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$5,856Tuition
717Students
53%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$35,006Earnings
#24 in OhioPublic4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Zane State College

Zane State College serves 717 students in the small town of Zanesville, Ohio, focusing on hands-on career preparation. The college built its reputation around two-year technical programs in nursing, engineering technology, and business that connect directly to regional job markets. Students work closely with faculty in a 15:1 ratio, getting the individual attention that helps them master practical skills employers actually want.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $7,423 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying as little as $5,563. Graduates typically leave with just $6,834 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $72. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $35,006, which represents solid returns for a two-year investment. With an employment rate of 92.1%, most students find work in their chosen fields.

The student body draws entirely from Ohio, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. Women make up 53.7% of enrollment, and the campus maintains strong ties to local industries that regularly hire graduates. The 53% graduation rate reflects the practical, career-focused approach that gets students into the workforce quickly rather than keeping them in school longer than necessary.

Academics & Faculty

Zane State College focuses on career-ready technical education and workforce development. The student-faculty ratio of 15:1 provides hands-on instruction essential for programs like nursing, engineering technology, and business administration. Students graduate with practical skills employers need immediately. The 53% graduation rate reflects the school's mission as a stepping stone to employment rather than four-year transfer. Nursing programs prepare students for Ohio's healthcare industry. Engineering technology courses teach skills for manufacturing and infrastructure jobs. Business programs cover accounting, management, and entrepreneurship. Faculty bring real-world experience from their industries. The college partners with local employers to ensure curriculum matches job market demands. Students often enter the workforce directly after completing their associate degrees or certificates.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
38.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
53.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
53.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,006

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $52,107
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $33,281
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $31,592
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. Associate $30,771
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $28,381
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $25,658
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $25,580
Information Science/Studies. Associate $25,194
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $22,268
Social Work. Associate $21,052

View all 57 programs →

Campus Life

Zane State serves 717 students in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, about an hour east of Columbus. The small campus sits in Zanesville, a town of 25,000 known for its pottery heritage and the famous Y-Bridge. Students bundle up for cold winters with snow and ice, while spring and fall offer mild weather perfect for studying outdoors.

With 100% in-state enrollment, most students commute from nearby communities rather than living on campus. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Students here are serious about landing jobs quickly - the 92.1% employment rate reflects the college's focus on hands-on training in nursing, engineering technology, and skilled trades.

Weekends often mean working part-time jobs or clinical rotations since many students balance school with family responsibilities. The campus culture centers around career preparation rather than traditional college social life. Students frequently study together in program-specific groups, preparing for certification exams that lead directly to middle-class careers with median earnings of $35,006 within ten years.
Setting
Town-Distant
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1969

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–37°F
July Avg
62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
37.9"
Annual Snowfall
21.2"

Student Demographics

Zane State draws students from across Ohio who want practical career training close to home. All students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep roots in southeastern Ohio's communities. Women make up 54% of enrollment, typical for a school strong in nursing and health programs. The student body is predominantly white at 87%, mirroring the regional demographics of rural Ohio. Only 18% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from working-class families seeking affordable technical training rather than the lowest income brackets.
Men
46.3%
Women
53.7%
White
86.6%
Black
4.3%
Hispanic
2.0%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.4%

Location

Zanesville sits in southeastern Ohio, about 55 miles east of Columbus. The city of 25,000 serves as the county seat of Muskingum County in the rolling hills of Appalachian Ohio. This former pottery and glass manufacturing center maintains its small-town character along the Muskingum River. Zane State's 717 students attend classes in a town-distant setting that offers affordable living and close community connections. The region features outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby state parks and forests. All students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local workforce development center. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Zane State College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Zanesville, Ohio 43701-2626

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,006
Median Earnings (5 years)
$37,367
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$25,500
Loan Repayment Rate
29.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$72/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,834

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Zane State College?

Zane State College has an open admission policy as a community college, making it accessible to all students who complete the application process. The college serves 717 students and focuses on providing practical career training rather than selective admissions. All students are Ohio residents, reflecting its mission to serve the local Zanesville community.

How much does Zane State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,423 annually at Zane State College. In-state tuition runs $5,856, which is typical for Ohio community colleges focused on affordable technical education. Monthly loan payments average just $72, making this one of the most budget-friendly options for career training.

What academic programs is Zane State College known for?

Zane State College specializes in two-year technical and career programs, particularly nursing, engineering technology, and business. The student-faculty ratio of 15:1 allows for hands-on learning in these practical fields. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes job-ready skills over traditional liberal arts education.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Zane State College?

Graduates achieve a 92.1% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for the technical skills taught at Zane State. Median earnings reach $35,006 ten years after graduation, which is solid for two-year program graduates. The college's focus on healthcare and technical fields helps students enter stable, growing career paths.

Where is Zane State College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Zanesville, Ohio, a town-distant setting that provides a close-knit community atmosphere. With just 717 total students and a 53.7% female population, the college maintains an intimate learning environment. The Tigers compete in athletics, though the focus remains heavily on career preparation rather than traditional college experiences.

Does Zane State College offer good financial aid support?

Only 18.37% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from working-class families just above the poverty threshold. The average institutional grant amounts to $5,234 for the 15.76% who receive them. Low borrowing rates mean most students can afford the practical training without taking on significant debt.