Education and training beyond a high school diploma are seen as critical to economic growth in Stark County. The graduation rates for Stark County high schools have continued to increase, as have the enrollments and retention and graduation rates in the five Stark County colleges and universities. Many adults have some college but have not completed a degree. Many students, particularly those from low-income families, do not graduate; and, if they do graduate, do not go beyond high school to post-secondary education or training.

On average, there is a direct correlation between educational attainment, earnings and employment. Higher educational attainment is directly related to higher individual earnings and to lower rates of unemployment. A recent study conducted by Stark State found that there was a 17% rate of return on the tuition and time invested by a Stark State student for their education. Enrollment at local colleges and universities has gone up, especially in the last few years. Educational attainment is higher among younger population groups than in the older population.