Best Community Colleges in Ohio

LCCC offers 10 program and career pathways in fields such as computer and information technologies, culinary arts and hospitality, and liberal and creative arts. Like all Ohio community colleges on this ranking, LCCC offers associate degrees and certificates, and students can earn an AA for transfer entirely online.

Besides traditional programs, LCCC boasts continuing education opportunities for learners of all ages. The college offers a GED-preparation course for degree-seekers and allows high school students to earn an associate degree and a high school diploma simultaneously. Students ages 50 and older can take one of many personal enrichment courses.

All incoming degree-seekers at LCCC complete a new student orientation and take placement assessments. The college exempts learners from these assessments if they possess a minimum 18 ACT or 970 SAT score. Financial aid opportunities include on-campus work-study programs and dozens of college and departmental scholarships.

NSCC attracts both traditional and accelerated students by offering courses in eight- and 16-week formats, as well as more than 70 certificates and degrees. This Ohio community college also delivers a specialized track that helps undecided degree-seekers -- approximately one-third of the student body -- select a major.

Outside of class, learners can access more than a dozen valuable student services. When degree-seekers first enroll, they meet with an educational planning advisor to select courses and access resources to help them succeed academically. The Career Services Office works with students one-on-one to explore internships, polish resumes, and search for jobs.

Like all Ohio community colleges on this ranking, NSCC accepts GED certificates. All incoming learners complete student orientation, advising, and registration (SOAR). Degree-seekers can complete SOAR entirely online or in person by making an appointment. NSCC awards both foundation and institutional scholarships; learners can apply for financial aid in the spring, summer, or fall semester.

The only private school on this ranking, Valor Christian College affiliates with the World Harvest Church. The college's 12 associate degrees and five certificates prepare graduates to become ordained and lay ministers. Distance education students can complete one of six degrees entirely online, including programs in Christian ministries, organizational leadership, and youth ministries. This Ohio community college also offers courses in the evenings, an excellent option for degree-seekers who work full time.

At the Valor Learning Center (VLC), degree- and certificate-seekers can receive one-on-one tutoring services; online students can also access tutors at no additional cost. Students can also turn to the VLC to improve their writing skills. Professors provide detailed feedback that learners can apply to current and future writing assignments.

Valor Christian College requires prospective students to submit scores from the ACT or SAT. Applicants also submit a pastor's recommendation and an essay on a Christian service topic. Transfer credit must reflect a minimum C grade. The college offers four scholarship opportunities, one of which awards full tuition.

From its three Ohio campuses, as well as online, Belmont College educates over 1,200 students earning a degree or certificate. The college offers both AA and AS degrees that transfer to in-state, four-year colleges. Students in this track do not select a major but complete general education credits to satisfy bachelor's degree requirements. Certificate programs cover areas such as building preservation, public safety, and information technology.

Student resources at this Ohio community college include academic advisors who help learners create a degree-completion plan. Students can also take a career-interest assessment and have a highly trained career advisor review their resume. Outside of class, degree-seekers can join the Student Government Association or one of many program-specific organizations.

Applicants must complete a new-student enrollment checklist that involves submitting either high school transcripts or GED scores. All students complete a first-year experience orientation either on campus or online. Belmont College provides over a dozen scholarship opportunities that award up to $2,250 each semester. Some scholarships require a separate application.

Rhodes offers academic programs in four divisions: allied health, arts and sciences, business technology and public service, and nursing. Each division awards degrees and certificates; however, only degrees in the arts and sciences division qualify learners to transfer to a four-year school. These AA and AS degrees feature concentrations (rather than majors) in English, history, psychology, and sociology.

Degree- and certificate-seekers at Rhodes can access counseling or academic advising services by making an appointment. This Ohio community college's career development program features highly trained advisors who help students and alumni search for job opportunities and curate a professional portfolio. Additionally, employers throughout Ohio and the U.S. post job opportunities to Rhodes' website and actively recruit alumni.

Rhodes accepts applications online or through the mail, and incoming learners also submit FAFSA results. New students without ACT or SAT scores take the COMPASS test to determine initial math and English course placement. Scholarship application requirements include a resume, personal statement, and two references.

