Stark State College is committed to providing an excellent college education at an affordable cost to students. The College Board of Trustees, administration, staff and faculty work diligently to control costs and maintain efficiency of the College’s operations.
The Stark State College Board of Trustees reserves the right to revise the current schedule of tuition and fees at any time and without prior notice.
The tuition schedule effective for spring 2026 as follows and can be found online at starkstate.edu/tuition.
| Credit Hours | Total Tuition (Ohio Residents) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 209.60 |
| 2 | 419.20 |
| 3 | 628.80 |
| 4 | 838.40 |
| 5 | 1,048.00 |
| 6 | 1,257.60 |
| 7 | 1,467.20 |
| 8 | 1,676.80 |
| 9 | 1,886.40 |
| 10 | 2,096.00 |
| 11 | 2,305.60 |
| 12 | 2,515.20 |
| 13 | 2,724.80 |
| 14 | 2,934.40 |
| 15 | 3,144.00 |
| 16 or more | 3,353.60 |
Out-of-state residents add $129.00/credit hour to totals
Printed copies of the current schedule of tuition and fees may be requested from:
- Admissions
- Business Office
- Cashier’s Office
- Gateway Student Services
Fees Descriptions
Processing Fee
The processing fee covers the cost of applying to the College, student assessment, creation of a permanent student record and entering student information into the College’s record-keeping system. The processing fee is a one-time fee payable upon first registration.
Maintenance and Campus Security Fee
This fee helps cover the costs of maintaining the College’s buildings, grounds and security.
Instructional Fee (included in tuition)
The instructional fee supplements other sources of income to cover the cost of instruction and general operating expenses.
General Fee (included in tuition)
The general fee supplements state subsidies for general institutional services. A portion of this fee is designated to support technology and facilities.
Online Fee
The online fee helps cover the cost of the College’s Learning Management System, hosting services and course design and development.
Out-Of-State Residents Tuition Surcharge
A tuition surcharge is assessed to out-of-state students, in addition to the per credit hour in-state tuition.
Selective Service Fee
A surcharge is assessed for any eligible male student who has not provided his selective service number to the College. This surcharge is equal to the current Out-of-State Residents Tuition Surcharge.
Locker Fee
A limited number of lockers are available for student use, for a rental fee.
Payment Plan Fee
Students electing to use the payment plan to pay tuition and fees will be required to pay a small, non-refundable fee for the service.
Credit By Examination Fee
A student who can demonstrate ability and knowledge in a particular subject area may establish credit in certain courses without enrolling in them. This is done by taking a special examination or performing a special assignment, or both, through the subject department chair. An examination fee is assessed.
Background Check Fee
For those who need to obtain some of their educational training off campus at a hospital, day care center or other business, a background check(s) may be required. A fee is assessed to cover the cost of processing the background check.
Culinary Fee
The culinary fee is a fee established per course to cover the cost of consumable goods required for the specific course. Fees may vary by course.
Dental Hygiene Facility Fee
The dental hygiene facility fee supplements sources of income to cover the costs of dental hygiene instruction. The fee is charged each semester and is limited to dental hygiene students.
Respiratory Care Technology Fee
The respiratory care technology fee covers the cost of enhanced certification preparation for credentialing exams and certifications, as well as the cost of clinical simulation in the practicum course. Fees may vary by course.
Welding Fee
The welding fee supplements the purchase of equipment, consumables and supplies for welding instruction. Fees may vary by course.
Dietetic Technology Fee
The dietetic technology fee covers the cost of food materials and preparation methods for the specified course. Fees may vary by course.
Commercial Driver’s License Fee
The CDL fee covers the cost of program tuition and class fees as well as state fees and semi rental for one CDL driving test. If the student does not pass the CDL test, they must pay for all fees associated with additional test attempts. This fee does not cover the student’s required Department of Transportation physical or drug screen. Students are also responsible for the cost of the permit and any endorsements they wish to add.
Law Enforcement Academy Fee
The Law Enforcement Academy fee covers expenses for delivering academy courses.
Health Record Management Fee
This fee is used to cover costs of electronic filing and maintenance of personal health records. Personal health records are necessary for students to progress through their chosen program and gain access to clinical training sites.
Methods of Payment
Payment of Fees
Payment of tuition and fees may be made in full at the cashier’s window, online, by mail or deposited in the payment drop box on the third floor of the Student Services Building. Fees may be paid with cash, check, money order, debit card, Visa/MasterCard/Discover.
Student Installment Payment Plan (SIPP)
This program is an alternative to the single payment of fees due at the beginning of each academic semester. A one-time $25 non-refundable (convenience) fee is assessed at the time of the first partial payment.
