A defunct Ohio community college that served four counties before closing in 2024.
Eastern Gateway Community College was chartered in 1966 and opened in 1968 as Jefferson County Technical Institute. It underwent multiple name changes reflecting its evolution from a technical institute to a community college, ultimately becoming Eastern Gateway Community College in 2009 when it expanded to serve four Ohio counties. The college faced significant challenges beginning in 2021 when its accreditor placed it on probation due to concerns about a partnership with a for-profit company that rapidly expanded online enrollment, primarily targeting union members through a free-tuition program. Financial distress accelerated in 2023, leading to the college's announcement in February 2024 that it would pause enrollment and partner with Youngstown State University for student transfers. The college officially closed on October 31, 2024, with final instruction on July 28, 2024.
The college offered 60 majors across business technologies, information technologies, engineering technologies, and health and public services. Degree options included Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Business, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Technical Studies, and Associate of Individualized Studies. The college used open admissions. In-state tuition for 2017–2018 was $117 per credit hour, with tuition waived for students in Jefferson, Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties.
Eastern Gateway was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and was part of the University System of Ohio. In November 2021, the HLC placed the college on probation citing concerns about assessment, HR record keeping, and data collection and analysis, particularly related to the rapid expansion of online courses through its partnership with the Student Resource Center. The college resigned from HLC effective November 1, 2024.
Following closure, the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) was designated as the permanent records custodian. Students can order transcripts and replacement diplomas through Parchment. The college established teach-out partnerships with 15 institutions including Youngstown State University, Kent State University, and Cuyahoga Community College to allow students to complete their degrees.