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Public, 2-year

Hocking College

Nelsonville, Ohio · www.hocking.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$10,290

In-state $5,646

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,486

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

29.0%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 30.3%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Hocking College, located in Nelsonville, Ohio, is renowned for its commitment to providing high-quality education and hands-on training in a variety of fields. Established in 1968, the college has developed a strong reputation for its innovative programs and supportive learning environment. One of the standout features of Hocking College is its emphasis on experiential learning, where students engage in practical, real-world applications of their studies. This approach is particularly prominent in programs such as Environmental Technology, Culinary Arts, and Outdoor Recreation, which prepare students for successful careers in their respective industries. Additionally, the college boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and specialized training centers that enhance the learning experience.

The college's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "Learning today for a better tomorrow," which reflects its dedication to equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. Hocking College promotes a vibrant campus culture, fostering a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. Extracurricular activities, including various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, play a significant role in enriching student life and providing opportunities for personal growth and development. With its scenic location in the picturesque Hocking Hills region, students also enjoy access to beautiful natural surroundings, ideal for outdoor activities and recreation. Hocking College's commitment to excellence in education and student support has led to strong graduate employment rates, highlighting its effectiveness in preparing students for their future careers.

Analysis of Key Data Points from Hocking College

Hocking College, a public institution, has experienced notable changes in several key metrics over the years. A significant aspect to consider is the tuition fees. For in-state students, tuition has increased from $4,290 in 2014 to $5,396 in 2023, marking a rise of approximately 25.8%. Out-of-state tuition has also seen a similar increase, rising from $8,580 to $9,810, which is a 14.4% increase over the same period. This upward trend in tuition can be concerning as it may limit access for prospective students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.

Another critical metric is the graduation rate. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students has fluctuated, peaking at 19.1% in 2020, but has since decreased to 15.7% in 2023. This decline in graduation rates could indicate challenges within the institution, such as insufficient academic support or engagement strategies. A low graduation rate not only affects the institution's reputation but also impacts the future employment prospects of its graduates.

Retention rates, another vital statistic, have shown volatility as well. Starting from 51.9% in 2013, retention dipped to a low of 43.3% in 2021 but has since increased to 45.9% in 2023. This slight improvement could suggest that recent efforts to enhance student support services are beginning to yield results, though the overall rates remain lower than desirable for fostering an enriching educational environment.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has seen a decrease from 16:1 in 2013 to 14:1 in 2023. A lower ratio can enhance the learning experience by allowing for more personalized attention and better engagement between students and faculty. However, the fluctuations in student enrollment numbers, which have decreased from 4,581 in 2013 to 1,951 in 2023, raise questions about the sustainability of this ratio as the institution navigates its challenges.

These data points collectively highlight the complexities facing Hocking College, reflecting broader trends in higher education regarding affordability, graduation success, and student support systems.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, near a city
Nearest major city
Columbus, about 60 mi
Nearest international airport
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), about 50 mi
Nelsonville, Ohio
Also known as
Hocking Technical College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Betty Young (President)
Phone
7407537050
City
Nelsonville, Ohio
Address
3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville, OH 45764

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate3985 international (1.3%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
68
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
41
General Studies
27
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
25
Forest Management/Forest Resources Management
20
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
17
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
16
Physical Therapy Assistant
16
Business and Personal/Financial Services Marketing Operations
13
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
13

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Hocking College

The graduation data from Hocking College in 2023 reveals a significant focus on associate degree programs, particularly in the health and environmental sectors. Notably, the Registered Nursing program produced the highest number of graduates, with 39 individuals earning their associate degree. This aligns with the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, a trend exacerbated by the ongoing global health challenges.

In contrast, many programs, especially those in the fields of arts and technology, show zero graduates. This raises questions about the attractiveness and viability of these programs in the current job market. For instance, programs such as Fashion/Apparel Design and Cinematography produced no graduates, indicating potential under-enrollment or a lack of resources to support these fields.

Additionally, the international student graduation numbers remain low across most programs, with only a handful of graduates in specific fields like Music Management and Culinary Arts. This might reflect broader trends in international education, where policies and travel restrictions could impact enrollment and retention of international students.

