Community College Education in the Mahoning Valley:

Assessment and Recommendations

A Report to the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees June 19, 2007

Criteria for Decision Making

Criterion 1. The formation of a community college in the Mahoning Valley will help to increase the number of students enrolled in Ohio colleges and universities by 230,000 by the year 2015, as set forth by Governor Strickland.

Criterion 2. There is significant community/State support for the formation of a community college in the Mahoning Valley.

Criterion 3. Youngstown State University is prepared as an institution to engage in the process of forming and operating a community college.

Criterion 4. There exists a community college model that best fits Mahoning Valley and Youngstown State University.

Criterion 5. The formation of a community college is feasible for Youngstown State University.

Needs Assessment

• Phone survey of 700 Mahoning Valley citizens• In-depth interviews of 57 community leaders• Mail out survey of 200+ business leaders• Mail out survey of 400 YSU faculty and staff• US Census and OBOR higher ed. market data• Inventory of area’s existing educational programs• Conducted by Burges & Burges, TRIAD, YSU-PSI

Criterion 1 - Much Room to Grow

Mahoning County – 240,774 88,887 (36.85%) ages 15-44 54,492 (22.63%) ages 45-59

Trumbull County – 215,254 80,161 (37.24%) ages 15-44 50,157 (23.30) ages 45-59

Columbiana County – 107,16441,318 (38.56%) ages 15-44 23,888 (22.29%) ages 45-59

Despite a large pool, in 2004 only 17,475 were enrolled.

To rebuild, the Mahoning Valley needs more young people and adults to enroll and succeed in college!

240,774215,254

107,164

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

Total Pop.

15-44

45-59

Source: 2005 U.S. Census

The Mahoning Valley – Only Metro Region Without CC*• Filling Ohio’s Gap: 230,000 more

students, 10% more grads requires thousands of new, non-traditional students – many will be working.

• 77% of 18-49 year olds see a need for community college classes.

• 75% of business leaders say they have positions available where a two-year degree is appropriate.

• 47% of 18-49 year olds are likely to attend community college classes.

– 93% say more people would

attend if ½ price of a university.

* Jefferson Community College currently offers classes at Columbiana CTC.

Associate degrees awarded

• Associate degree graduates from the Valley’s institutions are a fraction of what other community colleges have despite their smaller service areas

– YSU - 172– Kent State Trumbull – 101– Jefferson (Main) – 152– Owens – 1,077– Sinclair – 1,286

• There is a need for these programs in this area but residents are not aware of what is available and are not taking advantage of what is offered

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

YSU

KSU Tru

mbull

Jeffe

rson

Owen

s

Sincl

air

Source: 2006 OBOR Performance Report

Criterion 2 – The Mahoning Valley Supports a Community College

• Survey Result: 47% of citizens 18-49 were very to somewhat likely to take community college classes.

• 77% of citizens report need for community college classes.

• 90% agreed or strongly agreed that low cost job training and re-training would help the local economy.

• 77% of businesses support YSU’s effort to develop a community college

• If the 47% of 18-49 year olds who say they are likely to enroll in a CC did so:

= 98,872 students. If half did so = 49,436.

47

53

Very orSomewhatlikely

Not Likely

CC Good for Business and Workers

• 75% of business leaders report available jobs for two-year grads.

• Business leaders say expand:– Information Technology (22%)– Health Care (17.5%)– Business (16.5%)

• 30% of community leaders say unfilled jobs result from undereducated workforce.

• 65% of business leaders say they are willing to offer some tuition reimbursement.

• Only 31% of residents say their employer currently has a tuition reimbursement policy.

Criterion 3 - Price Matters!

• 93% of 18-45 year olds say community college would increase attendance at ½ university price.

• With no CC, Valley higher ed prices are far above other Ohio regions, despite YSU’s low tuition for a university.

• Ohio tuition is far above US levels, multiplying problem.

• To increase access, we must have lower tuition.

• Requires extensive program development work, but will not necessarily re-create the community college formula

Comprehensive Community Colleges Are Positioned to Attract More Students

0

10

20

30

40

50

/1000 pop 48 29 27 17

CC SCC Tech Branch

Price Matters: Historic Enrollment Gains are Associated with Affordable Tuition

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

Cost $ 2500 3300 3800 4800 6300 7900

CC SCC Tech BC YSU OPU

Analyzing Low Tuition Paradigm

2005 FY Freshman and Sophomores from Mahoning and Trumbull Counties

$26,000,000

$13,000,000Non Loan Financial Aid and Scholarships

Total Revenue

$13,000,000 Total Out of Pocket and Loans

Average YSU 1st and 2nd year students now pay $100/cr. or $3,000/yr.

Goal is maximum of $3,000 at MVCC, YSU, or YSU 2-yr programs!

The Mahoning Valley Promise: A Real Solution Born in Our Valley

• What if YSU & Partners agree that all 1st & 2nd yr. students pay a max of $3000/yr. or $100/cr?

• And create a system with paths to all degrees?

• The Mahoning Valley Promise would:– Increase access for all, not only just the two-year aspirants– Greatly contribute to the Valley’s economic revitalization– Add to the reputations of all the educational partners– Bring people to the IHE’s, and back to the region– Require the efficiency, collaboration and innovation

outlined in the community college partnership above

• Require public & private support to lower tuition.

Criterion 4 – The Integrated Partnership Model

• 18-49 year olds want YSU, KSU branches and CTC’s to combine assets and form a community college

• 56% of businesses preferred partnership• 81% of civic leaders supported partnership• CTC’s, JCC, ,KSU,public schools would be

YSU partners• Partnership would efficiently share

strengths/assets

Criterion 5 – Feasibility

• Clear Need Has Been Established• Strong Community Support• Financial Model Identified - Funding Must be

Secured• Integrated Partnership Model is Best –

Specific Details, Contracts, and Structures to be Completed

• Ohio Board of Regents Ongoing Discussions and Approvals

Recommendations to the Board

• Continue discussion to reach a consensus with Chancellor Eric Fingerhut and the Ohio Board of Regents about how the delivery of two-year programs and the potential establishment of a “community college” best fits YSU and long terms goals of OBOR - complete process in six months.

• When consensus is achieved, Youngstown State University will complete the planning process within six months