Sinclair holds transfer agreements with over 100 colleges and universities, making it an excellent choice for students planning to enter a bachelor's-completion program. The college's four academic divisions -- liberal arts, health sciences, business and public services, and STEM -- award both degrees and certificates. Distance learners can select from more than 20 entirely online programs.

Like many excellent Ohio community colleges, Sinclair features an honors division through which students can select from the Honors Initiate Program or Honors Scholars Program. The former provides greater flexibility; students can take as many honors courses as they want, while those in the Honors Scholars Program can specialize in global studies. Candidates to either program must have a minimum 3.25 GPA and submit recommendation letters.

Sinclair uses eight application pathways for different types of learners. Prospective students without prior college experience take placement tests, complete an orientation, and meet with an advisor. Scholarship opportunities require a separate application.

In addition to traditional AS, AA, AAS, and certificate programs, CSCC boasts a fifth option for prospective learners: an associate of technical studies (ATS). Degree-seekers earning an ATS work one-on-one with an advisor to create a custom major that can either transfer to a four-year school or prepare students for a new career. Other students at this Ohio community college can select a career-focused major through one of more than 36 academic departments.

To help students in middle school and high school prepare for college and careers, CSCC features the College Credit Plus Program. The college partners with school districts near the Columbus and Delaware campuses to offer college-level courses that satisfy general education requirements at four-year schools.

CSCC does not charge an application fee, and all incoming students submit FAFSA results. The college's honors program has additional application requirements. New, undecided, and transfer students can access specialized enrollment counseling resources. Degree-seekers interested in financial aid can apply for scholarships in the spring, summer, or fall semester.

WSCC delivers more than 45 degrees and certificates in six academic areas that include health, engineering, and public service. This Ohio community college features an engineering technology major with an optional concentration in robotics and mechatronics. This degree helps students develop in-demand skills and transfers to bachelor's-completion programs. Like many other schools on this ranking, WSCC participates in the College Credit Plus Program.

The WSCC Honors Program attracts high-achieving students who want smaller class sizes and networking opportunities. Application requirements include a minimum 3.0 high school or undergraduate GPA and excellent ACT scores. Degree-seekers take 2-4 honors courses, complete a special project, and participate in service-learning. Honors students stay in good academic standing by maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA.

All incoming learners apply for financial aid by submitting FAFSA results. WSCC offers new scholarship opportunities in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Students with financial need may qualify for an Ohio College Opportunity Grant.

Tri-C offers nearly 200 courses in technical and career program areas, making it the perfect choice for prospective learners researching certificate programs. Students can also select a degree in areas such as applied industrial technology, information technology, or manufacturing. Like all Ohio community colleges on this ranking, Tri-C also delivers transfer degrees. Additionally, the college features both online and fast-track options.

Tri-C works with employers to host on-campus job fairs and place students in summer internships. Degree-seekers can visit the Career Center to attend a workshop, explore careers, or apply for an internship. Other valuable student services at Tri-C include academic counseling and tutoring.

Tri-C accepts ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER scores. All incoming learners submit FAFSA results. Students submit only one application to apply to all college-funded scholarship and grant opportunities. Degree-seekers enrolled in the college's honors program may qualify for additional financial aid.

From its Mansfield campus, NC State delivers more than 60 degrees and certificates, nine of which students can complete entirely online. Degree-seekers planning to transfer can major in one of 13 areas, including administration, criminal justice, education, and social work. This Ohio community college also tailors certificate programs to the busy schedules of working professionals.

Academic advising at NC State features success coaches who meet with students immediately after enrollment. After the first semester, the college assigns learners an academic advisor. The Career Development Services Department hosts training workshops, critiques cover letters, and provides job search resources.

NC State encourages prospective students to meet with an admissions counselor before enrolling. These counselors help applicants complete steps such as submitting transcripts and taking placement tests. Full-time College Credit Plus or Career Tech students with a minimum 2.75 GPA may qualify for free tuition.