There are so many positive things to say about this institution both academically and personally. The academic: I graduated from YSU in 1983. My late wife graduated in 1982. YSU offered hope for so many young people of my generation. We witnessed, first hand, the harsh reality of deindustrialization on a town dominated by a single industry. Our prospects locally were bleak, our parents were unfamiliar with the strategies required to navigate this new economic landscape, so our hopes rested on an education. YSU was our local option. Back then, it was relatively inexpensive too. Tuition was low compared to today's standards, and grants and scholarships were easy to come by. YSU was a step or two behind the computer wave, but they adapted enough to provide me with the education needed to land and hold a 38 year career with a large tech company. I did have to move to get that job, but we never lost touch with this area, the people, and YSU. Years later, we were able to move back to the area. When my wife decided to become a mental health counselor, she again turned to YSU to get her BA in Psychology. This enabled her to eventually become a School Psychologist in one of the city's high schools. Our educations paid dividends beyond our wildest expectations. We provided well for our family, my wife helped countless youth who were struggling with a difficult start in life, and it gave us the opportunity to travel and experience things that those who lived in past generations, tied to the steel mills, would have struggled to access. I believe YSU is still a great place to gain the foundation to put yourself on a path to a fulfilling life. And who knows, you just might meet that person to spend the rest of your life with. The personal: This is where my wife and I met. Inner Circle Pizza, across the street and now closed, served as the lunch spot for our earliest "dates". We started a conversation there that turned into a 38.5 year love affair and marriage. I came back on what would have been our 39th anniversary. It was 7 months since she passed. I was so happy that Cushwa Hall, Kilcawley Center, and the Maag Library were all open so I could retrace some of the most memorable steps of my long life. The campus has changed. The green spaces have filled in beautifully. The veneer on the buildings and surrounding thoroughfares has been polished, taking on the air of any other fine university town that I've visited. Like me and my late wife, the university has shaken off some of that grittiness that was endemic in this town oh so many years ago. But it hasn't lost the values that made this area such a great place in which to be rooted. I'll forever be thankful for YSU's purpose, mission, and presence in my life. read more

Youngstown State University - It may be closed, but it is where it all started, all those years ago - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Youngstown, Ohio

Already have BS in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Going back for Computer Information Technology. Convenient drive from most places in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana Counties, as well as western PA. Only negative thing I have to say is when the weather is bad in the winter, I mean REALLY bad, they RARELY cancel class...even when all the local school districts are closed, you'll have to make your way through the snow/rain/ice/blizzard to school. Also, the parking situation isn't that great, but I suspect it's like that at most commuter colleges. Letter grade: B read more

By far the best college of attendance. They are very welcoming here and have a place for everyone.

Only went for a year and I can honestly say it was worth it, but GET OUT NOW. Half the programs at this school are awful (*cough* ART *cough* *cough*) and even the good ones have plenty of bad professors. Regardless, a degree from YSU really isn't going to carry much weight with the reputation it has. Biggest plus is the price which is why I absolutely recommend the first year for GenEds but no more. Find another school that only requires freshman year in the dorms that way you can move into an apartment right away. As far as it being "like a community college" I fully disagree. It may be a little lacking but it's still a fully fledged state university and the opportunity is there. If you simply cannot leave it's a still viable option unlike community colleges. read more

My four older children graduated from YSU after spending a few years at Lakeland Community College. YSU's Bachelor of General Studies program is flexible and allows you to design your own major. My kids graduated with BGS degrees with concentrations in business/psychology, art/photography, art/sociology, sociology/fashion merchandising. Students have to keep up with YSU's general education requirements and major requirements to avoid wasting time and money. A big positive of YSU is acceptance of community college credits for upper level classes. There is no foreign language requirement for general education. I hope this is helpful for you. read more

After struggling through their not so clear website, I made the mistake of calling their international admission cell. I was treated so bad by the person on phone, who insisted that everything is available on the website and I am an idiot to call this number. The rudest person I have ever talked to. Apparently, you're expected to just browse the website and then just pay them thousands of dollars even if you have some doubts or questions because calling a number (thats listed on the website to call in case of any questions) to inquire about them is just the dumbest thing one can do. I thought these people are suppose to guide you and provide some counseling...how stupid of me. read more

Graduated from San Jose State in Calif. My observation seemed safe, quiet, not alot traffic. Students seemed serious, not alot of ppl hanging out. Parking might be a problem and winter weather. But nice to have beautiful Mill Creek park nearby and Butler Art Inst. Everything within walking distance. Few places to eat nearby. Its affordable. My experience has been its doesn't matter which college u went to, but work exp. to find full time job with good salary. I always recommend ppl live at home and go to the local community college and get a AA degree first, its cheaper, then transfer to univ. Thats what i did and saved a ton of money. read more

School makes course requirements confusing so it takes you longer to graduate. Not much of a difference between YSU and a community college, The only thing that separates it is the on campus housing. Most students are commuters probably around 70% so there is not much to do as far as student activities. The only positive is the price but you might end up spending more because they really make it so you need to be here 5 years or more for a BA. read more

I can honestly say that I had a great experience during my years at Youngstown State University. I made some great connections with both students and staff alike, and feel I was adequately trained for the "real world" work environment. Some of the very few downsides were that due to it being a commuter based university, a stable college culture seemed to be lacking. Also, due again to it being primarily commuter based, parking at times was a complete nightmare. Besides these minor inconveniences, I thought the actual education was very well executed. Some highlights were the philosophy and religious studies courses, which IMO gave a world class course with VERY competitive prices compared to other state universities. read more

Great MBA program (AACSB-Accredited). I graduated in 2005. Now they have a new state of the art business building.

Quality institution for the price. I am biased. My two degrees are from there and I worked there after I received my masters degree.

I was at Y.S.U. for two years of undergraduate studies and have recently transferred to Kent State. There is NO comparison. Y.S.U. was a good stepping stone, but overall it was a very disorganized and unprofessional institution. The academic advising is sloppy at best, you will NEVER be truly clear about when you will actually graduate. There are a lot of gray areas and no consistent answers from anyone. I think it would be a fair estimation to say that at least 60% of my professors were half there, could care less, or had some type of mental/emotional issues. 1 in 5 of my professors were truly excellent however, there are some real diamonds in the rough. But... good luck finding them! read more