- The mission of Douglas Education Center is twofold. Our first responsibility is to provide students with a quality education that will develop the attitudes, skills, and techniques necessary to enter and succeed in their chosen field of study. Our second responsibility is to provide prospective employers with well-trained personnel. The curricula of Douglas Education Center is designed to maintain high standards of performance upon which these future employers can depend. Douglas Education Center has the obligation to create an educational atmosphere that will not only foster the highest standards of excellence in all students, but also help these students develop an awareness of social responsibility and ethical behavior.
School Highlights
Douglas Education Center serves 361 students (99% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 6:1 is lower than the state community college average of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 361 students
- Private-state tuition: $17,746
- Student:teacher ratio: 6:1
- Minority enrollment: 23%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 58 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Douglas Education Center
(PA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Special Focus Two-Year: Arts & Design
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Mixed Baccalaureate/Associate's
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
58 staff
58 staff

Student Body
The student population of Douglas Education Center has grown by 73% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 6:1 has increased from 4:1 over five years.
The Douglas Education Center diversity score of 0.39 is less than the state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has grown by 43% over five years.
Total Enrollment
361 students
361 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
15:1

# Full-Time Students
359 students
310 students

# Part-Time Students
2 students
134 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
361 students
300 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
359 students
300 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2 students
134 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
330 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a

% Asian
n/a
5%

% Hispanic
7%
11%

% Black
9%
15%

% White
77%
52%

% Hawaiian
n/a
3%

% Two or more races
6%
3%

% Non Resident races
n/a
1%

% Unknown races
n/a
10%


Diversity Score
0.39
0.68

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.7975%
0.6111%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3822%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$23,700
$34,900

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $17,746 is more than the state average of $17,177. The private state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$17,746
$17,177

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
82%
91%

Median Debt for Graduates
$12,000
$13,620

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,234

Acceptance Rate
n/a
78%
SAT Reading
n/a
460
SAT Math
n/a
470
SAT Writing
n/a
435
ACT Composite
n/a
20
ACT English
n/a
20
ACT Math
n/a
21
ACT Writing
n/a
7
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Established in 1904, Douglas Education Center (DEC) is the premier creative career institution conveniently located in the Mid-Mon Valley. DEC offers programs in special make-up effects, digital film, illustration, graphic design and web, cosmetology, medical and business. In addition, this centrally located geographic area provides students with an environment rich in cultural heritage and many educational and recreational opportunities. Douglas offers a degree and/or certificate in Professional Business Technology, Health Information Technology, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing Clerk, Medical Transcription Specialist, Medical Unit Clerk, Allan and Wilson's Digital Illustration, Graphic Design and Web, Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program, The Factory Digital Filmmaking, Master Cosmetology, General Cosmetology, Cosmetology Teacher, Esthetician, and Esthetics and Nail Technology. The educational programs at DEC are oriented toward meeting the needs of its students by developing professionalism, leadership, and technical, interpersonal and communication skills. Douglas Education Center is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award Associate in specialized Business Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates. In 2009 DEC became an Honor Roll Institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Douglas Education Center cost?
Douglas Education Center's private state tuition is approximately $17,746.
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