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(North Canton, OH – April 29, 2020) – Stark State College has been named among the top 50 community colleges nationwide for online learning.
College Consensus, a college ratings website that aggregates publisher rankings and student reviews, published the Best Online Community Colleges 2020 at collegeconsensus.com/rankings/best-online-community-colleges/.
“Stark State has provided students with online learning opportunities for more than 15 years, we have been a leader in fully online degree programs, and we have had a digital library for more than a decade,” said Stark State President Para M. Jones, Ph.D.
“Our early entry into and adoption of online learning reflect the innovative teaching and learning strategies our faculty and staff have always employed to ensure that all students, including working adults, have access to quality education,” Jones added. “We are proud of our excellence in online learning, which is more important than ever with COVID-19 challenges and will continue to be important in the future in ensuring a quality college education for students of all ages and from all backgrounds.”
College Consensus focused exclusively on regionally accredited, reputable institutions identified as community colleges or technical colleges. Editors researched the number of available online degrees, then added three additional factors that have a real, qualitative impact on students’ careers and lives:
- web presence
- transparency about offerings
- user-friendliness of the learning platforms
Through online short-term training and associate degree programs, Stark State offers students of all ages a chance to prepare now for current and post-pandemic career opportunities. In addition to the lowest tuition in the area, the College offers scholarships and other resources to help students reach their goals.
For example, high school students graduating in May will receive three tuition-free college credits for every three credits they take this summer. The credits can be applied to a certificate or degree program at Stark State or can be transferred to a four-year university. Approximately half of all bachelor degree earners began their education at a community college, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Stark State’s “Take 3, Get 3” tuition assistance program is ideal for students who are reluctant to travel or live in a dorm during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Stark State’s affordable tuition, students can save 60% on the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university and 80% or more on the cost of a private university bachelor’s degree. Ohio’s guaranteed transfer policies and Stark State’s numerous transfer agreements with public and private universities make it possible for students to cost-effectively complete bachelor’s degrees at The Ohio State University, The University of Akron, Kent State University, Walsh University, Malone University, University of Mount Union and more.
Stark State, which is marking its 60th anniversary this year, offers unemployed and underemployed adults in the region low-cost and even no-cost opportunities to earn credentials, certificates and associate degrees in high-demand fields for immediate employment.
