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$4,657Tuition
1,545Students
33%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$41,855Earnings
Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About James A. Rhodes State College

James A. Rhodes State College serves 1,545 students in Lima, Ohio, focusing on technical and career education programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment. The community college operates on a semester calendar in a rural-fringe setting. Nearly 100% of students come from Ohio, creating a tight-knit learning environment. The school emphasizes hands-on training in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and business technology.

Students pay an average net price of $8,851 after financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,808 per year. Graduates typically leave with only $12,000 in debt, making monthly payments of $127. Those who complete programs earn a median salary of $41,855 ten years after graduation. The college offers strong value for career-focused education, especially given the low debt burden compared to four-year institutions.

The student body is predominantly female at 73.4%, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and service programs. With an employment rate of 97.8%, graduates find work quickly in their chosen fields. The student-faculty ratio of 19:1 allows for personalized attention in technical labs and classrooms. However, the 32.9% graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to focus on their studies and career goals.

Academics & Faculty

James A. Rhodes State College specializes in two-year technical and career education programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, providing decent access to instructors in hands-on learning environments. Students can expect focused training in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades rather than traditional four-year academic programs. The 32.91% four-year graduation rate reflects the college's emphasis on shorter-term certificates and associate degrees. With 97.8% of graduates finding employment, the institution prioritizes job readiness over academic research. Technical programs here connect directly to local industry needs, making it a practical choice for career-focused students seeking specific skills training.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Full-Time Faculty
37.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
32.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
32.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,855

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $61,516
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. Associate $53,358
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $50,174
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $44,170
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $37,748
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $37,424
Computer Programming. Associate $36,848
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $35,274
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $33,993
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $30,228

View all 61 programs →

Campus Life

James A. Rhodes State College sits in Lima, a small Ohio city about 90 minutes from both Columbus and Toledo. With 1,545 students spread across a compact campus, you'll recognize faces quickly in hallways and labs. The student body is 73% female, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing and health sciences that draw students from across west-central Ohio.

Ohio winters mean bundling up for walks between buildings from December through February, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for studying outdoors. Nearly all students (99.7%) come from in-state, and most commute rather than live on campus. The college focuses heavily on hands-on career training, so expect to spend significant time in specialized labs and clinical settings. With a 97.8% employment rate after graduation, students here are serious about launching careers quickly. Weekend social life tends to be quieter than at traditional four-year colleges, with many students working part-time jobs or participating in community service projects tied to their programs.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1971

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 1 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–33°F
July Avg
63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
75.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

James A. Rhodes State College draws overwhelmingly from Ohio, with 99.7% of students staying close to home for practical career training. The student body is nearly three-quarters women, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare, education, and human services programs that traditionally attract female students. Most students come from working-class backgrounds in the Lima region, choosing Rhodes for its affordable technical education and direct pathways to local employment. The college serves as a vital workforce development center for west-central Ohio's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
Men
26.6%
Women
73.4%
White
81.6%
Black
7.0%
Hispanic
0.7%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
99.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
14.9%

Location

James A. Rhodes State College sits in Lima, Ohio, about 75 miles northwest of Columbus. The school draws 99.69% of its students from within Ohio, reflecting its strong ties to the local community. Lima serves as a regional center for west-central Ohio, surrounded by agricultural land and small manufacturing towns. The area maintains a distinctly Midwestern character with affordable living costs and a tight-knit community feel. With just 1,545 students enrolled, the college integrates closely with Lima's economy and workforce needs. The rural-fringe setting provides a quiet environment for career-focused education while remaining accessible to larger Ohio cities. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare James A. Rhodes State College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Lima, Ohio 45804

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,855
Median Earnings (5 years)
$51,047
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,800
Loan Repayment Rate
37.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition like at James A. Rhodes State College?

The college enrolls 1,545 students, with women making up 73.4% of the student body. Nearly all students are from Ohio, with 99.69% being in-state residents, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere typical of regional community colleges.

How much does James A. Rhodes State College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $8,851, though costs vary by family income, ranging from $6,839 for families earning $30-48K to $12,989 for those earning over $110K. Students graduate with relatively low debt burdens, with a median debt of just $12,000.

What are the academic programs like at James A. Rhodes State College?

The college focuses on two-year technical and career education programs with a student-faculty ratio of 19:1. Classes operate on a semester system, allowing students to develop practical skills for immediate entry into the workforce.

Does James A. Rhodes State College have good employment outcomes?

Graduates achieve an impressive 97.8% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong connections to local industries. Alumni earn a median of $41,855 ten years after graduation, with many finding stable careers in technical fields.

Where is James A. Rhodes State College located and what is the campus setting like?

The college sits in Lima, Ohio, in a rural-fringe setting that combines small-town accessibility with proximity to larger metropolitan areas. This location provides students with internship and job opportunities while maintaining affordable living costs.

Is financial aid readily available at James A. Rhodes State College?

Only 14.86% of students receive federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, suggesting that the college's low tuition of $4,657 for in-state students makes education affordable for most families. The college also offers institutional grants averaging $4,200 to 6.15% of students who need additional support.