Best Community Colleges in Ohio: Admission Requirements, Transfer Options, and Online Degrees

Rhodes State College is an Ohio community college that offers degrees and certificates in the arts and sciences, business technology, public service, and nursing and other healthcare fields. Only its arts and sciences associate degrees qualify for credit transfer to a four-year school.

Rhodes State College Overview

• Tuition: $180/credit hour (in district); $360/credit hour (out of district)
• Student Population: 3,324
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 69%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: N/A

Best Rhodes State College Programs

• Associate Degree in Agricultural Technology. This program prepares students for a rapidly expanding industry through hands-on training The curriculum includes the basics of agronomy and agricultural business to help students succeed in the industry.
• Associate Degree in Healthcare Technology. This program offers a well-rounded education that prepares students for the ever-evolving technology demands of the healthcare industry. Basic scientific principles are taught, as well as patient management and communication skills.
• Associate Degree in Network Security. Students in this program learn about network architecture from planning and implementation to ongoing security monitoring and management. Various digital and network forensic procedures will also be covered, as well as VPNs, secure remote connections, and disaster recovery methods.
• Liberal Arts Certificate. This program covers topics in the humanities, liberal arts, and related disciplines to help students improve their writing, speech, and analytical skills to lay the groundwork for a successful career in the liberal arts. 
• Cisco CCNA Certificate. Students will obtain the knowledge necessary to pass the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification test by completing the requirements for this certificate.

Zane State College is a public institution with campuses in Zanesville and Cambridge, Ohio, established in 1969. It provides more than 40 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as one bachelor’s degree focused on regional workforce needs.

Zane State College Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $189/credit hour (in state); $371/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 2,223
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 75%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: N/A

Best Zane State College Programs

• Associate Degree in Business Management. This two-year online or on-campus program provides technical knowledge in business management, software applications, economic principles, and other management-related practices. 
• Associate of Applied Science in Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology. This is a two-year on-campus program with two degree tracks. One is for joining the workforce right after graduation, and the other is for students who want to go on to pursue Zane’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology.
• Associate Degree in Information Technology: Programming and Web Development. Students who complete the ITPD program will be prepared for a variety of high-paying IT careers, including web development, mobile app development and gaming, database administration, project management, and cyber security.
• Associate Degree in Education. Students in this program can specialize in teaching K-12 students or reading in general or in working as intervention specialists. This program is ideal for those seeking a four-year degree next.
• Occupational Therapy Assistant. This two-year on-campus program trains students in increasing patients’ freedom in work and life, affecting their lives in a positive way. The program’s graduation rate is 87 percent. 

Northwest State Community College offers five academic divisions with more than 60 certificates and degrees for traditional and accelerated students. The school also makes credit transfer easy for students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree. 

Northwest State Community College Overview

• Tuition: $187/credit hour (in state); $369/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 3,736
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 86%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: N/A

Best Northwest State Community College Programs

• Associate Degree in Business Management. Graduates of this program are well-versed in management, human resources management, accounting, marketing, and sales. In addition to daytime and evening classes, the program also offers classes on the weekend.
• Associate Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Through knowledge gained in sourcing and acquisition, conversion, and logistics, students of this program can help organizations form robust supply chains. 
• Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. Students will gain the skills necessary for entry-level positions in law enforcement while also laying the groundwork for further education and training. The curriculum covers the criminal justice system’s components and processes, including aspects of the law, the prison system, and prosecution.
• Mechanical Engineering Technology. Students who graduate from this program will be prepared for entry-level jobs in various mechanical and manufacturing engineering fields. They will be able to support engineers and other professionals in plant and facilities maintenance and other functions. 
• Registered Nursing. This program equips students to work as registered nurses in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics. The four-semester curriculum combines face-to-face classes, online classes, labs, and clinical practice to prepare students to work in the healthcare industry.

A community college in Piqua, Ohio, Edison State Community College is a state-supported institution. In 1973, it became the state's first two-year college, with a general education component and technical training component. 

