Founded in 1967, Lakeland was the first college in Ohio founded by a vote of the people. As a community college, making higher education accessible is a priority. The college continues to develop programs and classes to meet the needs of students, employers and the community. Today, Lakeland serves more than 12,000 full-time and part-time students each year at the main campus in Kirtland, off-site locations in Madison, Painesville and Willowick, and via distance learning.

Academic Programs
There are 76 degree and certificate programs to choose from, with over 1,000 classes offered. Academic divisions include arts and humanities, business, engineering technologies, science/health, social science and public service technologies and counseling.

Faculty
Renowned for teaching excellence, applied industrial experience, and advanced professional training, full-time faculty and part-time instructors bring academic knowledge and job-related experience to the classroom. Full-time faculty members hold degrees from more than 50 major universities; a large percentage of faculty members have earned Ph.D. designations. The student/faculty ratio is 17:1.

Enrollment
Over 12,000 full-time and part-time students attend Lakeland annually. The average age of a student is 27. Approximately 80% of students are employed full-time or part-time while taking classes. Part-time students comprise 58% of the population. About 60% of the students reside in Lake County, 21% in Cuyahoga County, 10% in Geauga County, and 6% in Ashtabula County.

Locations
The main campus is on a 400-acre wooded site in Kirtland, at State Route 306 and Interstate 90, only 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland. Parking is free and well-lighted, patrolled lots are located close to buildings. Off-site campuses at Lakeland East in Madison, Victoria Place in Painesville, and Shoregate in Willowick offer students the opportunity to take classes even closer to home.

Accreditation
The North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools grants accreditation to Lakeland Community College.  The college is a member of the Ohio College Association and the National Commission on Accrediting. Specific program accreditations are listed in the college's printed catalog and schedules.

Student Life
Programs and services include 29 clubs and organizations, Student Government, Campus Activities Board, seven intercollegiate sports, 15 intramural sports, career and placement services, child care, counseling and much more aimed at increasing the quality of student life.

Financial Life
Financial Aid programs include college, state and federal grants, loans, work study programs and scholarships from local organizations. All students are eligible for an interest-free, short-term loan to finance up to 90% of tuition charges. Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement for employees.