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$4,205Tuition
13,293Students
30%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$34,127Earnings
Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Eastern Gateway Community College

Eastern Gateway Community College serves as Ohio's largest online community college, though it attracts students from across the nation with 86% coming from out-of-state among its 13,293 enrolled students. The college has built a reputation for flexible, accessible education since 1968, particularly through its extensive distance learning programs. Classes average 22 students per faculty member. The small city of Steubenville provides an affordable base of operations for this primarily digital institution.

Students typically pay around $4,181 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options available. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $34,127 ten years after enrollment. Student debt stays remarkably low at just $4,250 median, with monthly loan payments averaging only $45. The 93% employment rate suggests strong job placement despite the modest earnings trajectory.

Women make up 70% of the student body, typical for community colleges that attract many career-changing adults. The 30% graduation rate within six years reflects the challenges many working students face in completing their programs. The college's strength lies in providing accessible, affordable education rather than traditional campus experiences.

Academics & Faculty

Eastern Gateway Community College serves as an accessible entry point into higher education, with in-state tuition at just $4,205. The college operates with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes than typical four-year institutions. Students here focus on career-ready programs in fields like nursing, business, and skilled trades that connect directly to regional job markets. The 29.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including working while studying and attending part-time. However, the college's strength lies in workforce preparation, with graduates earning a median of $34,127 within ten years. Most students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce quickly after completing certificates and associate degrees.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
8.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
29.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,127

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $56,234
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. Associate $38,289
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $37,856
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Associate $21,508
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $21,052
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $20,140
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $17,674

View all 46 programs →

Campus Life

Eastern Gateway serves 13,293 students in the Ohio River Valley, about 40 miles west of Pittsburgh. Women make up 70% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. The campus sits in a former steel town that has reinvented itself around healthcare and education. Winters here mean heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, while summers stay humid and warm.

Most students commute to campus, as this is primarily a commuter college without traditional dorms. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges. Students often work part-time jobs alongside their studies, especially given that 30% receive Pell Grants. Weekends tend to be quiet on campus as students return home or work. The college draws heavily from working adults and career changers, with only 14% coming from out of state. Campus life revolves around academic buildings and the library rather than student activities, though the college offers some clubs and intramural sports for those seeking connections.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1968

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–36°F
July Avg
63°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
41.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Eastern Gateway draws students from across the country, with nearly 87% coming from out-of-state, making it unusual among community colleges. The school serves a predominantly female student body at 70%, reflecting strong programs in healthcare, education, and social services. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The diverse racial composition includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students. This mix creates a community college that functions more like a national workforce development center than a typical local institution.
Men
29.5%
Women
70.5%
White
51.3%
Black
21.6%
Hispanic
16.5%
Asian
2.7%
In-State Students
13.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.7%

Location

Steubenville sits in eastern Ohio along the Ohio River, about 40 miles west of Pittsburgh. The city of 18,000 residents anchors the northern panhandle region where Ohio meets Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This former steel town has reinvented itself around healthcare and education sectors. The Ohio River provides scenic views and recreational opportunities for residents. Eastern Gateway serves 13,293 students across multiple campuses, with its main location in this small industrial city. The college draws students from across the tri-state area, though only 13.63% of students come from within Ohio. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Eastern Gateway Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Steubenville, Ohio 43952-3598

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,127
Median Earnings (5 years)
$42,260
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$24,000
Loan Repayment Rate
20.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$45/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$4,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Eastern Gateway Community College?

Eastern Gateway Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The school serves 13,293 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education opportunities in the Ohio Valley region. Students can enroll in programs ranging from workforce certificates to associate degrees that transfer to four-year universities.

How much does Eastern Gateway Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,181 after aid, making Eastern Gateway one of the most affordable college options in Ohio. In-state tuition runs $4,205 while out-of-state students pay $6,071, though the college draws primarily local students with only 13.63% coming from outside Ohio. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,559 net price.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Eastern Gateway Community College?

Eastern Gateway maintains a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges but higher than many four-year institutions. The college operates on a semester system and serves a diverse student body that is 70.46% female. Students can choose from various career-focused programs designed to meet regional workforce needs.

What are the job prospects for Eastern Gateway Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 93.0% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical, job-ready training. Median earnings reach $34,127 ten years after graduation, though this varies by program. The college's location in Steubenville positions students for opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and energy sectors that drive the regional economy.

Where is Eastern Gateway Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Steubenville, Ohio, a small city along the Ohio River near the Pennsylvania and West Virginia borders. Founded in 1968, Eastern Gateway serves as an educational anchor for the struggling Rust Belt region. The campus reflects the area's working-class character, with many students balancing studies with work and family responsibilities.

Does Eastern Gateway Community College offer good value for student debt?

Students graduate with a median debt of just $4,250, resulting in manageable monthly payments of $45. The low debt burden combined with a 29.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Those who do finish typically see solid returns on their modest investment in regions where jobs often don't require four-year degrees.