
Youngstown, OHpublicysu.edu
Youngstown State University is a public institution in Ohio's Rust Belt that combines accessibility with strong regional roots—84% acceptance rate, median SAT scores of 940-1200—and pragmatic programs in health sciences, engineering, and liberal arts. Its 18:1 student-faculty ratio and $11,740 average net price after aid cater to first-gen and working-class students, though retention (76%) and graduation rates (53%) lag behind national averages. Campus life leans commuter-friendly with active student programming, while alumni earn median salaries of $40,179 a year post-graduation.
YSU's admissions process is decidedly accessible, with an 84.4% acceptance rate (6,222 admits from 7,368 applications in 2024). Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. since at least 2022, the middle 50% of admitted students score between 940-1200 on the SAT or 17-24 on the ACT, though some majors require scores. The average admitted freshman has a 3.5 high school GPA. With rolling admissions and a $45 application fee, YSU prioritizes regional accessibility—its toll-free admissions line (330-941-2000) underscores this outreach.
YSU's academic profile reflects its industrial roots, with workforce-focused programs in nursing, engineering, and education (ranked #74 nationally by Niche) alongside traditional liberal arts. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio supports its 77% freshman retention rate, though six-year graduation rates hover at 53%. The university emphasizes 'real-world problem solving' through its University-Wide Learning Outcomes, which mandate data literacy and applied critical thinking. Popular majors include:
Notably, its catalog lists niche offerings like Associate of Arts degrees and Astronomy programs, catering to non-traditional and transfer students.
Campus life at YSU balances commuter practicality with programming-driven engagement. Reddit threads describe weekends as 'kind of dead,' but the Student Activities office counters with large-scale events to build 'affinity and pride' (per a 2023-24 impact report). The university actively recruits international students, featuring dedicated support since 2016. Key facets:
Student Counseling Services and a campus safety office address wellbeing, while YouTube vlogs highlight a tight-knit, if quiet, community.
YSU's 77.37% career outcome rate (2022-23) masks uneven results: median earnings one year post-graduation are $40,179, below national averages. The six-year graduation rate of 53% (55% per Varsity Tutors) reflects challenges retaining students, though first-to-second-year retention recently rebounded to 76%. Key data:
Alumni typically enter regional healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors, with STEM graduates faring best economically.
YSU's $11,740 average net price after aid (grants/scholarships) makes it one of Ohio's more affordable public options. Key figures:
The university offers federal/state grants, loans, and merit scholarships, though its Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator warns estimates aren't binding. In-state tuition dominates enrollment, with many students balancing part-time work.
YSU carves a niche as a blue-collar anchor institution—its Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. admissions, workforce-aligned programs (nursing, engineering), and $11K Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. cater explicitly to Ohio's working-class and First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. students. While graduation rates lag, its 77% career placement rate and Mercy Health partnerships deliver ROI for regional employers. The campus vibe is unpretentious: commuter-heavy but programming-active, with student services that punch above their weight (e.g., international student support, counseling). For Rust Belt learners seeking affordability and applied skills, YSU is a pragmatic choice—just don't expect Big Ten frills.