A $50 minimum payment must be made by the first initial payment deadline date. After the first initial payment deadline, there are three payment dates. Payments schedule: second payment - 14 days after initial payment, third
30 days after second scheduled payment date, fourth payment date - 30 days after third scheduled payment date. To enroll in the installment plan, print and return the form to the cashier’s window. The form is located at starkstate.edu/payment or the Business Office.
Selective Service Registration
In accordance with Section 3345.32 of the Ohio Revised Code, if you are a male resident of Ohio, are less than 26 years of age, and are enrolling for courses at Stark State College, you must provide the College with current information concerning your status with the Federal Selective Service System. Even if you are an Ohio resident for fee purposes, if you fail to provide the college with this information, you will be charged a tuition surcharge equal
to that of a non-resident student. Information about Selective Service is available at sss.gov.
Senior Citizens Waiver
Citizens who are 60 years of age or older and have paid the current processing fee may audit credit courses tuition-free on a space-available basis. All other fees are due when incurred.
Senior citizens will receive a 15% discount on course fees for non-credit continuing education courses by presenting their Golden Buckeye Cards at the time of registration. This discount applies to in-person registrations only and does not include special senior citizens classes or company-paid registrations.
Refunds
Refund Schedule
Students who wish to withdraw from courses in which they are enrolled and are being conducted in accordance with the class schedule must complete academic drop/withdrawal procedures to qualify for a refund.
The following regulations apply to refunds:
- Full refunds are given to students who enroll in classes that are cancelled by the College.
- Full refunds are given to students the College does not permit to enroll or continue in coursework.
- Refunding of fees for the above circumstances is automatic and you are not required to complete academic withdrawal procedures.
- The processing fee and all miscellaneous fees are not subject to refund.
- Instructional fees and general fees paid at the beginning of each semester are subject to refund to students who officially withdraw for valid reasons at the following rates:
16-week, 10-week, 8-week course:
- Before the eighth calendar day (excluding holidays and emergency closings) of the semester – 100% refund
- On the eighth through the fourteenth calendar day (excluding holidays and emergency closings) of the semester – 50% refund
- On the fifteenth calendar day (excluding holidays and emergency closings) of the semester and beyond – no refund
5-week course
- Before the eighth calendar day (excluding holidays and emergency closings) of the semester – 100% refund
- On the fifteenth calendar day (excluding holidays and emergency closings) of the semester and beyond – no refund
The first day of the semester is defined as the official starting date of the semester or portion of the semester. Days of the semester will be counted as any Monday through Friday that classes are in session. Weeks of the semester will be counted as starting on the first day of the semester and every week thereafter. Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays will not be included as days of the term for those refund sections counting days. Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays will be included as days of the term for those refund sections counting weeks. For those classes meeting only once a week on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, the 100% refund period will extend through the Tuesday after the first scheduled class or through the sixth day of the semester, whichever is later.
The Business Office will audit each registration. If fees are paid under mistake of law or fact, appropriate charges or refunds will be made. All refunds will be made within 30 days of withdrawal or schedule change.
Financial Aid Issues in Cases of Withdrawal or Non-Attendance
Students must maintain attendance in their scheduled classes to remain eligible for financial aid funds. Students who fail to maintain attendance in classes, who withdraw or are dismissed before 60% of the term has passed, will have all or a portion of their federal aid eligibility rescinded. This will likely result in monies needing to be repaid to the College and/or the U.S. Department of Education. Students who receive federal financial aid and do not attend classes will be dropped from their classes and have their financial aid cancelled or reduced. The federal government mandates that federal monies for non-attendees who receive federal financial aid be returned to the federal government. Attendance also will be documented throughout the semester to verify the last day attended in each class.
Medical Withdrawal Policy
In the event of a severe or life-threatening medical condition for you or an immediate family member, you may appeal for consideration above and beyond the normal refund policy. Appeals must be made in writing no later than 15 calendar days after the end of the semester and fully explain the circumstances involved and specify the consideration desired. The appeal must be accompanied by a signed physician’s letter explaining the medical condition and completed Student Medical Withdrawal Form, which can be found on the mySSC portal in the Student Forms section. Verbal or incomplete requests will be refunded according to the normal refund policy. All appeals will be reviewed within 30 days of receipt, and you will be notified of the determination in writing. Documentation should be provided to the Bursar’s Office.
Stark State College Residency Requirements
Payment of non-resident tuition surcharge is required of any student who does not qualify as a permanent resident of Ohio, as defined by the Ohio Revised Code, section 3333-1-10: Ohio Student Residency for State Subsidy and Tuition Surcharge Purposes.
