Best Colleges in Ohio 2023

BEST IN OHIO COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

Sort by:
  1. Ohio State University
  2. Case Western Reserve University
  3. Oberlin College
  4. University of Cincinnati
  5. Miami University
  6. Ohio University
  7. