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$4,624Tuition
1,187Students
34%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,158Earnings
Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About North Central State College

North Central State College serves 1,187 students in Ohio's rural farmland outside Mansfield. The school has built its reputation around hands-on workforce training and career-focused associate degrees since 1961. Students come here for practical programs that lead directly to jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. The campus draws almost entirely from Ohio, with 95% of students staying in-state for their education.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for working families. Students pay an average of $4,304 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying as little as $2,937 annually. Graduates carry a modest $8,252 in debt with monthly payments of just $87. Within five years of graduation, the median salary reaches $50,753, making this one of the stronger returns on investment among Ohio's community colleges. Nearly 98% of graduates find employment after completing their programs.

The student body skews heavily female at 64%, reflecting the school's strong nursing and allied health programs. With a 92% retention rate, students clearly find what they're looking for here. However, the 34% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer or leave before completing their degrees, which is common among community colleges serving working adults and part-time students.

Academics & Faculty

North Central State College focuses on career-ready programs that connect directly to local job markets. The college offers associate degrees and workforce training certificates in high-demand fields like nursing, manufacturing, and business technology. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention from instructors who often bring real industry experience to the classroom. The 34% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work and family responsibilities. However, the 98% employment rate shows that graduates find jobs quickly after completing their programs. The college's partnership with local employers means students often secure internships and job placements before graduation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
30.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
34.2%
Retention Rate
91.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,158

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $50,629
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $44,276
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $38,289
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $36,488
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $26,739
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Associate $26,353

View all 57 programs →

Campus Life

North Central State College sits in Mansfield, about an hour north of Columbus, where Ohio winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from December through March. The campus serves 1,187 students in a rural setting that feels more like a large high school than a traditional college. Women make up 64% of the student body, and 95% come from Ohio.

Most students commute from nearby towns since this is primarily a commuter college without traditional dorms. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know your name. Weekends often mean heading home or working part-time jobs, as many students balance coursework with employment. The campus stays quiet on Saturdays, reflecting its role as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce quickly. Campus life centers around practical learning in labs and classrooms rather than football games or Greek life. Students appreciate the affordable education, with net prices averaging just $4,304, making college accessible for working families in rural Ohio.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1961

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

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

Climate & Weather

January Avg
16°–33°F
July Avg
59°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
40.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

North Central State College draws students primarily from Ohio, with over 95% coming from in-state. The student body is nearly two-thirds women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's health sciences and human services programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves many working-class families in north-central Ohio. The college has built a solid local reputation as an affordable pathway to healthcare careers and skilled trades. Students typically come from Mansfield and surrounding rural communities seeking practical training close to home.
Men
35.7%
Women
64.3%
White
84.1%
Black
5.8%
Hispanic
4.6%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
95.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
23.9%

Location

Mansfield sits in north-central Ohio about 65 miles southwest of Cleveland and 70 miles northeast of Columbus. The city serves as the county seat of Richland County in a region known for manufacturing and agriculture. With a population of around 47,000, Mansfield offers small-city amenities while maintaining close ties to rural communities. The area features rolling farmland and is part of Ohio's traditional Rust Belt manufacturing corridor. North Central State College draws 95.38% of its students from within Ohio, reflecting its strong local and regional focus. The campus serves as a workforce development center for the surrounding rural-fringe community. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare North Central State College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Mansfield, Ohio 44906-0698
Mansfield Campus
Mansfield Campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,158
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,753
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$25,800
Loan Repayment Rate
42.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$87/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,252

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at North Central State College?

North Central State College maintains a 91.67% retention rate for first-year students. As a community college, the school offers open enrollment for most programs, making it accessible to students seeking associate degrees or workforce training in the Mansfield area.

How much does North Central State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,304 annually, with costs varying by family income from $2,937 for low-income families to $8,327 for higher earners. The college keeps education affordable with in-state tuition at just $4,624 and typical monthly loan payments of only $87.

What is the student-faculty ratio at North Central State College?

The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. North Central focuses on practical workforce training and associate degree programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment in their local communities.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at North Central State College?

The college reports a 97.9% employment rate for graduates, reflecting its strong focus on job-ready skills training. While the four-year graduation rate is 30.58%, many students complete associate degrees or certificates in two years and enter the workforce earning a median salary of $38,158 within ten years.

Where is North Central State College located and who attends?

The college serves 1,187 students in Mansfield, Ohio, with 95.38% coming from in-state. The student body is 64.28% women and reflects the local community demographics, with most students choosing to stay close to home for their education.

Does North Central State College offer financial support to students?

About 23.94% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based aid for lower-income families. The college also provides institutional grants averaging $4,451 to 16.60% of students, helping keep education costs manageable for working-class families in rural Ohio.