Intent, Authority and Definitions
It is the intent of the Ohio Department of Higher Education in promulgating this rule to exclude from treatment as residents, as that term is applied here, those persons who are present in the state of Ohio primarily for the purpose of receiving the benefit of a state-supported education while insuring that the same benefit is conferred on all bona fide domiciliaries of this state whose permanent residence and legal citizenship is in Ohio, and whose actual source of financial support is subject to Ohio taxation. This rule is adopted pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Revised Code, and under the authority conferred upon the Ohio Department of Higher Education by Section 3333.31 of the Ohio Revised Code.
For purposes of this rule, a “Resident of Ohio for all other legal purposes” shall mean any person who maintains a 12-month place or places of residence in Ohio, who is qualified as a resident to vote in Ohio and receive state welfare benefits, and who may be subjected to tax liability under Section 5747.02 of the Ohio Revised Code; provided such person has not within the time prescribed by this rule, declared himself or herself to be or allowed himself or herself to remain a resident of any other state or nation for any of these or other purposes.
The dependent child of a parent or legal guardian, or the spouse of a person who, as of the first day of a term of enrollment, has accepted full-time, self-sustaining employment and established domicile in the state of Ohio for reasons other than gaining the benefit of favorable tuition rates, shall be entitled to in-state residency.
“Financial support” as used in this rule, shall not include grants, scholarships and awards from persons or entities that are not related to the recipient.
An “institution of higher education” as used in this rule shall mean any university, community college, technical institute or college, general and technical college, medical college or private medical or dental college that receives a direct subsidy from the state of Ohio.
General Residency for Subsidy and Tuition Surcharge Purposes
The following persons shall be classified as residents of the state of Ohio for subsidy and tuition surcharge purposes:
- Dependent students, at least one of whose parents or legal guardian has been a resident of the state of Ohio for all other legal purposes for 12 consecutive months or more immediately preceding the enrollment of such student in an institution of higher education.
- Persons who have resided in Ohio for all other legal purposes for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding their enrollment in an institution of higher education and who are not receiving, and have not directly or indirectly received in the preceding 12 consecutive months, financial support from persons or entities who are not residents of Ohio for all other legal purposes.
- Persons who are living and are gainfully employed on a full-time or part- time and self-sustaining basis in Ohio and who are pursuing a part-time program of instruction at an institution of higher education. Under the state’s new Forever Buckeye program, the in-state resident tuition rate applies to any Ohio high school graduate who returns to the state to enroll in an Ohio college and establishes Ohio residency.
Specific Exceptions and Circumstances
- A person on active duty status in the United States military service who is stationed and resides in Ohio and his or her dependents shall be considered residents of Ohio for these purposes as long as Ohio remains the state of such person’s domicile.
- A person who enters and currently remains upon active duty status in the United States military service while a resident of Ohio for all other legal purposes and his or her dependents shall be considered residents of Ohio for these purposes as long as Ohio remains the state of such person’s domicile.
- Section 3345.32 of the Ohio Revised Code requires that male students who are Ohio residents and must register for selective service verify that they have registered with the selective service in order to be considered in-state residents to attend Ohio public colleges and universities.
- Any alien holding an immigration visa or classified as a political refugee shall be considered a resident of the state of Ohio for state subsidy and tuition surcharge purposes in the same manner as any other student.
- No person holding a student or other temporary visa shall be eligible for Ohio residency for these purposes.
- A dependent person classified as a resident of Ohio for these purposes shall continue to be considered a resident during continuous full-time enrollment, and until his or her completion of any one academic degree program.
- In determining residency of a dependent student, removal of the student’s parents or legal guardian from Ohio shall not, during a period of 12 months following such removal, constitute relinquishment of Ohio residency status otherwise established under paragraph (C) (1) of this rule.
- Any person once classified as a non-resident, upon the completion of 12 consecutive months of residency in Ohio for all other legal purposes, must apply to the institution he or she attends for reclassification as a resident of Ohio for these purposes if such person in fact wants to be reclassified as a resident. Should such person present clear and convincing proof that no part of his or her financial support is or in the preceding 12 consecutive months has been provided directly or indirectly by persons or entities who are not residents of Ohio for all other legal purposes, such person shall be reclassified as a resident. Evidentiary determinations under this rule shall be made by the institution, which may require, among other things, the submission of information regarding the source of a student’s actual financial support to that end.
- Any reclassification of a person who was once classified as a non-resident for these purposes shall have prospective application only from the date of such reclassification.
- A person who is transferred by his employer beyond the territorial limits of the 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia while a resident of Ohio for all other legal purposes and his or her dependents shall be considered residents of Ohio for these purposes as long as Ohio remains the state of such person’s domicile.
- A person who has been employed as a migrant worker in the state of Ohio and his or her dependents shall be considered a resident for these purposes provided such person has worked in Ohio at least four months during each of the three years preceding the proposed enrollment.