Community Colleges in Dayton, Ohio

Students looking for Community College programs in the Dayton, Ohio area know that there are two schools competing for their patronage: Clark State Community College and Sinclair Community College. Each school has a different set of attributes and drawbacks. Understanding what each school has to offer can help students choose the school that is right for them.

Sinclair Community College

Sinclair's 55-acre main campus is located in Downtown Dayton right off of I-75. If going downtown isn't convenient, students can attend one of 3 (soon to be 4) learning centers or take night classes in local high schools. Internet saavy students are also welcome to take one of Sinclair's 180 online courses from the comfort of their home, local library or even coffee shop. Sinclair makes accessability to education a top priority.

There are many academic programs to choose from ranging for one class certifications all the way up to Associate Degree programs. Sinclair offers interesting programs such as Aviation Technology and American Sign Language. Students looking to further their education to a four year college can enjoy Sinclair's 100+ transfer agreements with other colleges and universities. Small class sizes, an average of 19-1, keep classes interesting and individualized.

Sinclair boasts the lowest tuition rate in the state of Ohio. Residents of Montgomery County pay only $45 per credit hour. Ohio residents pay $73.50 per credit hour and out of state or international students pay $145 per credit hour. Online students will be charged an extra $5 per credit hour. Sinclair offers a wide range of payment options including an interest free installment plan and a large Financial Aid department located in Building 10 of the main campus. Many students find employment on campus to help offset the cost of attending.

The bottom line: Sinclair Community College offers a wide variety of programs with an affordable tuition, especially for Montgomery County residents.

For more information on Sinclair Community College please visit http://www.sinclair.edu.

Clark State Community College

Clark State's main campus, Leffel Lane Campus, is located in Springfield. Residents of Springfield can also attend the local Downtown Campus for many of Clark State's Information Technology and Business classes. There are also learning centers located in Beavercreek and Bellfontaine. Busy students can also attend online classes as Clark State has the highest percentage of online classes in the state of Ohio.

Clark State offers academic programs in common community college subjects such as Business, Information Technology and Health. Clark State is set apart with it's unique programs in Court Reporting/Captioning and Truck Driving. Clark State's Commercial Transportation Training Center offers a variety of programs that are great for new drivers as well as seasoned Truck Drivers looking for additional training. Clark State also offers transfer programs to 4 year colleges including Urbana University and Wright State University.

Clark State students have the additional benefit of on site child care. While Sinclair offers a preschool program for children ages 3-5, Clark State offers care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years.

Clark State has a competitive tuition rate of $77.50 per credit hour for Ohio Residents. Students from outside of Ohio will pay $143 per credit hour. Students can pay in person, over the phone or online. Clark State also offers a Delayed Payment Plan with a $15 service fee. Students can also apply for financial aid, including the Choose Ohio First Scholarship.

The bottom line: Clark State Community College has a very similar tuition rate with a few unique courses that sets it apart.

For more information on Clark State Community College please visit http://www.clarkstate.edu.