Overall, the data highlights a critical need for Hocking College to reassess its program offerings and recruitment strategies. By focusing on high-demand fields, especially in health and technology, the college can better align its curriculum with labor market needs and enhance the educational experience for both domestic and international students.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 123 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.$59,092
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician.-
Medical/Clinical Assistant.$36,572
Physical Therapy Assistant.$36,572
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.$38,474
Animal-Assisted Therapy.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$70,422
Natural resources has 111 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Environmental Science.-
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services.$34,710
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, Other.$34,710
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management.-
Forest Management/Forest Resources Management.-
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management.$29,341
Liberal arts has 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
General Studies.$43,242
Visual and Performing artshas 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Fashion/Apparel Design.-
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.-
Music Management.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.-
Businesshas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Business and Personal/Financial Services Marketing Operations.-
Homeland security has 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Police Science.$54,537
Fire Science/Fire-fighting.-
Transportation has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.-
Engineering technologieshas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician.-
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD.-
Agricultural has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Equestrian/Equine Studies.-
Viticulture and Enology.-
Educationhas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Culinary has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Culinary Arts/Chef Training.-
Computer and information sciencehas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.-
Public administrationhas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Social Work.-
Mechanic and repair has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-

Students

1,486 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53 · Freshman retention 42.9%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,486)

White
1,172 · 78.9%
Black
146 · 9.8%
Two or more races
72 · 4.8%
Hispanic
39 · 2.6%
International
34 · 2.3%
Unknown
17 · 1.1%
Asian
5 · 0.3%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
11.7%
18–19
40.0%
20–21
20.4%
22–24
10.4%
25 and over
17.5%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Hocking College in 2023

The demographic composition of Hocking College in 2023 reveals interesting insights into the student body across various classifications. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 562, with a notable male representation of 60.9%, indicating a predominance of males in this category. In contrast, undergraduate juniors have a more balanced gender ratio with females slightly outnumbering males at 51.4%. This shift in gender dynamics may reflect broader educational trends where female students are increasingly pursuing higher education.

Undergraduate transfer students account for 294 individuals, with males at 52.4%, maintaining a relatively equal gender distribution. The graduate student population, although less numerous at 186, shows a significant female majority at 66.7%. This high percentage may suggest that graduate programs are becoming more appealing to women, aligning with national trends that see female enrollment in graduate studies growing.

The ethnic composition among freshmen shows that 379 are white, making up 67.4% of the total in that category, while other ethnicities also contribute to the diversity of the college. This data highlights the need for institutions to foster an inclusive environment that supports students from various backgrounds.

Overall, Hocking College's demographics reflect both traditional patterns and emerging trends in higher education, with evolving gender ratios and a diverse student demographic that could shape campus culture and academic performance in the coming years.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Hocking College

The age composition of students at Hocking College reveals some interesting trends in the demographics of the student body. A significant majority, around 70% of the total undergraduate population, falls within the age range of 18-19 years. This indicates that the college primarily attracts younger students, likely those fresh out of high school.

As we move to the next age bracket of 20-21 years, the numbers decrease to approximately 15% for undergraduates, suggesting a decline in enrollment as students transition into their second year. The trend continues with lower percentages in the older age categories, showing that the college may not be a popular choice for older students or those pursuing further education later in life.

Interestingly, there are no graduate students reported in any age category, emphasizing that Hocking College might be primarily focused on undergraduate programs. This absence of graduate representation could signal a gap in offerings for those looking to pursue advanced degrees.

Moreover, the gender distribution indicates a stronger presence of female students across all age groups, particularly in the under-18 and 18-19 categories, where female enrollment surpasses male enrollment significantly.

In conclusion, Hocking College appears to serve a predominantly young, undergraduate-focused demographic, with a notable female majority. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it may be beneficial for the college to explore strategies to attract a more diverse age range and to consider expanding graduate offerings to cater to a broader audience.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates2.3%

34 in 2025 · 2.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.4%2017: 2.3%2018: 1.1%2019: 0.8%2020: 0.5%2021: 0.4%2022: 0.5%2023: 1.3%2024: 1.9%2025: 2.3%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Hocking College

The data on international student enrollment at Hocking College reveals significant fluctuations over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of undergraduate students varied considerably, peaking in 2009 with 57 international students, which accounted for 1.01% of the total undergraduate population. Notably, the percentage of international students saw a remarkable increase in the following years, reaching 2.42% in 2015, the highest recorded during this period.

