About Lake Erie College

LEC provides students with a tailored, personalized college experience with a focus on empowerment and has for over 165 years.

Since 1856, Lake Erie College has been equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in the world. Our engaged and caring academic community provides our students with real-world, applied experiences in the context of a broad-based liberal arts education. At LEC, students learn to communicate effectively, think critically and creatively, and make informed decisions to support professional and personal fulfilment. Characteristics such as smaller class sizes, unique co-curricular programs, and student life programming make Lake Erie College's learning environment special and distinctive.

Our Mission and Vision

Lake Erie College emphasizes the individual, not the "masses." Our classes are taught by professors, not graduate students. Classes are small, allowing students and professors to know one another. We can honestly say that everyone "will know your name." Not only will the faculty and majority of the Lake Erie staff recognize you, but we care deeply about the success, development and happiness of our students.

We provide an excellent, inclusive and highly personalized education grounded in the liberal arts tradition. Guided by hope and care, our students are empowered to lead lives of personal significance and professional success as global citizens.

  • Self Discovery

    College is a transformative experience. Every academic course, collegiate sport or community program is designed to add to who you are.

  • Creative Problem Solving

    Our students are equipped to solve problems to become productive contributors in an ever-changing global society.

  • Personal Development

    We empower students to explore and develop strong personal attributes. Your personality is an illuminating piece of who you are!

  • Ethical Balance

    We teach students to balance their personal and professional goals with the needs of those around them in an ethical way

Our History

Lake Erie College has over 165 years of rich heritage and tradition that has served as the foundation for what our college is all about. We started as one of the first women's colleges in the Western Reserve area and some of our earliest graduates went on to become prominent leaders of the women's suffrage movement. It's that kind of passion and sense of responsibility that Lake Erie College has tried to instill in our students through our campus traditions and culture.

Our Campus

Some of the prominent buildings on Lake Erie College's campus in Painesville, Ohio have been around since its conception. Most notably, College Hall was where some of the first classes were held when the college opened its Painesville location in 1859. Other buildings have come and gone since then, but our campus remains a source of inspiration and historical significance for both our students and the surrounding community.

Accreditation

Lake Erie College is accredited by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Lake Erie College also holds accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), and The British Horse Society (BHS) and is approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Be Empowered With Us!

Schedule a Visit

Come talk to one of our admission counselors, tour our beautiful campus, or sit in on a class led by one of our experienced faculty members. Our community at Lake Erie College is exceptional and one you need to experience for yourself.