About Stark State College
The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students typically pay $6,693 after aid, with median debt of just $13,786 upon completion. Graduates earn a median of $34,661 ten years out, which translates to manageable monthly loan payments of $146. The math works because 94.3% of graduates find employment quickly. This isn't a path to wealth, but it's a reliable route to middle-class stability without crushing debt.
The student body reflects the region's demographics, with 73% white students and 16% Black students. Women make up 58% of enrollment, often pursuing nursing and allied health programs. Nearly all students are Ohio residents who commute to campus. The 22.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of community college students juggling work and family obligations, but those who finish typically land steady jobs in growing technical fields.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 26.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,661
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,061 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,260 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $37,208 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $36,674 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $34,704 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $32,925 |
| Psychology, General. | Associate | $31,848 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,409 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $30,228 |
Campus Life
As a community college, Stark State doesn't offer campus housing, so students commute from throughout the region. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where instructors know your name. Most students juggle work and school, with many attending part-time while building careers in manufacturing, healthcare, or skilled trades. The campus serves as a launching pad rather than a traditional college experience.
Weekends revolve around jobs, internships, and family rather than campus events. With 99% of students from Ohio, many live at home or nearby. The Spartans don't field major sports teams, but the college focuses on practical preparation for Northeast Ohio's job market. Students here are serious about getting credentials quickly and affordably.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–35°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 47.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.7%
- Women
- 58.3%
- White
- 72.6%
- Black
- 15.7%
- Hispanic
- 1.4%
- Asian
- 3.9%
- In-State Students
- 99.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.1%
Location
- Address
- North Canton, Ohio 44720
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,661
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,433
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $146/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,786
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Stark State College?
Stark State College operates as an open-access community college, meaning they accept all students who meet basic admission requirements. Nearly all students are Ohio residents, with 99.03% coming from in-state. The college focuses on providing accessible higher education and workforce training to the local community.
How much does Stark State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,693 after financial aid. In-state tuition runs $4,670 while out-of-state students pay $7,766. Only 27.06% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already affordable tuition structure typical of Ohio community colleges.
What academic programs is Stark State College known for?
Stark State specializes in two-year degrees and workforce training programs in technical fields. The college maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. Students can complete associate degrees or certificate programs designed to prepare them for immediate entry into the workforce.
What are the job prospects for Stark State College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 94.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. The median earnings reach $34,661 ten years after graduation. However, only 22.70% of students complete their programs within six years, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working.
Where is Stark State College located and what is the campus like?
The college sits in North Canton, Ohio, a large suburban setting that provides access to both urban amenities and affordable living. With 5,803 students enrolled, Stark State serves as a regional center for technical education. The student body is 58.26% women and predominantly white at 72.63%, with 15.65% Black students.
How much student debt do Stark State College graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt load of $13,786, lower than four-year institutions. Monthly loan payments average just $146, making the debt manageable for most graduates. Only 19.24% of students take out federal loans, reflecting the college's affordable tuition and the fact that many students work while attending.
