About Youngstown State University
Students pay an average net price of $11,877 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $41,544 ten years out, while carrying typical debt of $24,000. The monthly loan payment of $254 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Low-income students pay just $8,053 net price, giving families real access to higher education.
The student body draws heavily from Ohio, with 80.3% staying in-state for college. About one-third receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to serve working families. The 76.9% retention rate shows students generally stick with their choice, even as the 52.9% six-year graduation rate suggests some face challenges completing degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.9%
- Retention Rate
- 76.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,544
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $110,241 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,204 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $73,737 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,957 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,734 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,596 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $70,176 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,222 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,706 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
Campus Life
The Penguins compete in 17 Division I sports, with football games at Stambaugh Stadium drawing the biggest crowds. Basketball and the campus recreation center provide weekend entertainment for students who stick around. Many students work part-time jobs given the school's working-class roots and the fact that 33% receive Pell Grants. The Butler Arts Center hosts concerts and theater productions, while downtown Youngstown offers restaurants and nightlife within walking distance. Students often head to nearby Mill Creek Park for outdoor activities or make weekend trips to Cleveland or Pittsburgh, both about an hour away. The campus maintains a practical, no-frills atmosphere that matches its affordable tuition of $10,791 for residents.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,160 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1908
Campus Safety (2023)
39 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 8 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Burglary | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–34°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 67.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.7%
- Women
- 53.4%
- White
- 71.6%
- Black
- 7.4%
- Hispanic
- 4.7%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 80.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.2%
Location
- Address
- Youngstown, Ohio 44555-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,544
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,832
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $254/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Youngstown State University?
Youngstown State University accepts 80.60% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 995, reflecting the university's focus on providing opportunities for students across a wide range of academic backgrounds.
How much does Youngstown State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $11,877 annually, with lower costs for families earning under $30,000 who pay just $8,053. Students graduate with a median debt of $24,000 and monthly loan payments of $254, making it one of Ohio's more affordable public universities.
What is Youngstown State University known for academically?
The university operates as a public research institution with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. YSU has built a strong reputation for its engineering programs and maintains NCAA Division I athletics with 17 varsity sports and 455 student-athletes.
What are the graduation rates at Youngstown State University?
The six-year graduation rate is 52.90%, with graduates earning a median salary of $41,544 ten years after graduation. The university maintains a 76.89% retention rate, and 96.4% of graduates find employment, reflecting YSU's focus on practical career preparation.
Where is Youngstown State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Youngstown, Ohio, a small city setting that serves 7,340 students. With housing capacity for 1,160 students and 80.31% of students coming from in-state, YSU creates a tight-knit community atmosphere in an urban environment.
Does Youngstown State University have notable alumni?
YSU has produced several prominent figures including football coach Jim Tressel, NFL quarterback Ron Jaworski, and actor Ed O'Neill. The university's Penguins compete in the Horizon League and have distributed $5,509,179 in athletic scholarships, reflecting the school's commitment to both academic and athletic excellence.
