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Profile of Stark State College
Stark State College is committed to preparing our students for career success in a competitive, sophisticated economy. Our graduates are in demand by employers who recognize their high skill level and readiness to succeed.
Our students receive a high-quality education at an affordable cost. It’s a formula that works, thanks to our
- dedicated, experienced faculty
- convenience, efficiency and affordability
- mission of access, student success and economic development.
Stark State, with a service district of Stark and Summit counties, is the fourth largest of the 23 public two-year colleges in the University System of Ohio. We offer more than 200 associate degrees and certificates in business, education, engineering technologies, health and public services, information technology, liberal arts, mathematics and sciences.
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.
Affordable, transferable education
Students often get their start at Stark State through our affordability and transferability. 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.
Stark State offers a transfer module of 36-40 semester hours of credit courses guaranteed to transfer to all state-supported colleges and universities in Ohio. The College also has articulation agreements with more than 40 universities and colleges, allowing our students to move smoothly from associate degree programs into baccalaureate degree programs.
Not only does Stark State maintain a low tuition rate, our knowledgeable financial aid specialists help students explore the many grants, loans and scholarships that can help finance their education. More than half of all Stark State students have no out-of-pocket education expenses.
Partners in economic growth and development
Well-respected in the community, Stark State plays a crucial role in the economic growth and development of the region through its strong tradition of providing credit and noncredit educational and training services to employers and residents. Our community and business partnerships also are vital to the area, including our alignments with The Timken Company and TimkenSteel; FirstEnergy Corporation; General Motors, Toyota, Caterpillar and Honda; and many others. These collaborations fuel economic development, creating new industries and jobs in the area.
Facilities that serve our community
The College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic provides services to area residents at reduced rates by students-in-training under the expert supervision of dentists and faculty members. The Massage Therapy Clinic offers the community affordable therapeutic massage while providing our massage therapy students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a supervised setting.
Our LEED-certified Business and Entrepreneurial Studies building is a 47,700-square-foot home to more than 30 degrees, options and certificates in accounting, business management, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, marketing management and other programs.
A $9 million health sciences building accommodates the region’s growing need for highly skilled health care workers. The W.R. Timken Center for Information Technology houses the information technology and engineering technology majors. The Ralph Regula Wellness and Therapy Center is an educational center for students studying physical therapy assisting and occupational therapy assisting. The Automotive Technology Center, located off-campus on Whipple Avenue is a 40,000-square-foot facility housing the automotive and transportation technologies, and a new site in downtown Canton for second-year automotive technology students has allowed the program to expand to meet community demand.
Stark State College Akron, at 360 Perkins St. is a new 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.
Experienced, credentialed faculty serve our diverse students
The average Stark State student fits the profile of the typical two-year college student in the nation: 58% of SSC students are female, 67% attend college part time, 27% are minorities and 49% are the first generation in their families to attend college. The average age of Stark State’s students is 27 and 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.
Our advisory committee system means 300 individuals representing more than 170 companies and organizations review curriculum and provide input on current trends in their industries.
Stark State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Many of our technology programs also are accredited by their respective licensing/accrediting organizations. www.ncahlc.org
Stark State is located in northern Stark County adjacent to Interstate 77, conveniently located for students from Stark, Carroll, Columbiana, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit, 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.
Rev. 9/24