Edison State Community College Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $176.62/credit hour (in state); $326.94/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 4,202
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 96%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: N/A

Best Edison State Community College Programs

• Criminal Justice/Computer Forensics | AAS. Network and computer security are the main components of this two-year Associate of Applied Science program. Students will learn how to identify illegal network activity and gather and prepare evidence for criminal prosecution.
• Business Management | AAB. Students in this Associate of Applied Business degree program will learn how to manage businesses of all sizes. The program features case studies, group projects, and real-world scenarios to teach students analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Electro-Mechanical Engineering | AAS. This program features courses in electro-mechanical systems and electronics, as well as mechanical systems integration and control. Students learn how to design, install, and troubleshoot electrical systems.
• Network Administration | AAB. Students in this program gain fundamental knowledge in data communications as well as cutting-edge technology skills. Cisco courses can be applied toward this Associate of Applied Business degree.
• Physical Therapist Assistant | AAS. This program trains students to offer rehabilitation services under the instruction of physiotherapists in a variety of settings. Athletes, amputees, and individuals recuperating from injury, surgery, or illness are just some of those served by physical therapy assistants.

Washington State Community College is a public community college in Marietta, Ohio, that was founded in 1971 and relocated to its current campus in 1991. The school offers over 45 degrees and certificates across six academic disciplines, including health, engineering, and public service.

Washington State Community College Overview

• Tuition: $170/credit hour (in state); $171/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 1,809
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 83%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: N/A

Best Washington State Community College Programs

• Associate Degree in Business Management Technology. This program will assist you in taking the initiative toward starting your own business or becoming a supervisor. Courses cover management and marketing topics, but also technology and database management.
• Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Learn the electrical engineering fundamentals that will open up a world of possibilities for you. Upon graduation, you have the option of starting your career right away or continuing your education by enrolling in a four-year university to acquire your bachelor's degree.
• Associate Degree in Nursing. This two-year nursing program allows you to take the same licensing test to become a registered nurse that bachelor’s degree holders do. This makes it a very cost-effective program. 
• Health Information Management Technology. This five-semester, entirely online program includes certificates that you can acquire throughout the course of your studies. Within the first three semesters, you can acquire a certificate in medical billing and coding, which can help you get a job while you finish your degree.
• Criminal Justice Technology. This program prepares students for careers in law enforcement, private security, and other related criminal justice roles, or for transfer to a four-year college or university. You will get a foundational education in criminal justice, which includes the court system and law enforcement.

Columbus State Community College was founded in 1963. In addition to traditional associate degree programs, it also offers Associate of Technical Studies (ATS) degrees. ATS degree-seekers engage with an advisor to develop a personalized major that they can use upon graduation to enter the job market right away or transfer to a four-year college or university.

Columbus State Community College Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $168/credit hour (in state); $343/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 27,621
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 82%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: N/A

Best Columbus State Community College Programs

• AAS in Architecture. This program includes courses in manual and computer-aided drafting (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), architectural history, and code evaluation to give students a firm foundation of technical skills and an appreciation for the importance of teamwork in the construction sector. 
• AAS in Computer Science: Management Information Systems. This degree program teaches students the fundamentals of computer science and introduces them to project and information management.
• AAS in Computer Science: Information Technology Support Technician. This curriculum is intended to equip students with a solid foundation in the technical skills necessary for employment in the field of information technology support.
• Associate of Science in Computer and Information Science. Advanced math or science majors can complete the first two years of their bachelor's degree through this program. Programming logic and software development basics are among the more specialized topics covered.
• Associate of Arts in Political Science. This program is intended to satisfy the first two years of a bachelor's degree for non-math and non-science majors. Courses are in topics such as political systems, principles, methods of government, public policy making, and political conduct.

Sinclair Community College has transfer agreements with more than 100 colleges and universities, making it an ideal option for students who plan to also pursue a bachelor's degree. More than 300 degree and certificate programs are available through SCC, including more than 20 completely online programs. 

