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$5,300Tuition
1,648Students
29%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$37,791Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Hocking College

Hocking College trains students for immediate career success through hands-on technical programs that employers actually want. The school serves 1,648 students in rural Ohio, focusing on practical skills over theory. Programs span everything from natural resources and outdoor recreation to health sciences and skilled trades. Students work with real equipment in real-world scenarios rather than sitting through lectures.

The financial math works for most students here. Average net price hits $13,362, but graduates earn a median of $37,791 within ten years of finishing. Students typically leave with just $11,584 in debt and monthly loan payments of $123. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families. The 96.5% employment rate shows employers value what graduates learn here.

Campus life revolves around outdoor activities that match the rural setting. The Hawks compete in 9 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 210 total athletes. With 87% of students coming from Ohio, most know the area's hunting, fishing, and hiking opportunities. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know students by name, not ID number. Housing serves 756 students who want the full college experience alongside their technical training.

Academics & Faculty

Hocking College specializes in career-focused technical education that gets students job-ready fast. The school built its reputation around hands-on programs in fields like natural resources, culinary arts, nursing, and outdoor recreation. Students work directly with industry equipment in small classes, with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention. However, the 29% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The college's strength lies in practical training rather than traditional academics. Students learn by doing in programs designed with local employers. Nearly 97% of graduates find employment, often in specialized fields where technical skills matter more than theory.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
33.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
29.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,791

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $52,684
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $38,289
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $30,771
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $28,055
Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. Associate $26,519
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $25,194
Culinary Arts and Related Services. Associate $24,035
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. Associate $23,456
Natural Resources Management and Policy. Associate $22,329
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. Associate $17,859

View all 60 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Hocking College navigate a tight-knit campus where small class sizes create strong connections with instructors. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. About 46% of the 1,648 students live in the residence halls, creating a close community feel on the wooded Ohio campus.

Nelsonville sits in the Appalachian foothills about an hour southeast of Columbus, surrounded by state parks and hiking trails. Winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for outdoor activities. The rural setting means students often head to Athens (home to Ohio University) for bigger weekend entertainment, though campus life revolves around the Hawks' nine varsity sports teams. With 210 student-athletes in the NCCAA, games draw solid crowds. Many students spend weekends exploring nearby Hocking Hills State Park or working internships that connect directly to their technical programs. The hands-on learning extends beyond the classroom, with students often collaborating on real-world projects that prepare them for immediate employment after graduation.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity
756 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 14 6 1 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–38°F
July Avg
63°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
41.6"
Annual Snowfall
17.6"

Student Demographics

Hocking College draws primarily Ohio residents who want hands-on technical training close to home. Nearly nine in ten students come from in-state, reflecting the school's strong regional reputation for career-focused programs. The student body leans slightly male, which aligns with the college's emphasis on technical fields like natural resources and skilled trades. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Hocking serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to middle-class careers. The diverse mix includes students from rural Appalachian communities alongside urban areas seeking practical job training.
Men
53.3%
Women
46.7%
White
76.6%
Black
12.1%
Hispanic
2.5%
Asian
0.2%
In-State Students
87.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
46.5%

Location

Hocking College sits in Nelsonville, Ohio, about 65 miles southeast of Columbus in the foothills of Appalachian Ohio. The rural-fringe setting puts students in classic small-town America, where the Hocking Hills region draws outdoor enthusiasts for its state parks and hiking trails. Nelsonville itself has around 5,000 residents and maintains a quiet college town atmosphere. The campus serves as an anchor for the local community, with 87% of students coming from within Ohio. The surrounding area offers a mix of rolling hills and forests that provide a peaceful backdrop for focused technical training. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Hocking College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
Natural Resources Building
Natural Resources Building

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,791
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,534
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$26,400
Loan Repayment Rate
34.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$123/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,584

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Hocking College?

Hocking College operates with an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who want hands-on technical training. The college serves 1,648 students with 87.31% coming from Ohio. Students can start their career-focused education without the stress of competitive admissions.

How much does Hocking College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,362 annually, with in-state tuition at just $5,300. Nearly half of students (46.49%) receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay only $11,187 after aid. Graduates typically leave with a manageable $11,584 in debt and monthly loan payments of $123.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Hocking College?

The college maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in technical programs. This small class environment supports the hands-on training approach that Hocking is known for. The intimate setting helps students master practical skills in their chosen trades.

What are the employment outcomes for Hocking College graduates?

Graduates achieve an impressive 96.5% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong career-focused approach. Alumni earn a median of $37,791 ten years after graduation, with first-year earnings at $33,200. The college's emphasis on technical education and industry partnerships helps students transition directly into the workforce.

Where is Hocking College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural Nelsonville, Ohio, offering a close-knit community atmosphere. Housing capacity serves 756 students, creating a residential experience uncommon among two-year colleges. The Hawks compete in 9 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 210 total athletes receiving $36,500 in athletic scholarships.

What makes Hocking College unique among community colleges?

Hocking stands out for its comprehensive residential experience rare among two-year institutions, with on-campus housing costing $10,060. The college's 29% six-year graduation rate reflects the time many students need to complete technical certifications while working. Students benefit from specialized career training programs that prepare them for immediate employment in growing technical fields.