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Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

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Quick Facts

Animus Liberatus (Latin)(The Mind Freed)

1908
Founded
Public university
Type
7,340
Total Students
8,468
Undergrad
2,608
Graduate
$369M
Endowment
(2024)
$11K
Tuition (In-State)
$11K
Tuition (Out-State)
$12K
Avg Net Price
80%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
6-year
77%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Bill Johnson

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University: Cultivating 'The Mind Freed' since 1908 in the heart of Ohio.

Youngstown State University, affectionately known as YSU, stands as a cornerstone of public higher education in Youngstown, Ohio. Established in 1908, YSU has a rich history of fostering "Animus Liberatus" – The Mind Freed – guiding over 11,000 students through a transformative academic journey. As the easternmost member of the prestigious University System of Ohio, YSU is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education to its diverse student body.

With a comprehensive academic portfolio, YSU offers an impressive array of over 100 undergraduate and 50 graduate degree programs, spanning six undergraduate colleges and a dedicated graduate college. Students can pursue studies up to the doctoral level, engaging in diverse fields from engineering and business to creative arts and health sciences. The university's commitment to academic excellence ensures a vibrant learning environment tailored to prepare graduates for successful futures and meaningful careers.

Life at YSU is also defined by its spirited community and the proud tradition of the Penguins. As an NCAA Division I institution, Youngstown State boasts competitive athletic teams that ignite campus pride. Whether you're cheering on the football team in the Missouri Valley Football Conference or other varsity sports in the Horizon League, the Penguin spirit is palpable. With a robust alumni network exceeding 115,000 worldwide, YSU provides not just an education, but a lifelong connection to a supportive and engaged community.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1908, with over a century of educational excellence.
  • Home to 11,076 students pursuing over 100 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs.
  • Motto: "Animus Liberatus" (The Mind Freed), inspiring intellectual freedom.
  • NCAA Division I athletics, with teams known as the Youngstown State Penguins.
  • Offers studies up to the doctoral level across six undergraduate colleges and a graduate college.
  • Part of the esteemed University System of Ohio, committed to public higher education.
  • Supported by an endowment of $0.4 billion (or $368.8 million in 2024 per Wikipedia).

Timeline

1908
YMCA introduces a commercial law course, marking the origins of YSU.
1921
The school becomes known as the Youngstown Institute of Technology.
1927
Teacher-preparation program develops into Youngstown College; College of Liberal Arts established.
1941
Dana's Musical Institute becomes part of the college.
1955
The institution is rechartered as Youngstown University.
1967
Becomes a public university, Youngstown State University.
1968
The Graduate School and College of Applied Science and Technology are created.
1972
YSU joins other universities to form the Northeastern Universities College of Medicine.
1991
Engineering technology departments reorganize into the College of Engineering and Technology; College of Health and Human Services is formed.
2025
YSU acquires former Eastern Gateway campus with goal to offer classes by 2026.
🏛️
118 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

12 notable schools within Youngstown State University

⚖️

School of Law

One of the early specialized schools, authorized to confer bachelor's degrees.

🏫

School of Commerce and Finance

Established early to meet local demand for business education, authorized to confer bachelor's degrees.

🏫

Dana's Musical Institute

A historic musical institution that became part of the university in 1941.

⚙️

William Rayen School of Engineering

Created in 1946, foundational for engineering studies at YSU.

💼

School of Business Administration

Established in 1948, a key offering for business education.

📚

School of Education

Created in 1960, focused on teacher preparation and educational studies.

🎓

The Graduate School

Established in 1968, overseeing advanced degree programs.

🔬

College of Applied Science and Technology

Created in 1968, later reorganized into specialized colleges.

🎭

College of Creative Arts and Communication

Formed in 1974, dedicated to the arts and media disciplines.

🏥

Northeastern Universities College of Medicine

A collaborative medical institution formed with YSU as a member in 1972.

⚙️

Rayen College of Engineering and Technology

Reorganized in 2007, encompassing science, mathematics, and engineering departments.

🏫

College of Health and Human Services

Formed in 1991 from previous departments, focusing on health and human services disciplines.

Leadership

President
Jennifer Pintar
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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