Ohio's public community college offering 230+ programs in technology, health, business, and skilled trades.
Stark State College offers over 230 majors, options, certificates, and career enhancement programs across nine career communities: administrative services and legal professions, business and accounting, computer science and IT, culinary arts, education, engineering and manufacturing technologies, health professions, human services and public safety, and liberal arts with mathematics and sciences. The college provides associate degrees (AA, ATS, AS), one-year certificates, and career enhancement certificates. Notable programs include nursing (ADN and BSN), dental hygiene, computer engineering, welding technology, automotive technology, and cybersecurity. The college also offers College Credit Plus dual enrollment for high school students and maintains partnerships such as the Direct Connect program with University of Akron for seamless transfer pathways.
The main campus occupies 200 acres in Jackson Township adjacent to Kent State University at Stark, with an additional 42 acres used for parking. Recent expansion added six buildings and 200,000 square feet of space. Stark State College Akron, established in 2017, operates a $15.7 million, 68,000-square-foot facility on Perkins Street with approximately 1,800 students. The college also maintains satellite campuses in Canton and Barberton. Facilities include a dental hygiene clinic and massage therapy clinic serving both students and the community.
Stark State College maintains an open admissions policy as a community college. The college supports student success through the Honors Program, Upward Bound Math-Science Academy, and online learning options including 8-week classes and eStarkState. Military services support is available for veteran students. The college offers flexible scheduling with online and in-person instruction to accommodate working adults and traditional students.
Stark State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, with numerous specific programs separately accredited by field-specific organizations. The college is part of the University System of Ohio. Key partnerships include the Direct Connect dual admission program with University of Akron, allowing students to complete an associate degree at Stark State before transferring to earn a bachelor's degree. The college also collaborates with Kent State University at Stark and maintains workforce development partnerships with regional employers.