For years, Scioto County has battled tough odds—high poverty, low wages, and the lingering effects of the opioid crisis. Now, Shawnee State University is being recognized for helping local families beat those odds.
In the latest report from the Carnegie Commission for Higher Education, SSU was named an Opportunity College and University—the only open access public university in Ohio to earn the title. The honor highlights the school’s success in opening doors for students from struggling communities and helping them build brighter futures.
A County That’s Struggled
Scioto County is the third poorest county in Ohio, with a median household income of just $46,360, compared to the state average of $65,720. Nearly one in four residents live below the poverty line. Many families here have also been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, making the dream of college—and the promise of higher wages—seem out of reach.
That’s where Shawnee State comes in. With its open admissions policy and career-focused programs, the university gives students from all backgrounds a shot at degrees that can change their lives. Many SSU graduates move from low-income households into the top 40% of earners nationwide.
“Being classified as an Opportunity College and University is an external verifier of the deeply held mission of Shawnee State University to provide access to college to the people of south-central Ohio,” said Dr. Kimberly Inman, SSU Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs.
Changing Lives Through Education
Shawnee State is one of only two public universities in Ohio to receive this designation, and the only one with an open access mission. The recognition reflects how many SSU students qualify for federal financial aid—and how many of them still go on to land good-paying jobs.
The university has also been recognized nationally as a Top Performer on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report. SSU grads often step straight into careers in health care, business, education, engineering technologies, and other high-demand fields. More than 64% of SSU graduates earn bachelor’s degrees tied directly to these professions.
Hands-on training, internships, and clinical experience help make students job-ready before they even graduate.
A Way Forward for Scioto County
In a community that’s seen its share of heartbreak, Shawnee State University stands out as a way forward—a place where locals can turn hard work in the classroom into a better life for themselves and their families.