YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University announced Monday it has lowered the cost of associate degree and certificate courses.

The reduced cost is intended to “fill the gap left in the region with the closing of Eastern Gateway Community College,” according to a press release. The new tuition rate of $265 per credit hour will be in effect for the fall 2024 semester.

“Youngstown State University has a proud legacy of providing a world-class education to students from across the globe,” YSU President Bill Johnson said. “Our choice of education alternatives is growing, and with this new tuition rate, we are ensuring affordability without compromising on excellence.”

The news release states the reduced tuition rate applies to existing associate degree programs as well as the 50 new associate and certificate degree programs recently added following the closure of Eastern Gateway at the end of May.

“Many of these programs serve as pathways to bachelor degrees and higher, supporting students in continuing their educational journey seamlessly,” the release states. “A number of programs are already available, online and in-person, with additional programs slated for implementation in the near future.”

In March, following Eastern Gateway’s February announcement that it would close its doors at the end of the spring semester, YSU announced the addition of 32 associate degree and certificate programs that will allow former Eastern Gateway students to complete their programs.

The YSU Academic Senate also voted unanimously to amend the university’s policies to eliminate barriers for Eastern Gateway students transferring to the university.

Mostly all of those new programs will be up and running for fall, except for the radiology and respiratory care programs, which are still pending accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology the Commission On Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Seventeen students in those programs were not able to transfer their credits for fall semester while that process is underway.

In June, Johnson said the university will teach classes in Steubenville this fall, and YSU is working with state and federal officials as well as those in Jefferson County to obtain the former Jefferson Technical Institute property leased by the community college. He also said YSU is likely to hire some former Eastern Gateway faculty to teach some of those courses.

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