Sinclair Community College Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $136/credit hour (in district); $183/credit hour (out of district); $339/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 18,687
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 80%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: N/A

Best Sinclair Community College Programs

• Associate of Arts: Liberal Arts. This program is developed for students who wish to go on to pursue a four-year degree in a variety of fields, including education. Several four-year colleges’ and institutions' general education requirements can be met by this program.
• Business Administration BUS.S.AS. This program prepares students for entry-level positions as managers of a wide variety of small and medium-sized businesses. It also makes transferring to a four-year university easy, through the Ohio Transfer Module (OTM), which guarantees the transfer of specific courses to any four-year public institution in Ohio.
• Mechanical Engineering Technology MEGT.S.AAS. Students who complete this program will be prepared to work as engineering technicians. Courses are non-calculus based and taught through the use of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment.
• Veterinary Technology VET.S.AAS. This 65-credit program is divided into general education and division-specific courses with open enrollment and program-specific courses with limited enrollment. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
• Nursing NUR.S.AAS. Students will learn how to meet the health needs of a varied demographic in a number of different community settings through this program. Nursing theory, clinical nursing practice, general education, and science make up the majority of the course content.

Lorain County Community College has four campuses in Ohio. The school partners with 14 universities to offer over 100 bachelor’s and master’s degrees. LCCC’s associate degrees and certificates are in popular fields like computer and information technology, the culinary arts, and the liberal arts and humanities, with some programs offered fully online.

Lorain County Community College Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $154/credit hour (in district); $179/credit hour (out of district)

$331/credit hour (out of state)

• Student Population: 10,138
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 93%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: N/A

Best Lorain County Community College Programs

• Human Resources Management Associate of Applied Business. Labor legislation as well as human resource management and labor relations are the emphasis of this program, which prepares graduates for careers as recruitment or HR specialists.
• Associate of Applied Business in Web Development. This degree prepares students for lucrative tech jobs creating, managing, and maintaining internet sites and applications.
• Associate of Applied Business in Hospitality & Tourism Management: Travel Industry Major. This program combines classroom learning with real-world experience gained through a cooperative-education or work-study program. An emphasis on customer service and marketing as well as international diversity prepares students for jobs in this quickly evolving field.
• Associate Degree in Nursing. This program teaches students to work alongside doctors to help treat diseases, observe, assess, and document patient symptoms and progress, and assist in recovery and rehab.
• Associate of Arts Degree. This program is specifically for students who want to pursue their bachelor’s degree in the arts, business studies, music, psychology, and other fields related to the liberal arts.

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) is Ohio’s largest and oldest public community college. Tri-C offers over 1,000 associate degree courses in traditional classroom settings or via distance learning. Its transfer articulation agreements boost academic advancement at the university level. 

Cuyahoga Community College Overview

• Tuition: $125/credit hour (in district); $154/credit hour (out of district); $291/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 18,754
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 73%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: N/A

Best Cuyahoga Community College Programs

• Associate of Applied Business in Business Technology. This program offers a mix of business and tech studies that enables you to become a business analyst, tech specialist, or coordinator who manages both business and tech-related professionals in the office space. 
• Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology: Business Solutions. The students in this program learn how to incorporate IT solutions to run a business and specific aspects pertaining to business in a smooth way. 
• Associate of Applied Business in Cybersecurity. Students will learn the basics of networks and system management, with a major focus on securing systems and networks through modern mechanisms. 
• Associate of Applied Business in Business Management. This program helps you become a better project and personnel manager and grow as a contributor to your business’ aims and objectives.
• Associate of Applied Business in Accounting. This program is a good starting point for a career as a tax and accounting paraprofessional, with the goal of eventually working your way up to management roles.

North Central State College is located in Mansfield, Ohio. It offers associate degrees and certificates in business, engineering, health science, public service, technology, and workforce development. It also provides nine fully online programs and 13 transferable degree majors. 

