Youngstown State Among the Top State Universities in Ohio

Considering attending college in Ohio? When it comes to higher education, the choice can be difficult. Whether you consider one of the smaller Ohio colleges (like Case Western Reserve University), a large public university, or attend a technical college, the choice is yours! But if you’re on the hunt for an unbeatable public university in the Buckeye State, we know where you should start – Youngstown State University!

Why Youngstown State? Because YSU offers unbeatable academics, a dynamic campus life and an abundance of important resources!

Table of Contents

The Basics: Get the Deets on Youngstown State

Consider Becoming a YSU Penguin

Campus Safety Comes First

Impressive Athletics

Student Life & Recreation

Top-Notch Faculty

Online Learning Opportunities

Research Focus

Additional Universities Around Ohio

The Ohio State University

Kent State University

Miami University

Bowling Green State University

University of Cincinnati

Other Public Universities to Mention

Making the Case For Youngstown State (and Youngstown, Ohio!)

YSU is regularly recognized as one of the top state universities in Ohio — and with good reason. YSU features world-renowned faculty and a wide range of programs and activities (both on and off campus). So stick around; if you’re thinking about going to a university in Ohio, YSU deserves your attention!

The Basics: Get the Deets on Youngstown State

YSU is a fully accredited public university that was founded in 1908. Over the years, it’s expanded its course catalog as well as its physical and virtual reach and is widely recognized for high-quality and high-value education.

YSU is just north of downtown Youngstown, with online classes available. Enrollment is around 13,000 students with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.

There are more than 110 undergraduate majors in YSU’s five colleges:

Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education (BCLASSE)
Williamson College of Business Administration (WCBA)
College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Bitonte College of Health and Human Services (BCHHS)
Cliffe College of Creative Arts (CCCA)

Today, this four-year school is widely known for its robust business majors and high-level sports teams.

Consider Becoming a YSU Penguin

For years, YSU has consistently been named to “best colleges” rankings lists, including “50 Online Colleges with the Best ROI” and being named as one of the most affordable colleges in the U.S. by College Consensus and U.S. News & World Report.

For undergraduate studies, tuition is $10,410 for in-state students, versus $10,770 for out-of-state. If you’re planning on obtaining a masters’ or doctoral-level degree, estimate to pay about $13,000-$14,100. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Campus Safety Comes First

Safety is always important, and YSU’s residence halls and campus are no exception. Exterior doors to the halls are always locked, accessible by cards. Resident assistants are trained to manage students in dorms, identify mental health concerns and address facility emergencies.

The YSU police department is visible around campus, often seen driving the perimeter. Security cameras and continuous training help make the department ready to help and protect students and faculty.

Impressive Athletics

There are nine men’s and 12 women’s varsity sports at YSU, an NCAA Division 1 school. YSU has four national football championships and 27 conference titles in other sports.

As the university continues to expand geographically, so do the sports facilities on campus and partnerships throughout Mahoning County:

- Stambaugh Stadium
- Beeghly Center
- Beeghly Natatorium
- Cafaro Family Field
- Eastwood Field
- Farmers National Bank Field
- Mill Creek Park Golf Course
- YSU Indoor Tennis Center
- YSU Softball Complex
- Watson & Tressel Center (WATTS)

Student Life & Recreation

From major-based events to student organizations, YSU students can take part in more than 200 groups. Like many colleges and universities, orientation is required for first-year students and can help guide them toward activities and groups they might enjoy.

There’s a variety of activity and entertainment to go around. At the University’s Kilcawley Center alone there are more than 5,000 events in one year!

Hungry much? You’re in luck. There are 30 places to eat, either on campus or within walking distance.

Plus, the Youngstown area has lots of culture and history waiting to be explored. If you’re wanting something to do that fits a college student’s budget (aka FREE), take your bike to Mill Creek MetroParks or visit a museum. Looking for a night out? Visit the countless bars and restaurants or take in a concert at Covelli Centre or The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.

Top-Notch Faculty

Experts in many fields, our faculty is recognized on both a national and international scope, called on by the media as sources for topics including legislative campaigns and the local impact of global conflicts.

Online Learning Opportunities

Options for virtual learning can enhance your YSU experience. Online programs are offered in three tiers: 100% online, hybrid and video. To help guide students who are researching online classes, YSU set up a page that gives a glimpse of what distance learning looks like and what you need to do to be successful.

Research Focus

YSU is a research-intensive university, with focus areas including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, neuroscience and more. Collaborations within the professional STEM community provide access to internships in Ohio and beyond.

Additional Universities Around Ohio

Ohio is jam-packed with campus options. For public higher education alone, we have 14 universities (with 24 regional branch campuses) and 23 community colleges. If you’re considering any of the universities below, be sure to add YSU to your short list and compare all it has to offer!

The Ohio State University

Go anywhere in the state and yell “O-H” and you’ll undoubtedly hear someone yell back “I-O.” That’s especially true on the OSU campus in Columbus. Academics, specifically medical and research, along with its athletics programs makes OSU a noticeable and celebrated state college. There are nearly 66,000 Buckeyes enrolled at OSU, including at the school’s regional campuses located in Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark.

Kent State University

A popular nursing and education school, Kent State also focuses on visual and performing arts. While the main campus is considered part of the greater Akron area, Kent also has eight regional campuses in Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas Counties, with 33,000 students.

Miami University

In southwest Ohio (Oxford, to be exact), Miami University is known for its extensive professional training, namely internships. There are about 16,000 students enrolled. Notable alumni include Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, President Benjamin Harrison and Ben Roethlisberger.

Bowling Green State University

A popular education and research university, Bowling Green is just south of Toledo. The school was established in 1910 as a teacher-training institution and is situated on two campuses spanning over 1300 acres.

University of Cincinnati

Another popular research university, UC was founded in 1819. With 426 degree programs to choose from and 48,000 students, the University of Cincinnati delivers a big-city feel with a unique location (situated just beyond the Kentucky border).

Other Public Universities to Mention

- University of Akron
- Wright State University
- Ohio University in Athens
- University of Toledo
- Cleveland State University

Making the Case For Youngstown State (and Youngstown, Ohio!)

Now that you have some insight on why Youngstown State University is consistently named among the top state universities in Ohio, schedule a visit! For an affordable price, you’ll get a high-quality education, professional experience and great exposure to the local, diverse culture that Youngstown has to offer.

For even more ideas and inspiration on what to do in Youngstown and Mahoning County, check out Youngstown Live. We’ve got all the info needed to make your summer, semester or school visit one for the books!