About

About Stark State College

Stark State College is a student-centered, comprehensive community college focused on providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that prepares students for career success and supports regional economic development. The College serves nearly 14,000 students annually in Stark, Summit and surrounding counties and is the fifth largest public two-year college in Ohio.  

Known for exceptional affordability with strong student outcomes and unique employer partnerships, Stark State and its industry-experienced faculty have established the College as a regional leader in workforce-aligned education and economic impact. 

The College awards associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied science, associate of applied business and associate of technical studies degrees. Our wide range of short-term certificates help employees improve skills and gain a competitive edge in a marketplace of rapidly changing technology, and can lead to one-year certificates and associate degrees in a variety of fields. 

Academic programs and opportunities  

Stark State offers more than 200 associate degrees and certificates across a broad range of fields, including business, education, engineering technologies, health sciences, information technology, liberal arts, mathematics and sciences.  

Students can pursue:  

• Transfer-focused degrees such as associate of arts and associate of science  

• Career-oriented degrees including associate of applied science and technical studies  

• Short-term certificates designed for skill development and career advancement  

• Flexible learning options including online courses and fully online programs  

Affordability and transfer pathways  

Affordability is central to Stark State’s mission, with low tuition of $219.60 per credit hour and financial aid options that help many students reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Because of our low tuition, students often get their start at Stark State. The associate of arts (AA) and associate of science (AS) degrees open pathways for graduates to pursue a baccalaureate degree in virtually any area of study. 

The College supports transfer pathways through:  

• Ohio Transfer 36, guaranteeing transfer of 36–40 credit hours to Ohio public universities  

• Articulation agreements with more than 30 universities, including The Ohio State University, The University of Akron and Kent State University. 

• An innovative partnership with NEOMED, enabling qualified Associate of Science graduates to enter the Doctor of Pharmacy program directly. 

• College Credit Plus, allowing high school students to earn college credit  

Workforce development and economic impact  

Stark State serves as a critical workforce and economic development partner across Northeast Ohio, collaborating closely with employers to recruit, train, upskill and retain talent through flexible, industry-driven solutions.  

The College is increasingly positioned as a preferred regional partner for customized workforce training, talent pipeline development and rapid-response credentialing. In 2025, the College was recognized by the Harvard Kennedy School as part of a select group of leading institutions in workforce talent, serving as a model for employer-aligned workforce education and innovation. 

These community and business partnerships are vital to the area, including our alignments with Akron Children’s, Ariel Corporation, Plumbers and Pipefitters, Enbridge, Summa Health, Toyota, Honda, and many others. These collaborations fuel economic development, creating new industries and jobs in the area. 

Faculty and student experience  

The average Stark State student fits the profile of the typical two-year college student in the nation: 76% attend college part time and more than 70% of our students hold jobs while in school. 

The College has 155 full-time faculty and more than 360 adjunct faculty. More than 60% of the College’s full-time faculty members have master’s degrees and nearly 20% have doctorate degrees. The fact that many instructors and professors are hired with extensive expertise in their fields strengthens the College curriculum and provides students greater opportunity for “real world” application of both technical and general knowledge in their majors. 

Campuses and facilities  

Stark State’s main campus is located in northern Stark County adjacent to Interstate 77, conveniently located for students from Stark, Summit, Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Mahoning, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties. Stark State College Akron is located off of State Route 8 in Akron. Another satellite center is located in Downtown Canton, and the College has several auxiliary facilities in Stark and Summit counties. 

Key facilities include:  

• $9 million health sciences building  

• LEED-certified business and entrepreneurial studies building  

• W.R. Timken Advanced Manufacturing Lab, featuring state-of-the-art CNC machining education and training 

• Two automotive technology centers  

• Community clinics for dental hygiene and massage therapy  

• Two welding centers 

• Six-acre CDL training center offering Class A and B CDL, and HazMat training 

Additionally, Stark State College Akron, which opened in 2018, is a 68,414-square-foot building that includes 14 lecture classrooms, six computer labs and a science lab, along with a bookstore, common area, tutoring center, student services area and faculty offices. The third floor boasts specially designed classrooms and labs for the College’s medical programs, including a unique cadaver lab, while the lower level has electrical, CAD and computer networking labs along with computer labs, an additional testing center and classrooms. 

Accreditation  

Stark State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, with many programs holding additional specialized accreditations.  

Open Door Policy

Access to Ohio’s state-assisted colleges must be assured for every person who wants and can benefit from higher education. Stark State College maintains an “open door” policy and cordially welcomes anyone who wishes to receive a higher education. Section 3345.06 of the Ohio Revised Code states, “A graduate of the twelfth grade should be entitled to admission without examination to any college or university which is supported wholly or in part by the state.” Open admission carries with it the full weight of equal opportunity for all, which means the College must make every effort to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of prospective students. The open admission policy allows a student to enroll in the College, but not necessarily in a specific degree-granting program. Normal admission to the College is open to anyone who is a high school graduate or the equivalent, completes the enrollment procedures and pays the fees for admission. This is exclusive of academic record or placement testing results. This open door policy does not deny specific technology departments the right to require preliminary training or talent. Students who do not meet specific program requirements upon admission to the College, may be required to satisfactorily complete such requirements before admission into a specific technology.