James A. Rhodes State College

4240 Campus Dr
Lima, OH 45804
Top-Ranked (2026-27): View Rankings
  • Rhodes State College is a public, state-assisted institution of higher learning which is chartered to provide degree granting career education programs, non-credit workforce development, and consulting for business and industry. The College prepares students for entry into careers, develops the regional workforce through credit and non-credit occupational training, and offers curricular programs that prepare students for transfer completion baccalaureate programs at selected colleges and universities.

School Highlights

James A. Rhodes State College serves 4,124 students (14% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 43:1 is higher than the state community college average of 31:1.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 38%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 4,124 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,045
  • Out-state tuition: $8,090
  • Student-teacher ratio: 43:1
  • Minority enrollment: 25%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

James A. Rhodes State College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Ohio for:

Category
Attribute
Community Size

School Overview

The teacher population of 97 teachers has declined by 56% over five years.
James A. Rhodes State College
(OH) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
97 staff
24 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of James A. Rhodes State College has grown by 24% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 43:1 has increased from 16:1 over five years.
The James A. Rhodes State College diversity score of 0.41 is less than the state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has grown by 141% over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,124 students
612 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Student-Teacher Ratio
43:1
31:1
# Full-Time Students
563 students
342 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Students
3,561 students
270 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Enrollment Undergraduate
4,124 students
565 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
563 students
342 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,561 students
402 students
% Asian
1%
3%
% Black
4%
16%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% White
75%
62%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Unknown races
16%
8%
Diversity Score
0.41
0.58

Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
27%
59%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,200
$31,700

Tuition & Financial Aid

The public in-state tuition of $4,045 is less than the state average of $5,027. The in-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,090 is less than the state average of $10,828. The out-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,045
$5,027
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,090
$10,828

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
62%
91%

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Graduates
$13,040
$18,562

Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,835
$6,516

Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • Lima Technical College was officially chartered in 1971 as a state, public assisted associate degree granting institution of higher education. A study conducted by community leaders in 1967 revealed the need for a number of technical educational programs to satisfy the employment demands of area businesses, industries and agencies. As a result, Penta Technical Institute of Perrysburg (now known as Owens Community College) established instructional programs on the Lima Campus in 1969. In the fall quarter of that year, a total of 49 students enrolled in the nursing program, the only course of instruction offered. Today, the College's on-line coursework and off-campus learning centers serve approximately 21 Ohio counties. The College has become West Central Ohio's largest two-year college, with nearly 3,000 students, offering more than 90 Associate degrees, majors and certificates programs. Additionally, it is the region's leading workforce development trainer, providing more than 2,100 specialized training courses to 18,000 employees in the past five years. Effective June 24, 2002, the College formally changed its name to James A. Rhodes State College, in honor of the former Ohio Governor who spearheaded the state's two-year college system. We prepare students to enter the workforce and assist them in pursuing their educational, career, and personal goals through exceptional program offerings in allied health, nursing, business, public service, information and engineering technologies. The Campus is located on 545 acres, 3 miles east of Lima. Rhodes State College is easily accessible. Classroom and laboratory space, comprising a total of 359,000 square feet, is available to sustain current programs in technical and continuing education. James A. Rhodes State College has gained accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does James A. Rhodes State College cost?
James A. Rhodes State College's tuition is approximately $4,045 for In-State students and $8,090 for Out-State students.
What is James A. Rhodes State College's ranking?
James A. Rhodes State College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Ohio for: Largest student body.

Recent Articles

Required Course Full? Avoid Community College Degree Delays
Required Course Full? Avoid Community College Degree Delays
Learn how a full required course can delay graduation, how to navigate waitlists, and how to find approved alternatives that protect your community college degree timeline and financial aid eligibility.
Catalog-Year Rules: Community College Graduation Requirements
Catalog-Year Rules: Community College Graduation Requirements
Understand how catalog years determine community college graduation requirements, how enrollment breaks and major changes affect eligibility, and what to verify before choosing courses or switching to a newer catalog.
What If Your Community College Program Closes?
What If Your Community College Program Closes?
Learn what happens when your community college discontinues your program before graduation, including teach-out options, credit transfers, financial aid implications, student protections, and practical steps to finish your degree successfully.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 4,124 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,045
  • Out-state tuition: $8,090
  • Student-teacher ratio: 43:1
  • Minority enrollment: 25%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Did You Know?

For Ohio public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $5,027 per year for in-state students and $10,828 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $13,751 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Ohio is 74%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Ohio community colleges have a diversity score of 0.58, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in Ohio is Meryma'at Barber College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

Quick Links