However, the trend began to decline after 2016, with the percentage of international students dropping significantly by 2023, where the number rebounded slightly to 25 students, representing 1.28% of the undergraduate cohort. This decline raises questions about the factors influencing international enrollment, including economic conditions, changes in immigration policies, and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted education systems worldwide.

The overall enrollment trends at Hocking College reflect broader national patterns seen across U.S. higher education institutions, where international student numbers have been impacted by geopolitical tensions and shifts in visa regulations. The increasing importance of global learning experiences suggests that Hocking College may need to adopt strategic initiatives to attract and support international students effectively. As competition intensifies among colleges and universities to recruit international talent, Hocking College's future strategies in this area will be critical to sustaining its diversity and global engagement.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$20,350

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$10,290
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$5,646
Room and board
$10,060
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 17% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 64%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$40.3M

Government grants and contracts
$17.1M42.3%
Tuition and fees
$11.5M28.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$6.2M15.4%
Investment return
$774K1.9%
Gifts and private grants
$456K1.1%
Sales and services of educational activities
$21K0.1%
Other
$4.2M10.5%

Expenses$35.0M

Instruction
$14.1M40.1%
Institutional support
$6.5M18.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.7M16.1%
Academic support
$4.7M13.5%
Scholarships
$2.6M7.4%
Student services
$2.5M7.3%
Public service
$579K1.7%
Other
-$1.6M-4.5%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$49,043peers $68,588

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division III MENWOMEN
Football131-
Baseball37-
Basketball217
Softball-19
Other Sports127
Volleyball-10
Golf9-
Cross Country8-
Archery--
2024
NJCAA Division IIIMENWOMEN
Football120-
Baseball30-
Basketball179
Softball-15
Other Sports8-
Cross Country2-
Archery--
2023
NJCAA Division IIIMENWOMEN
Football116-
Basketball1926
Baseball44-
Softball-25
Volleyball-17
Cross Country31
Equestrian-2
Other Sports--
Archery--

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near Hocking College:

  1. Ohio University-Main Campus - Ranked 178 in the 2024 US News rankings, Ohio University is a comprehensive university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. Denison University - This liberal arts college is ranked 39th and is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a vibrant campus community.

  3. Ohio State University-Main Campus - Ranked 43rd, Ohio State University is a major comprehensive university offering extensive academic programs and research opportunities.

  4. Kenyon College - Also ranked 39th, Kenyon is a prestigious liberal arts college recognized for its rigorous academic programs and beautiful campus.

  5. University of Dayton - With a ranking of 133, the University of Dayton is a comprehensive university that emphasizes community engagement and experiential learning.

  6. Carnegie Mellon University - Ranked 24th, this university is renowned for its strong programs in technology, arts, and sciences, making it a leader in interdisciplinary education.

These institutions provide a range of options for students looking to further their education in various fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug referrals
27
Burglary
23
Liquor referrals
8
Domestic violence
3
Motor vehicle theft
2
Drug arrests
2

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Statistics at Hocking College

The crime statistics from Hocking College over the past decade reveal notable fluctuations in criminal activity on campus. The average crime rate per 1,000 students peaked in 2016 at 26.27, which is a stark contrast to the lowest point in 2014 at 7.47. This spike in 2016 can be attributed to a significant increase in firearm arrests, which highlight the ongoing concerns about safety on college campuses nationwide.

In recent years, the data indicates a general decline in crime rates, particularly from 2021 to 2023, where the average crime rate stabilized around 12.83 per 1,000 students. This decline could suggest improvements in safety measures or community engagement initiatives aimed at reducing crime. However, the presence of incidents such as domestic violence, drug-related arrests, and alcohol-related arrests remains a serious concern, reflecting broader societal issues that many educational institutions grapple with.

Moreover, the crime rates, while lower than in previous years, still serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety. The campus community, including students and administration, must work collectively to foster a secure environment, perhaps through educational programs on consent and conflict resolution to combat issues like assault and domestic violence.

As crime trends continue to evolve, it is crucial for institutions like Hocking College to adapt their policies and support systems to address these challenges effectively. More comprehensive data analysis and community involvement will be essential in maintaining and enhancing campus safety. For further details on crime rate calculations, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.