Best Colleges in Ohio 2024

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Here are the best colleges and universities in Ohio. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Ohio

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  1. Ohio State University
  2. Case Western Reserve University
  3. University of Cincinnati
  4. Oberlin College
  5. Miami University
  6. Ohio University
  7. Kent State University
  8. Bowling Green State University
  9. University of Akron
  10. Cleveland State University
  1. Ohio State University
  2. Case Western Reserve University
  3. Oberlin College
  4. University of Cincinnati
  5. Miami University
  6. Ohio University
  7. Kenyon College
  8. Kent State University
  9. Bowling Green State University
  10. University of Akron
  1. Wright State University 95%
  2. Wittenberg University 94%
  3. University of Toledo 92%
  4. Central State University 89%
  5. Miami University 88%
  6. Kent State University 88%
  7. Ohio University 87%
  8. University of Cincinnati 86%
  9. Xavier University 85%
  10. Cleveland State University 85%
  1. Central State University 21 to 1
  2. Kent State University 19 to 1
  3. University of Cincinnati 18 to 1
  4. Youngstown State University 18 to 1
  5. Ohio University 18 to 1
  6. Tiffin University 17 to 1
  7. Ohio State University 17 to 1
  8. Bowling Green State University 17 to 1
  9. University of Toledo 17 to 1
  10. University of Akron 16 to 1
  1. Kenyon College $66,490
  2. Oberlin College $62,024
  3. Case Western Reserve University $61,584
  4. Denison University $60,000
  5. College of Wooster $57,500
  6. Ohio Wesleyan University $49,822
  7. John Carroll University $47,290
  8. University of Dayton $46,170
  9. Xavier University $45,000
  10. Wittenberg University $43,106
  1. Case Western Reserve University $50,838
  2. University of Mount Union $39,000
  3. Ohio Northern University $31,900
  4. Oberlin College $29,692
  5. University of Dayton $18,540
  6. Marietta College $15,663
  7. University of Toledo $15,053
  8. John Carroll University $14,699
  9. Wright State University $14,298
  10. Tiffin University $14,000
  1. Capital University
  2. Central State University
  3. Tiffin University
  4. Marietta College
  5. Cedarville University
  6. University of Mount Union
  7. Franciscan University of Steubenville
  8. Ohio Northern University
  9. College of Wooster
  10. Wittenberg University
  1. Tiffin University
  2. Capital University
  3. Cedarville University
  4. University of Mount Union
  5. Franciscan University of Steubenville
  6. Ohio Northern University
  7. Central State University
  8. Marietta College
  9. Youngstown State University
  10. John Carroll University
  1. Denison University 22%
  2. Case Western Reserve University 27%
  3. Kenyon College 34%
  4. Oberlin College 35%
  5. Ohio Wesleyan University 52%
  6. Ohio State University 53%
  7. Ohio Northern University 54%
  8. College of Wooster 56%
  9. Cedarville University 65%
  10. Franciscan University of Steubenville 67%
  1. Marietta College 9 to 1
  2. Case Western Reserve University 9 to 1
  3. Denison University 9 to 1
  4. Kenyon College 9 to 1
  5. Capital University 9 to 1
  6. Oberlin College 9 to 1
  7. Wittenberg University 10 to 1
  8. Ohio Wesleyan University 11 to 1
  9. Xavier University 11 to 1
  10. Ashland University 11 to 1
  1. Central State University $5,176
  2. University of Toledo $9,391
  3. Youngstown State University $9,426
  4. University of Akron $10,097
  5. Wright State University $10,174
  6. University of Cincinnati $10,656
  7. Kent State University $11,218
  8. Bowling Green State University $11,272
  9. Ohio State University $11,525
  10. Cleveland State University $12,144
  1. Youngstown State University $6,494
  2. Ashland University $7,656
  3. University of Akron $7,958
  4. Wittenberg University $8,027
  5. Central State University $8,100
  6. Bowling Green State University $8,418
  7. Ohio University $9,444
  8. Cedarville University $10,260
  9. Cleveland State University $10,627
  10. Xavier University $12,060

Colleges and Universities in Ohio

Ohio offers over 120 colleges and universities for students to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. The largest school in the state, Ohio State University, a public institution, serves almost 55,000 students. This university has five regional campuses, which have graduated alumni like writer Harlan Ellison and Wikipedia cofounder Larry Sanger. The majority of Ohio’s schools, however, are private.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Tuition at these schools varies greatly, with costs as low as $7,000 at God’s Bible School and College, and as high as $56,000 at Kenyon University. The state is also home to nearly 40 higher education institutes with religious affiliations, offering plenty of options for students aiming to blend their faith with higher education. Although tuition costs in Ohio are higher than the national average, Ohio provides several loan forgiveness programs to those pursuing careers as public defenders and prosecutors, dentists, nurses, primary care physicians, and mental health providers. Many of these programs require individuals to work in shortage areas around the state for a certain time period in order to qualify.

