Summer enrollment at Stark State College is up approximately 37 perent, setting a new summer session record for the sixth largest of Ohio’s 23 public two-year colleges and, according to the U.S. Department of Education, one of the fastest growing colleges in the nation. Stark State’s summer headcount enrollment grew by more than 1100 students, from 3041 students in summer 2008 to a record 4180 students this summer.
“The economic recession has driven our already dramatic enrollment growth to new levels,” said Stark State President John O’Donnell, Ph.D. “Our strikingly higher spring and summer enrollments reflect the needs of students and families for affordable, quality associate degree and certificate programs.”
College officials say Stark State is responding to this higher demand and need with expanded course offerings scheduled in convenient and flexible five- and eight-week terms, additional Web-based classes and affordable tuition of $127 per credit hour. Many of these changes began in summer 2005, in light of anticipated community need.
More students from other colleges are also looking to Stark State for summer classes they can transfer back to their “native” colleges and universities. “Students often use summer classes to accelerate their learning, leading to earlier graduation and a quicker entry into the job market,” said Cheri Rice, vice president for enrollment management and student services. “We also have seen an increase in the number of students from other colleges and universities who are taking a transferable class at Stark State during the summer at much lower tuition.”
“Stark State’s enrollment growth aligns with the University System of Ohio’s goal to provide a continuum of higher education, from community and technical colleges to universities, in order to provide convenient, affordable access to all Ohioans,” O’Donnell pointed out. “We’re seeing more and more students get their start at Stark State and then transfer their two-year degrees to baccalaureate programs.”
“The College has experienced double-digit enrollment increases for several years now, which reflects the community’s recognition of Stark State’s quality associate degrees and affordability,” said Dorey Diab, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer. “Students come to Stark State for our small class sizes, dedicated and experienced faculty who provide personalized attention, flexible class schedules and a broad selection of associate degree and certificate programs that lead to rewarding careers in today’s high-demand, high-growth fields.
“Our graduates continue to find employment despite the struggling economy because our degrees are market-driven and meet the needs of area employers and our students,” Diab added.
Enrollment in Web classes and at satellite centers has also increased. “Our expanded E-learning courses address the complex lives of our students, allowing them to attend college despite busy work and family lives,” Diab added. “In addition, the College’s satellite locations take education out into the communities we serve and provide even more convenience and at the same time provide transportation savings to our students.” Satellite centers are located in Alliance, Barberton, Carrollton, Downtown Canton, Navarre and Uniontown/Hartville, with a new one opening this fall at GlenOak High School. A July 7th event at GlenOak at 6 p.m. will kick off the official opening of that satellite center.
Stark State continues to add classroom and laboratory space and soon will open a new Health Sciences building to accommodate enrollment growth in health programs.
Stark State College offers over 100 associate degrees and one-year certificates in business, general studies, health, engineering technologies, information technologies and public service. The College also offers certificates of competency for credit, continuing education/non-credit programs, and customized contract training services. For information, call 330-494-6170 or visit www.starkstate.edu
