FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will classes from Southern State transfer to other colleges and universities?

For many students, Southern State is just the beginning of a learning process that starts close to home with individual attention and will progress to a four-year college or university where a bachelor’s degree may be attained. In most circumstances, the Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science degrees provide for a core of courses required of most students who wish to transfer. The general education program, the core of the A.A. and A.S. programs, is made up of introductory courses in English, mathematics, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and natural and physical sciences. Completing the transfer module requirements also satisfies the State of Ohio Transfer Module of any other state college or university in Ohio. 
For more information about the Transfer Module feel free to call the College Admissions Office.

How big are the classes at Southern State?

The student to faculty ratio is 17:1. This kind of environment provides for a great deal of individual attention and support. 

What is a credit hour?

The credit hour is the unit used to measure course work. The number of credits assigned to a course is usually defined as the number of hours the class meets per week (e.g. 3 quarter hours=three hours per week for a 10 or 11 week term.

What programs does Southern State offer?

The College currently offers a host of academic programs including both technical and transfer programs. Because students attend college for a variety of reasons, the College strives to offer a diversified curriculum that serves to either train students for a particular career after receiving their Associate degree or to prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution. Further, the College continually reviews curriculum to align academic offerings with workforce demand. Over the past several years, the College has added new programs to meet demands in the health field, human and social services field, as well as the ever-changing computer field. 

If I’m undecided about my major, which classes are best for me to take?

Most students entering college aren’t certain what they want to study. In an ideal world, students would know exactly what career they want to pursue and begin courses in that field. For the majority, the decision isn’t clear so it is wise to enroll in general education courses until a major can be determined. General education course are courses required of nearly every degree and include such courses as English, mathematics, social sciences (history, psychology, sociology,) natural sciences (biology, chemistry, earth science) and humanities (philosophy, literature.)

Can I afford to go to college?

Unknown to many students and families, there are many sources of financial aid available to students—the key is finding the resources and applying for them. The primary purpose of the financial aid program at Southern State is to enable qualified students with limited financial resources to attend college. The College makes every effort to secure the needed funds so students may attain their educational goals. 

What types of financial aid exist?

Among the many sources of financial aid are the federal and state programs which include grants, loans, and work-study appropriations. Often times, students find that these programs assist in covering a major portion of their college expenses. To find out if a student qualifies, the Financial Aid Office strongly encourages students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, often referred to as the FAFSA. These applications can be obtained from high school guidance offices, online at www. fafsa.ed.gov, or through the Colleges Financial Aid Office. Students are always welcome to schedule an appointment with any of our highly trained and qualified Financial Aid staff in order to get assistance in completing their financial aid forms.

Does Southern State offer scholarships?

In addition to the federal and state aid programs, there are a host of scholarships available to students. The Trustee and Foundation Scholarships provide thousands of dollars to students each year and are often relatively easy to obtain. An application and complete listing of scholarships can be obtained on the College website or by contacting the Admissions Office.

What does open-admissions mean?

Southern State follows an open admission policy which is a policy that grants admission to an applicant who has graduated from an accredited secondary school or GED program without regard to grade point average, test scores, or class standing. 

When is the deadline for Admission?

Southern State is on a rolling-admission system, which means we accept applications anytime during the year. We do recommend however, students should pay close attention to registration deadlines and other important dates. 

Is Southern State Accredited?

Accreditation

• The College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2006, the College received a 10-year accreditation extension, the longest any college may receive.

• The Registered Nursing Program, one of the College’s most popular programs, is accredited by the National League for Nursing for the longest available term and has full approval of the Ohio Board of Nursing, as does the Practical Nursing Program.

• The Medical Assisting Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Allied Health Education Program.

• The Emergency Medical Services Program is accredited by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Medical Services.

• For more information on accreditation contact:
  North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
  30 LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
  Chicago, IL 60602-2504

Where is Southern State?

Southern State has four convenient locations throughout south central Ohio. We serve a five county region including Adams, Brown, Clinton, Highland, and Fayette Counties.

Does Southern State have any athletic programs?

Southern State sponsors several athletic teams that compete in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) which is comprised of ten two-year colleges situated throughout the state. These teams include men’s basketball and soccer, women’s basketball, softball, and volleyball. Southern State is also a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II and awards scholarships to student-athletes who participate in these sports. Men’s baseball is available as a club sport.