Ohio's first community college founded by popular vote, serving 8,000+ students with affordable pathways to degrees and careers.
Lakeland offers more than 130 associate degree and certificate programs across arts and humanities, business technologies, engineering technologies, science and health technologies, and social science and public service. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and serves as a space-grant institution. Most popular programs include Liberal Arts and Sciences (transfer degrees) and Nursing, which accounts for over 10% of graduates. Through the Holden University Center (established 2011), Lakeland partners with 11 four-year institutions including BGSU, Kent State, Cleveland State, Case Western Reserve, and others, enabling students to earn bachelor's and graduate degrees on campus.
The main campus in Kirtland sits on 400 acres and includes the historic Mooreland Mansion (built 1898, renovated 1998), used for meetings and events. Additional locations serve students in Madison and Willowick. The college features an Athletic and Fitness Center, library, student center, and health technologies building (expanded 2018). Lakeland competes in seven varsity sports (women's basketball, softball, volleyball; men's baseball, basketball, soccer) in the NJCAA Region XII and Ohio Community College Athletic Conference. The mascot is Crash, adopted in 2019.
Lakeland accepts standard applications for first-time students and returning/previously accepted students. The college serves diverse populations including high school students via College Credit Plus, adult learners, international students, transfer students, veterans, and senior citizens. Admission requirements vary by pathway. The college emphasizes accessibility and affordability, positioning itself as a 2+2 transfer pathway to reduce overall bachelor's degree costs.
Lakeland is part of the University System of Ohio and is governed by a Board of Trustees. The college was founded following a 1965 countywide ballot initiative and 1967 levy passage—a historic first for Ohio. Classes began in Painesville in 1967 and moved to the permanent Kirtland campus in 1971. The college has expanded significantly with major facility additions in 1983 (engineering), 1988 (business), 1993 (student center), 1995 (health technologies), 1997 (library), 2000 (athletic center), and 2011 (Holden Center). In 2024, the college faced financial challenges and sold the Holden University Center to Signature Health for $8 million.