College Profile:
Lakeland Community College

A college degree means opportunity for a higher salary, career advancement and a better quality of life. For many Northeast Ohio residents, that opportunity starts at Lakeland Community College.

Established in 1967, Lakeland was the first college in Ohio founded by a vote of the people. Today, Lakeland serves more than 22,000 credit and non-credit students each year at the main campus in Kirtland, off-site locations in Madison, Painesville and Willowick, and via distance learning.

The college's mission is to provide quality learning opportunities to meet the social and economic needs of the community.

Lakeland offers more than 130 associate degrees and certificates that will lead to a high demand career or transfer to a four-year college or university. Areas of study include arts and humanities, business technologies, engineering technologies, science and health technologies, and social science and public service. Lakeland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Lakeland's career programs prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation. A graduate with an associate's degree earns $400,000 more in a lifetime than a high school graduate.

Lakeland's transfer programs prepare students for successful transfer to four-year schools.

Lakeland credits transfer easily. Students can complete the first two years of their bachelor's degree and then transfer to most four-year colleges or universities.

The college also offers non-credit community learning and professional development classes and workforce development training.

Quality Affordable Education
Lakeland provides quality education at an affordable price. Professors at Lakeland are experts in their fields with real-world experience. Class sizes are small, averaging 17 students per class, allowing personalized attention. Lakeland's tuition is about one-third the cost of most four-year schools. Students can save thousands on their college education and earn a degree without taking on a lot of debt. Financial assistance is available, including federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and work study employment.

Convenient
Lakeland offers convenient day, evening and weekend class times, and a growing number of online courses. Through the Weekend College, students can earn an associate degree in two years by taking classes on Saturdays only. Lakeland's bachelor degree completion programs allow students to transfer into a four-year degree program held entirely on Lakeland's campus or online. Through a partnership with Cleveland State University, students can earn a bachelor's degree from Cleveland State without leaving Lakeland's campus.

Student Focused
Lakeland offers a variety of services to help students succeed, such as counseling, tutoring, career services, library, open computer labs, free parking and shuttle bus service, affordable child care, and use of the Athletic & Fitness Center. Lakeland students have a rich campus life outside the classroom. There are more than 30 student clubs and organizations, intramural sports and recreation, and social, educational and entertainment events. Lakeland is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference. The Lakers compete in men's baseball, basketball, golf, and soccer and women's basketball, softball and volleyball.

Lakeland Student Profile

• 60% of students reside in Lake County, 21% in Cuyahoga County, 10% in Geauga County, and 6% in Ashtabula County.

• The average age of a Lakeland student is 27.

• 80% of students are employed full-time or part-time while taking classes.

• Part-time students comprise 58% of the population.