Lake Erie College: 54.1% Acceptance Rate

54.1%Acceptance

$36,032Tuition

678Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$50,417Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Lake Erie College

Lake Erie College draws students who want personal attention in their education. With just 678 students, this small liberal arts college creates an intimate learning environment where professors actually know your name. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means you won't get lost in lecture halls or compete for office hours. The college has built a strong reputation for its equestrian programs, attracting riders from across the region to its Painesville campus.

Students pay an average of $21,296 after financial aid, making this private education more affordable than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $50,417 ten years after graduation, which helps justify the typical $26,000 in student debt. The monthly loan payment of $276 becomes manageable when weighed against career earnings. About 58% of students take federal loans to cover costs.

The Storm compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports, with athletic scholarships totaling over $3.8 million. Nearly 77% of the student body participates in varsity athletics, creating a campus culture where sports matter. However, the 42% graduation rate signals academic challenges that students should consider seriously. The 66% retention rate suggests some students struggle to find their fit or handle the academic demands.

Academics & Faculty

Lake Erie College operates as a small liberal arts institution where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name. The college has built its reputation around its nationally recognized equestrian program, which attracts riders from across the country. With only 678 students total, classes stay intimate and discussion-based rather than lecture-heavy. The 42% graduation rate reflects challenges common among small private colleges that admit students needing extra academic support. Students can choose from traditional liberal arts majors while benefiting from hands-on learning opportunities. The college emphasizes experiential education, with many programs incorporating internships and real-world projects into coursework.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 53.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 42.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.9%
Retention Rate: 65.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,417
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$52,733
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$37,808
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$35,600
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$35,060
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$31,133
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$29,685
Agricultural Business and Management.	Bachelor	$21,781
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$21,508

View all 37 programs →

Campus Life

Lake Erie College's 452-bed housing capacity means most of the 678 students live on campus in this tight-knit community. The suburban Painesville campus sits 30 miles east of Cleveland, close enough for city trips but surrounded by Ohio farmland and Lake Erie's shoreline. Winter coats are essential here, lake-effect snow blankets the campus for months, creating a cozy indoor atmosphere where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio really shines.

With 519 athletes among just 678 total students, sports dominate weekend life. The Storm compete in 15 varsity sports, and equestrian programs draw students from across the region to the college's well-known facilities. The 58% male student body creates a different active than most liberal arts colleges. Students often gather in residence halls or make the drive to Cleveland for entertainment, though many weekends center around athletic events and campus activities. The suburban setting means you'll need a car for off-campus adventures, but the small size ensures you'll know most of your classmates by name within your first semester.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 452 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Aggravated Assault	2	2
Burglary	1	1
Robbery	1	1
Fondling	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–36°F
July Avg: 66°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.5"
Annual Snowfall: 113.7"

Student Demographics

Lake Erie College draws students who value close relationships with professors in its 12:1 classroom environment. The student body tilts male at 58%, largely due to the school's strong athletic programs that field 15 varsity teams and award nearly $4 million in athletic scholarships. Most students come from Ohio and surrounding states, giving the campus a Midwest regional feel. The college serves a mix of backgrounds, with 29% receiving Pell Grants alongside students from higher-income families. This creates a community where first-generation college students learn alongside those from more privileged backgrounds.

Men: 58.0%
Women: 42.0%
White: 55.2%
Black: 14.0%
Hispanic: 8.9%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 61.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.0%

Location

Lake Erie College sits in Painesville, Ohio, roughly 30 miles northeast of Cleveland. The suburban setting houses just 678 students in a community that blends small-town charm with proximity to urban opportunities. Lake Erie's shoreline lies just minutes north, giving students access to beaches and water activities. The area offers a quieter alternative to big city college life while keeping Cleveland's job market and cultural attractions within reach. Painesville maintains a classic Midwest feel with tree-lined streets and local businesses. The 61% in-state enrollment reflects Ohio students' appreciation for this intimate campus environment. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Lake Erie College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Painesville, Ohio 44077-3389

Royce Hall for the Fine and Performing Arts

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $50,417
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,562
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 63.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Lake Erie College?

Lake Erie College accepts 54% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1000 and 1170 on the SAT. This small liberal arts college values close faculty relationships alongside academic performance.

How much does Lake Erie College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,296 after aid, despite a sticker price of $48,844. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college awards institutional grants averaging $25,417. Graduates leave with a median debt load of $26,000.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Lake Erie College?

Lake Erie College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 678 total students. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in the liberal arts tradition. The small size fosters the close mentoring relationships the college is known for.

What do Lake Erie College graduates earn after college?

Alumni earn a median of $50,417 ten years after graduation, with a 95.5% employment rate. However, only 42% of students graduate within six years, which is below national averages. The college's career outcomes reflect its focus on personalized education over large-scale programs.

Where do students live at Lake Erie College?

Campus housing accommodates 452 students, serving about two-thirds of the 678-person student body. The college draws 61% of students from Ohio, creating a regional community feel. Room and board costs $11,592, adding to the residential college experience.

Does Lake Erie College have strong athletic programs?

Lake Erie College fields 15 varsity sports in NCAA Division II with 519 total athletes. The Storm compete in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference and award $3.8 million in athletic scholarships. The college is particularly well-known for its equestrian programs alongside traditional sports.