Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (Cincinnati)
Known simply as Cincinnati State to many, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College features small class sizes, affordable tuition and specialized workforce training. It all adds up to the school being one of the best community colleges in Ohio.
Cincinnati State maintains four campus locations: two in Cincinnati, one in Harrison and one in Middleton. Students can also enroll in CState Online. This program offers hundreds of online courses which will allow you to study, or even complete, a degree program from home. Options include an accounting technology associate degree and a coding specialist certificate.
The college is unique in that it was the first two-year school in the United States to establish a mandatory cooperative education program. Thanks to relationships with more than 500 area employers, students can gain real-world experience — along with a paycheck — through the co-op program.
Cuyahoga Community College District (Cleveland)
Extensive educational opportunities are part of what makes Cuyahoga Community College District one of the best community colleges in Ohio. The school offers more than 1,000 courses covering approximately 190 areas of interest. Tri-C, as the school is known, says it has one of the lowest tuition rates in the region as well.
For students needing a flexible schedule, there are nearly a half dozen fully online degree programs and certificates as well as others that can be completed almost entirely via online courses. These include an online degree in graphic design and a short-term certificate in court reporting technologies. Students who would rather study on campus will find classes offered at more than a dozen locations.
Cuyahoga Community College maintains a robust calendar of events and activities for its students, regardless of their degree program. There are job fairs, workshops, fine arts performances and more.
Columbus State Community College (Columbus)
As another of the top Ohio community colleges, Columbus State Community College serves students from all walks of life. As the only open admissions college in central Ohio, all are welcome to enroll and brush up on basic skills, earn a degree or complete a workforce training program.
Columbus State is an affordable educational choice, and most of its graduates leave the school with zero student loan. The college is also known for offering small classes and having one of the most ethnically diverse student bodies in the region. Its programs include construction and skilled trades training as well as a variety of health sciences degrees and certificates.
More than 27,000 students enroll in Columbus State each year. The school has two campuses and five regional learning centers. These locations support a variety of student clubs, sports programs and other activities.
Sinclair Community College (Dayton)
With four locations, Sinclair Community College offers educational programs suitable to a wide variety of career goals. Overall, there are more than 220 degree and certificate programs offered.
Students looking for online colleges in Ohio will find more than a dozen fully online associate degree programs as well as more than 20 online certificates. Even in other programs, students may be able to supplement their on-campus classes with online courses. More than 100 transfer agreements make it easy to apply credits toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year school. One such pathway can be found with the school's UD Sinclair Academy, which is a partnership between Sinclair and the University of Dayton, a private research university. It allows students to map out their path to earning a four-year degree with clearer financial picture in mind.
Sinclair College says it has one of the lowest tuition rates in the state, another reason it ranks among the best Ohio community colleges. More than 32,000 students enroll in Sinclair each year.
Lakeland Community College (Kirtland)
Being one of the top Ohio community colleges isn't the only thing distinguishing Lakeland Community College from its peers. It was also the first college in the state to be created through a vote of the people. Residents voted for the school's creation in 1967.
Today, more than 13,500 students are enrolled in credit and non-credit courses. There are more than 135 degree and certificate programs available. Some, such as the associate degree in psychology, are transfer degrees that can lead to additional education at a four-year school. Others options at the school, such as its nursing program, lead to technical degrees and certificates intended to prepare students to enter the workforce immediately.
As one of the state's online colleges, Lakeland has a number of fully online degree and certificate programs. There are also blended programs which combine online courses with on-campus requirements.
Clark State Community College (Springfield)
Affordable tuition, personalized attention and convenient learning options are all part of what make Clark State Community College one of the best Ohio community colleges. It's a popular choice for those seeking a transfer degree or looking to study fields such as nursing or business.
Regardless of whether you are a traditional student or an adult learner, the school likely has a program for you. There are approximately 125 degree and certificates from which to choose. Clark State has online courses, internships and co-ops to enhance the learning experience as well. An Honors Program provides an academically challenging curriculum while the Aspire Program provides adult learners with basic skills.
Clark State enrolls more than 6,000 students each semester. It was founded in 1962 and maintains three campus locations.
James A Rhodes State College (Lima)
More commonly known by its shortened name of Rhodes State College, this school embraces core values that include integrity, quality and respect. Approximately 4,000 students enroll in its programs each year.
Rhodes State College offers more than 90 associate degrees, majors and certificates that prepare students for in-demand occupations. Its innovative options include a business administration associate degree which requires students to attend classes only one night per week. There are also more than a dozen fully online degrees and certificates as well as a number of hybrid programs that combine on-campus with online learning.
High school students can get an early start on their college education thanks to Rhodes State's participation in the College Credit Plus program. It offers free college classes to eligible students in grades 7-12.
Washington State Community College (Marietta)
Students seeking a smaller learning environment may want to take a closer look at Washington State Community College. The school enrolls approximately 2,300 students, allowing it to have small class sizes in its more than 50 degree and certificate programs.
Transfer students can save more than $30,000 in tuition costs by starting their education at WSCC, the college says. There are 10 transfer degree programs that include liberal arts, general science, business and education. For technical education students, there are 15 one-year certificates that lead directly to employment.
Distance learners will find a handful of fully online programs at WSCC. These include a chemical operator certificate and a liberal arts transfer degree. All students have access to free tutoring and support services through the Center for Student Success.
Edison State Community College (Piqua)
Chartered in 1973, Edison State Community College offers education options in more than 30 technical fields as well as transfer programs, continuing education classes and workforce development training. It enrolls more than 3,000 students annually, and they can choose to study online, on the school's main campus in Piqua or at three other regional locations.
Edison State offers career pathways that are designed to help students explore fields of study and identity an occupation that may be right for them. Online programs include more than 30 degrees and certificates.
The college has two university transfer pathways that allow students to focus on either the arts or sciences. Those seeking a career technical education can choose from five different pathways which include programs such a degree in criminal justice and a real estate certificate.
Terra State Community College (Fremont)
There are multiple reasons Terra State Community College is one of the best Ohio community colleges. The school says its tuition rate is half the cost of most public colleges and universities and a quarter of the price charged by some private institutions. Despite the low cost, students still get quality academics, small classes and comprehensive academic support.
Terra State offers more than 60 degrees and certificates across 19 fields of study. These include transfer degrees for those planning to eventually earn a bachelor's degree. There are also technical degrees and programs that prepare graduates to move quickly into the workforce.
Among its specialty programs, the college has a Basic Law Academy Certificate for those who want to work in law enforcement. Distance learners can choose from four fully online degrees at Terra State.
