Youngstown State University | Youngstown

General Overview

Youngstown State University (YSU) is a public, research-focused university located in Youngstown, Ohio. Founded in 1908, YSU began as a law program at the local YMCA and has grown into a regional institution offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. It is part of the University System of Ohio and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university serves over 11,000 students annually.

The campus spans approximately 160 acres in the heart of downtown Youngstown and blends traditional collegiate architecture with modern facilities, offering a walkable and accessible environment.

Academic Structure

YSU offers more than 115 undergraduate majors and over 50 graduate programs. Academic offerings are organized into the following colleges:

1. Williamson College of Business Administration

Accredited by AACSB International, which places it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide.

Offers programs in Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Business Economics, and an MBA program.

Emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, business incubator collaborations, and faculty-guided research.

2. Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences & Education

Offers degrees in disciplines such as Psychology, Sociology, History, Criminal Justice, and Teacher Education.

Hosts various licensure and certification programs in education.

Houses the Center for Applied History and the Center for Nonviolence.

3. Bitonte College of Health and Human Services

Programs include Nursing, Physical Therapy, Social Work, Public Health, Respiratory Care, and Criminal Justice.

Offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Health and Human Services degrees.

Features simulation labs and strong clinical placement partnerships.

4. College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Home to the Rayen School of Engineering and the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems.

Offers programs in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.

Maintains strong industry partnerships and hosts a variety of undergraduate research projects.

5. Cliffe College of Creative Arts

Offers degrees in Art, Theatre, and Music through the historic Dana School of Music, one of the oldest music programs in the U.S.

Includes a strong emphasis on performance, exhibitions, and collaboration with local arts organizations.

Hosts concerts, theatrical productions, and gallery exhibitions throughout the year.

6. College of Graduate Studies

Oversees all master’s and doctoral programs, including professional programs and research-based degrees.

Supports research grants, fellowships, and teaching assistantships for graduate students.

Campus Life

YSU offers a vibrant student life experience with over 200 registered student organizations including honor societies, academic clubs, service organizations, cultural associations, and recreational groups.

Residential options include five residence halls and university-affiliated apartments. Living on campus has been shown to correlate with higher GPA and engagement. Meal plans, study lounges, and fitness facilities are available to all students.

The Kilcawley Center acts as the student union and features lounges, dining areas, meeting spaces, and student services.

Athletics

YSU’s athletic teams are known as the Penguins. The university competes in NCAA Division I.

Most sports are part of the Horizon League.

The football team plays in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

YSU’s football program has earned national acclaim with four FCS national championships during the 1990s under Coach Jim Tressel, who later became the university’s president.

Facilities include Stambaugh Stadium, Beeghly Center, and Watson and Tressel Training Site.

Research and Innovation

YSU supports a growing portfolio of research in fields including additive manufacturing, energy, advanced materials, and STEM education.
The Center for Innovation in Additive Manufacturing and partnerships with organizations such as America Makes underscore its commitment to applied research.

Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research through programs sponsored by the Office of Research and Student Success.

Affordability and Financial Aid

YSU is considered one of the most affordable public universities in Ohio. Key financial support options include:

The Penguin Tuition Promise, which locks in tuition for four years.

Over $9 million in annual scholarships awarded by the YSU Foundation.

Federal and state aid, student employment, and graduate assistantships.

YSU is consistently ranked among the most affordable institutions in the U.S. by organizations like College Consensus.

Arts and Culture

The university supports a vibrant arts culture.
The McDonough Museum of Art, located on campus, presents contemporary art exhibitions and serves as a lab for creative exploration.

The Dana School of Music hosts recitals, ensembles, and public concerts throughout the year. The Department of Theatre produces several full-scale performances annually in the Spotlight Arena Theater and Ford Theater.

Community Engagement and Outreach

YSU partners with local schools, industries, and non-profits to promote service learning and civic engagement.
Programs like Summer Honors Institute, the STEM Expo, and Upward Bound provide opportunities for area youth.

The university also collaborates with the Youngstown Business Incubator and the regional economic development community to support entrepreneurship and workforce development.

Admissions

YSU has a rolling admissions process and is considered moderately choosed.
Applicants are reviewed based on GPA, test scores (optional for many programs), and curriculum rigor.
International students receive support through the International Programs Office, including ESL pathways and cultural integration.

Summary

Youngstown State University is a dynamic, affordable, and accessible institution known for strong programs in business, engineering, health sciences, and the arts. With personalized attention, extensive hands-on learning opportunities, and strong community roots, it serves as a key educational and cultural anchor in northeast Ohio.