Lake Erie College

Overview

Lake Erie College is a small, independent liberal arts college nestled in Painesville, Ohio, in Lake County along the southern shore of Lake Erie. Founded in 1856, LEC has a long tradition of providing personalized, student-centered education in a close-knit campus community. With approximately 1,000 students, it is one of Ohio's smaller private colleges, and its size translates directly into individual attention, meaningful faculty relationships, and a genuinely connected campus culture.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers programs spanning the liberal arts, health sciences, business, education, and the distinctive equine studies concentration that has become a hallmark of the LEC academic experience. Painesville's location 30 miles northeast of Cleveland provides students with access to a major metropolitan employment and internship market while maintaining a small-town college atmosphere.

Academics & Programs

Lake Erie College organizes its curriculum into divisions of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Professional Studies. The college's most distinctive offerings are in equine studies, with tracks in equine business management, equine science, and therapeutic riding. Business programs are strong at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and education prepares students for Ohio licensure.

Notable Academic Programs

• Equine Studies: One of the most comprehensive equine programs in the Midwest, offering hands-on training, riding, equine business management, and career placement connections across the horse industry.
• Business Administration: Undergraduate and MBA programs with concentrations in management, marketing, and sport management.
• Sport Management: A popular program connecting students with internships in professional and collegiate sports organizations in the Cleveland area.
• Education: Teacher preparation programs leading to Ohio licensure in early childhood, middle childhood, and intervention specialist credentials.
• Criminal Justice: A growing program preparing students for careers in law enforcement and public safety.

Campus & Location

Lake Erie College's 46-acre campus in historic downtown Painesville is compact but rich in character, featuring Victorian-era and early-20th-century architecture. The Morley Music Hall and the Holliday Athletic Complex are among the most frequented buildings. The college's equestrian facilities, located at a nearby farm, accommodate the horse herd and provide riding instruction. Lake Erie's shoreline parks are just minutes from campus, giving students a distinctive natural backdrop for recreation and relaxation.

Campus Life

Campus life at Lake Erie College is intimate and engaging. Students participate in more than 30 clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and a vibrant student government. The college's small size means students quickly become familiar with faculty and staff, and peer mentoring networks form naturally. Cultural events, art exhibitions, and speaker series bring the broader Cleveland community to campus regularly.

Athletics

The Lake Erie Storm compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). School colors are Green and Gold. The college fields more than 15 varsity sports including basketball, soccer, lacrosse, golf, and cross country. Equestrian is also a competitive team sport at LEC, reflecting the college's unique academic identity. The Storm have been competitive in G-MAC play and the relatively small student body creates a tight-knit athletic community.

Admissions

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 76%
• Average GPA: 3.0–3.4
• Test-Optional: Yes
• Application: Lake Erie College direct application and Common Application accepted

Costs & Financial Aid

Lake Erie College offers merit scholarships, equestrian scholarships, and athletic awards. The college participates in all federal and Ohio state aid programs. Given its small enrollment, LEC is able to provide individualized financial aid counseling to help families navigate the process.

Outcomes & Alumni

Lake Erie College graduates are employed in equine businesses, sports organizations, education, and business management throughout Ohio and the country. The college's equine alumni network spans professional training facilities, therapeutic riding centers, and equine business ventures nationwide. The college's Cleveland-area location supports strong career placement in the region's healthcare, business, and sports industries.

Frequently Asked Questions