About Clark State College
The financial picture tells a compelling story for working-class families. Students with household incomes under $30,000 pay just $6,318 after aid, while the average graduate leaves with only $14,490 in debt. Graduates earn a median of $39,584 ten years after enrollment, making monthly loan payments of $154 manageable for most. Nearly 36% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve first-generation and lower-income students.
The student body is 70% female and nearly 98% Ohio residents, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Only 50% of students return for their second year, as many complete certificate programs or transfer after gaining specific skills. The 24.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's role as a stepping stone, where success often means landing a good job rather than earning a degree.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 27.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 28.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 24.7%
- Retention Rate
- 50.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,584
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,834 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $40,188 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,153 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,864 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Social Work. | Associate | $31,305 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,409 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 |
Campus Life
Most students head home after classes since campus housing is limited, but the college works hard to build community through its Eagles athletics program and student organizations. Springfield offers affordable living and practical internship opportunities at local manufacturers and healthcare facilities. Weekend life often revolves around study groups, part-time jobs, and family commitments rather than traditional college parties. The 50% retention rate reflects the challenges many face juggling school with other responsibilities, but those who stay find solid career preparation and graduation debt averaging just $14,490.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1962
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–35°F
- July Avg
- 61°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 18.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 29.8%
- Women
- 70.2%
- White
- 64.9%
- Black
- 19.9%
- Hispanic
- 4.8%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 98.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.1%
Location
- Address
- Springfield, Ohio 45501-0570
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,584
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,964
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 25.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $154/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,490
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements like at Clark State College?
Clark State College has open admission policies typical of community colleges, with a 50% retention rate for first-year students. The college serves as an accessible entry point for technical and career training in the Springfield area. Nearly 98% of students come from Ohio, reflecting its strong local focus.
How much does Clark State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,615 annually, with in-state tuition at just $4,200. About 36% of students receive financial aid, and graduates typically leave with a manageable median debt of $14,490. Monthly loan payments average $154 for those who borrow.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Clark State College?
Clark State maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,134 enrolled students. The college focuses heavily on technical and career training programs that prepare students for immediate employment. Women make up 70% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in health and human services programs.
What are the job prospects like for Clark State College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 95.8% employment rate, with median earnings of $39,584 ten years after graduation. The college's emphasis on career training shows in these strong job placement numbers. However, only 25% of students graduate within six years, as many attend part-time while working.
Where is Clark State College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Springfield, Ohio, a small city setting that keeps students connected to their local community. With only 84 total athletes across 5 varsity sports competing in the NCCAA, athletics play a smaller role than academics. The Eagles focus more on preparing students for careers than traditional college experiences.
Does Clark State College offer good value for technical training?
Clark State delivers strong value with graduates earning $42,047 just one year after completion and low debt loads. The college has served the Springfield area since 1962 as a community college focused on practical skills. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,318 net price, making career training highly affordable.
