ITT Technical Institute-Strongsville

Key Highlights

• Dedicated to academic excellence
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at ITT Technical Institute's Strongsville location centered on classroom and laboratory instruction. The facility operated as a commuter campus serving working adults who attended classes around their employment schedules. No residence halls, dining facilities, or traditional campus amenities were provided. ITT did not offer Greek organizations, varsity athletics, student clubs, or other extracurricular activities typical of traditional colleges. Students arrived for scheduled classes and departed when instruction concluded, with limited interaction beyond coursework. This structure suited students focused on completing their training efficiently but meant few opportunities for building professional networks. The suburban Strongsville setting placed the campus in a commercial area with nearby restaurants, shops, and services. Parking accommodated the commuter student population, and the location provided access from throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area via Interstate 71 and other major roads.

Location & Surroundings

Strongsville sits approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Cleveland in Cuyahoga County. The suburban community offered a different atmosphere than urban Cleveland while providing access to the metropolitan job market. Cleveland's economy includes healthcare systems, manufacturing companies, and technology firms that employ technical workers. The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals represent major employers in the healthcare sector, while manufacturing traditions continue with companies producing industrial equipment and components. This economic base theoretically provided employment opportunities for graduates of technical programs, though ITT graduates often struggled to access these opportunities. Northeastern Ohio experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters that affect commuting. The Cleveland area offers cultural amenities including the Cleveland Museum of Art, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and professional sports. Students seeking affordable housing found options throughout the western suburbs with reasonable commutes to the Strongsville campus.

Costs & Career Outcomes

ITT Technical Institute charged tuition rates considerably higher than comparable programs at Ohio's community colleges and public universities. Students typically financed their education through federal student loans, often accumulating significant debt. The high cost became particularly problematic when graduates found that ITT credentials did not lead to expected career advancement. Career services at ITT included job placement assistance emphasized in marketing materials. However, investigations revealed concerns about the accuracy of placement statistics and the quality of employment obtained by graduates. Many Cleveland-area employers viewed ITT credentials skeptically compared to degrees from accredited public institutions. Former ITT students may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness through borrower defense programs. The Department of Education reviews claims from students who can demonstrate harm from ITT's practices. Those interested in technical careers should explore Cuyahoga Community College and other Ohio public institutions, which offer quality training at lower cost with credentials recognized by employers throughout the region.

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