North Central State College Overview

• Tuition: $1867/credit hour (in state); $373/credit hour (out of state)
• Student Population: 2,729
• Percent Receiving Financial Aid: 94%
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Minimum GPA Requirement: N/A

Best North Central State College Programs

• Nursing AAS. This nursing program enables students to become registered or practical nurses and provide care for sick or injured patients and others needing assistance with their health. 
• Health Information Technology AAS. This program focuses on the upgrading, analyzing, and secure preservation of patient records and other health data in the management of patient care.
• Liberal Arts Focus AA. Students of this program gain knowledge in a wide range of liberal arts subjects while honing their critical thinking and writing skills. All of the program’s courses are eligible for transfer to four-year schools.
• Integrated Engineering Technology AAS. The curriculum for this program covers electrical and mechanical engineering basics. Students will learn how to inspect and repair industrial equipment employing electrical and mechanical skills. 
• Business Administration: Business Management AAB. Designed to be a highly practical and instantly useful course of study, this program helps graduates succeed in today's business world by providing them with a wide range of fundamental business abilities.

Occupational therapy assistants help patients maintain daily living and functioning abilities. They work in clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Most of their time is spent maintaining therapy equipment and assisting patients with different therapy methods.

This occupation could very well be the best-kept secret of the healthcare industry. Occupational therapists dedicate their time and energy to helping people of different ages overcome illnesses, injuries, and disabilities. But they are given much less recognition compared to the better-known physical therapists.

• Average Salary in Ohio: $61,760
• Employment in Ohio: 3,410
• Overall Job Growth: 34%
• Best Ohio Community College Program: Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate Degree Program at Zane State College

Radiation therapists assist oncologists in the treatment of cancer patients who are undergoing radiation therapy. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, and doctor's offices all employ radiation therapists. These professionals work with X-rays, CT scans, and cone beam computed tomography. These technologies allow them to position cancer patients accurately before the radiation is administered.

Radiation therapists also use immobilization devices in order to replicate each patient’s position for bringing more accuracy to the treatment. They are experts in using computer technologies and are sometimes referred to as medical technologists. In Ohio, an associate degree and state licensing are required for a career in radiation therapy. 

• Average Salary in Ohio: $83,720
• Employment in Ohio: 350
• Overall Job Growth: 9%
• Best Ohio Community College Program: Physical Therapist Assistant AAS at Edison State Community College

Computer network support specialists’ main job is to provide technical support to computer users and maintain the computer networks. They mainly work full-time because most companies need constant assistance with computer-based services.

They analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate the existing network systems. They also perform network maintenance to ensure minimal interruption in all networks.Computer network support technicians spend most of their time backing up network data and configuring security settings or access permissions. They also analyze and report any computer network security breaches.

• Average Salary in Ohio: $63,930
• Employment in Ohio: 7,740
• Overall Job Growth: 9%
• Best Ohio Community College Program: AAS in Computer Science: Management Information Systems at Columbus State Community College

Radiologists employ radioactive materials prepared by nuclear medicine technologists. This is a highly specialized profession with its main focus on looking into how the human body functions. The job of a nuclear medicine technologist is mainly about helping in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of diseases and medical conditions. 

They also prepare radioactive drugs to be administered to patients for treatment. In addition to jobs in hospitals, imaging centers and diagnostic labs are also good places for these professionals to work. A radiologic license and an associate degree are both required in Ohio for becoming a nuclear medicine technologist.

• Average Salary in Ohio: $75,270
• Employment in Ohio: 920
• Overall Job Growth: 8%
• Best Ohio Community College Program: Healthcare Technology at James A Rhodes State College

Mechanical engineering technologists work as assistants to mechanical engineers in the design and development of different kinds of machinery. In other words, they build and install equipment in accordance with the specifications provided by mechanical engineers.

They are also responsible for testing the equipment once it is installed. These professionals can work in different manufacturing sectors as well as in R&D labs as full-time engineering technicians. They can provide technical support and services to a specific firm under full-time employment or work as an independent contractor in mechanical engineering fields.

• Average Salary in Ohio: $59,050
• Employment in Ohio: 1,990
• Overall Job Growth: 6%
• Best Ohio Community College Program: Mechanical Engineering Technology MEGT.S.AAS at Sinclair Community College