Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C): A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) stands as a cornerstone of education in Northeast Ohio. As the state's first and largest public community college, Tri-C has played a vital role in shaping the lives of over 1.2 million students. With a commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational opportunities, Tri-C continues to serve as a gateway to higher education and career advancement for a diverse student population.

A History of Firsts and Growth

Tri-C's journey began in September 1963, two years after Ohio legislation paved the way for a statewide system of community colleges. Driven by the need for low-cost, skill-oriented training for minorities, women, older students, and displaced workers, Cuyahoga County established the Cuyahoga Community College District in October 1961. Under the leadership of its first president, Dr. Charles Chapman, the college was chartered in December 1962.

The college's humble beginnings in the old Brownell School Building saw an initial enrollment of 3,039 students. Fueled by a levy passed in late 1963, Tri-C expanded its facilities and began planning for a permanent home. This vision materialized with the opening of the Metropolitan Campus in downtown Cleveland in 1966, followed by the Western Campus in Parma in 1975, and the Eastern Campus in Highland Hills in 1981.

Accessible and Affordable Education

Tri-C's commitment to accessibility is reflected in its tuition rates, which are the lowest in Northeast Ohio and among the lowest in the state. This affordability, coupled with a wide range of programs and services, makes Tri-C an attractive option for students from all walks of life. In the academic year 2020-2021, in-district tuition and fees were $3,586, while in-state tuition and fees were $4,472. Out-of-state students paid $8,586 in tuition and fees.

Comprehensive Academic Offerings

Each semester, Tri-C offers more than 1,000 credit courses across its campuses. These courses span over 190 career and technical programs, as well as liberal arts curricula. Students can pursue associate degrees and certificates in 89 different fields. The college's curriculum is designed to cater to varied goals and levels of preparation, offering freshman- and sophomore-level academic coursework transferable to four-year colleges.

Read also: About Grossmont Community College

Tri-C also provides developmental education to address deficiencies in reading, grammar, and math. Career programs are available in high-demand fields such as allied health, engineering technologies, business, and public service. Graduates in fields like dental hygiene, registered nursing, medical assisting, and occupational therapy assisting are well-prepared for state certification and licensing.

Beyond degree programs, Tri-C offers off-campus general courses, noncredit courses for professional improvement and hobbies, and TV courses that can be taken for credit. The college also provides distance learning services through Cable College, which has been offering live classes through Cleveland area cable companies since the early 1990s.

Multi-Campus District Serving Northeast Ohio

Cuyahoga Community College operates a multi-campus college district in Northeast Ohio, with Cuyahoga County as its primary service area. The four main campuses are:

Eastern Campus (Highland Hills): Provides a comprehensive range of academic and student support services.
Metropolitan Campus (Downtown Cleveland): Located in the Campus District, offering a variety of programs and cultural events.
Western Campus (Parma and Parma Heights): Features state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on career-oriented programs.
Westshore Campus (Westlake): Caters to the needs of students in the western suburbs of Cleveland.

In addition to these campuses, Tri-C operates the Brunswick University Center in Brunswick as an extension of the Western Campus. The college also has two Corporate College business training facilities in Warrensville Heights (Corporate College East) and Westlake (Corporate College West).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Cuyahoga Community College embraces diversity as a core value, believing that it enriches both the institution and society. Tri-C is committed to appreciating diverse perspectives and valuing the collective differences and similarities that make it a leading community organization. The college strives to create a dynamic and rewarding learning and working environment for all.

Student Life and Support Services

Tri-C provides a variety of services to support student success. These include:

Academic/career counseling
Employment services
Placement services for completers
Credit for life experiences
On-campus day care for students' children

A Focus on Retraining and Workforce Development

Following the recession of 1980, Tri-C expanded its role to include retraining for the unemployed and those with obsolete skills. In 1986, the college opened a state-funded Unified Technologies Center adjacent to the Metropolitan Campus, providing modern training facilities for business, industry, government, and labor.

Tri-C JazzFest

Tri-C is home to the annual Tri-C JazzFest, a renowned music festival that attracts performers and audiences from around the world. The festival has become a significant cultural event in Cleveland, showcasing the college's commitment to the arts and community engagement.

Athletics

Tri-C offers a range of athletic programs for students. The college's sports teams compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Notable Alumni

Cuyahoga Community College has a long list of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including:

Wayne Dawson: Television personality
Dominique Moceanu: Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics
Halle Berry: Award-winning actress

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