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$3,435Tuition
12,585Students
32%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$37,558Earnings
Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Sinclair Community College

Sinclair Community College serves the Dayton area as one of Ohio's largest two-year institutions, with 12,585 students spread across its urban campus. The college built its reputation on career-focused programs that directly connect to regional employers, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors that drive southwestern Ohio's economy. Students can choose from over 220 degree and certificate programs, many designed with input from local industry partners.

The financial picture looks solid for community college students. Average net price sits at $5,741, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,855 after aid. Graduates typically leave with $12,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $127. One year after graduation, the median earnings reach $38,408, climbing to $45,851 after five years. That debt-to-earnings ratio makes Sinclair a practical choice for career preparation.

Nearly all students come from Ohio (98.26%), creating a strong local connection that serves the regional workforce well. The student body is 55.69% women and diverse, with 17.27% Black students reflecting Dayton's demographics. With an 88.7% employment rate and programs designed around employer needs, Sinclair functions as a direct pipeline to middle-class careers in the Miami Valley.

Academics & Faculty

Sinclair Community College serves as Ohio's largest community college, offering career-focused programs that directly connect to Dayton's manufacturing and healthcare industries. The school maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in hands-on programs. Aviation technology stands out as a signature program, leveraging Dayton's aerospace heritage and proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Students also flock to nursing, automotive technology, and business programs designed for immediate workforce entry. The 31% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year institutions or enter the job market before completing degrees. Nearly 89% of graduates find employment, demonstrating the college's strong industry partnerships and practical curriculum focus.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
33.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
31.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
31.9%
Retention Rate
100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,558

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $54,082
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $53,810
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $51,482
Computer Programming. Associate $50,270
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. Associate $46,478
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $46,254
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Associate $45,696
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $42,682
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $42,123
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Associate $38,289

View all 154 programs →

Campus Life

Sinclair sits in the heart of Dayton, giving students easy access to internships and jobs in Ohio's sixth-largest city. The 55% female, 45% male student body reflects the college's strong programs in nursing, dental hygiene, and other health fields that traditionally attract more women. Winter means snow boots and heavy coats from December through February, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for walking between the campus buildings downtown.

With 98% of students coming from Ohio, most commute from home rather than living in dorms. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors actually know your name. Students often grab lunch between classes at the student center or nearby downtown spots. Weekends tend to be quieter since this is primarily a commuter campus. The 88% employment rate shows most graduates land jobs quickly, earning a median of $38,000 in their first year out. Monthly loan payments average just $127, making this one of the more affordable paths to a degree or certificate in the Miami Valley.
Setting
City-Midsize
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1887

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 6 0 0 0
Stalking 5 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 0 2 0
Robbery 1 0 0 2
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 1
Arson 0 0 0 1
Domestic Violence 0 0 0 1
Fondling 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–36°F
July Avg
66°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
40.3"
Annual Snowfall
-765.4"

Student Demographics

Sinclair draws overwhelmingly from Ohio, with 98% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the college's deep roots in the Dayton community since 1887. The student body skews slightly female at 56%, typical for community colleges where nursing and healthcare programs attract many women. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing Sinclair serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The diverse mix includes significant Black representation at 17%, reflecting Dayton's demographics and the college's commitment to accessible education for all local residents.
Men
44.3%
Women
55.7%
White
62.1%
Black
17.3%
Hispanic
5.4%
Asian
2.2%
In-State Students
98.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.6%

Location

Sinclair Community College sits in Dayton, Ohio, a mid-sized city about 55 miles northeast of Cincinnati. The school draws 98.26% of its students from within Ohio, reflecting its strong ties to the local community. Dayton anchors the Miami Valley region, known for its aviation heritage and manufacturing base. The Wright brothers called this area home, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base remains a major employer nearby. Students find an affordable urban environment with a median net price of just $5,741. The city offers internship opportunities in aerospace, healthcare, and technology sectors. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Sinclair Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Dayton, Ohio 45402-1460
Sinclair Community College campus
Sinclair Community College campus
Sinclair Community College campus
Sinclair Community College campus
Sinclair Community College campus
Sinclair Community College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,558
Median Earnings (5 years)
$45,851
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$27,200
Loan Repayment Rate
30.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process like at Sinclair Community College?

Sinclair Community College maintains open enrollment as a community college, welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds. With 12,585 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the Dayton area. Nearly all students are Ohio residents, with 98.26% coming from in-state.

How much does Sinclair Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,741 after financial aid, making it one of the most affordable options in Ohio. In-state tuition starts at just $3,435, while families earning under $30,000 pay only $3,855 after aid. The typical graduate leaves with $12,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $127.

What are the academics like at Sinclair Community College?

Classes maintain a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in a community college setting. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career-oriented programs and workforce development. Students benefit from small class sizes that support hands-on learning in technical and professional fields.

What job outcomes can graduates expect from Sinclair Community College?

Graduates achieve an 88.7% employment rate, reflecting strong connections to local employers in the Dayton region. Median earnings reach $37,558 ten years after graduation, with many students entering skilled trades and healthcare fields. The college's emphasis on practical training helps students transition quickly into the workforce.

Where is Sinclair Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in downtown Dayton, a mid-size city that offers urban amenities and job opportunities. Women make up 55.69% of the student body, while the campus serves a diverse population including 17.27% Black students. The urban setting provides internship and employment connections throughout the greater Dayton metropolitan area.

Does Sinclair Community College have a strong history in the community?

Founded in 1887, Sinclair has served the Dayton community for over 135 years as one of Ohio's oldest community colleges. The Tartan Pride teams represent a college deeply rooted in local tradition and workforce development. Its long history reflects a commitment to providing accessible education and meeting regional economic needs.