If you’re someone with a wide variety of interests, Ohio might just be the place for you. In The Buckeye State, individuals can visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, take a trip through Amish Country, attend a professional sporting event, and hike waterfalls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It seems this state has something for everyone, including those pursuing a higher education degree.

Learn more about the numerous excellent degree paths and career prospects available in Ohio.


What are Ohio’s Colleges & Universities?

Ohio’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 66 colleges and universities in Ohio that meet our criteria. This list of the top 30 colleges in Ohio below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Ohio.

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Best Colleges in Ohio 2023

  1. #1

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    67K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,859
    Expenses: $18,372
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    27%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1475/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Case Western Reserve University

    Cost of Degree: $64,678
    Expenses: $21,402
    Starting Salary: $89,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Cincinnati

    Cost of Degree: $12,906
    Expenses: $19,772
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Cincinnati’s Online Degrees

    BBS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Respiratory Therapy
    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • RN-BSN
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Radiation Science Technology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Technical and Applied Studies (BTAS)
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 52
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Law & Paralegal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Pre-Occupational Therapy
    • Required Credits: 52
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 57
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire Science & Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Networking and Systems
    • Software Application Development
    • Cybersecurity
    • Game Development and Simulation
    • Data Technologies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 59
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Oberlin College

    Cost of Degree: $64,646
    Expenses: $22,758
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,767
    Expenses: $18,972
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/21

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Akron

    Cost of Degree: $12,799
    Expenses: $15,866
    Starting Salary: $41,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Akron’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Supervision
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management And Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1005/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Cleveland State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,613
    Expenses: $19,430
    Starting Salary: $46,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #11

    Denison University

    Granville , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    22%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Denison University

    Cost of Degree: $64,000
    Expenses: $17,900
    Starting Salary: $57,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #12

    Kenyon College

    Gambier , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1432/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Kenyon College

    Cost of Degree: $69,330
    Expenses: $18,260
    Starting Salary: $54,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #14

    University of Toledo

    Toledo , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Toledo

    Cost of Degree: $11,742
    Expenses: $19,932
    Starting Salary: $52,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Wright State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,614
    Expenses: $15,670
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #18

    Ohio Wesleyan University

    Delaware , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $52,296
    Expenses: $17,026
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #19

    Xavier University

    Cincinnati , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Xavier University

    Cost of Degree: $48,126
    Expenses: $18,320
    Starting Salary: $58,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Xavier University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Organizational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business
    • Communication
    • Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 105-11
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #20

    Youngstown State University

    Youngstown , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Youngstown State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,757
    Expenses: $15,608
    Starting Salary: $40,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Youngstown State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Generalist Track
    • Required Credits: 57
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 28
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSAS in Applied Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Allied Health
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #21

    Wittenberg University

    Springfield , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Wittenberg University

    Cost of Degree: $44,602
    Expenses: $14,762
    Starting Salary: $49,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #22

    College of Wooster

    Wooster , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1350/29

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Wooster

    Cost of Degree: $59,550
    Expenses: $16,250
    Starting Salary: $53,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio Northern University

    Cost of Degree: $37,600
    Expenses: $16,686
    Starting Salary: $72,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Franciscan University of Steubenville

    Cost of Degree: $32,630
    Expenses: $12,610
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Franciscan University of Steubenville known for?

    Franciscan University of Steubenville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  19. Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mount Union

    Cost of Degree: $35,400
    Expenses: $14,576
    Starting Salary: $48,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #26

    Cedarville University

    Cedarville , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Cedarville University

    Cost of Degree: $36,078
    Expenses: $13,526
    Starting Salary: $46,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  21. #27

    Marietta College

    Marietta , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1035/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Marietta College

    Cost of Degree: $38,874
    Expenses: $15,874
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  22. #28

    Tiffin University

    Tiffin , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tiffin University

    Cost of Degree: $32,400
    Expenses: $16,150
    Starting Salary: $47,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tiffin University known for?

    Tiffin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  23. #29

    Central State University

    Wilberforce , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,824
    Expenses: $14,190
    Starting Salary: $28,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  24. #30

    Capital University

    Columbus , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1073/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Capital University

    Cost of Degree: $41,788
    Expenses: $18,388
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Capital University known for?

    Capital University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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Ohio’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Oberlin College
  2. Case Western Reserve University
  3. Kenyon College
  4. Denison University
  5. College of Wooster
  6. Ohio Wesleyan University
  7. John Carroll University
  8. University of Cincinnati
  9. Ohio State University
  10. Xavier University
  11. Hiram College
  12. Wittenberg University
  13. Malone University
  14. Ohio University
  15. Bowling Green State University
  16. Miami University
  17. University of Dayton
  18. University of Mount Union
  19. Marietta College
  20. Kent State University
  21. Otterbein University
  22. Ohio Northern University
  23. Franciscan University of Steubenville
  24. Ursuline College
  25. Ashland University
  26. Capital University
  27. Muskingum University
  28. Baldwin Wallace University
  29. Cedarville University
  30. University of Findlay
  31. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
  32. Walsh University
  33. Mount St. Joseph University
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