93% of Stark State’s graduates are employed upon graduation.

Stark State’s affordable tuition of $127 per semester hour is an advantage for local students and families, as well as the College’s wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs. About 60 percent of all students receive some type of financial aid.

In the past four years, the College has added three buildings, with over 90,000 sq.ft. of classroom and laboratory space, to accommodate high growth areas in health, automotive and information technologies. In addition, the College broke ground August 30 for a $9 million Health Sciences Building, scheduled for completion in fall 2009, which will provide another 47,500 sq. ft. of classrooms and laboratories to meet the growing need for space in health technologies and biotechnology.

Stark State College of Technology offers 48 associate degree programs and 11 one-year certificate programs in business, health, engineering technologies, information technologies and public service. The College also offers certificates of competency for credit, noncredit/continuing education programs and customized contract training services. For information, call 330-966-5450.
 

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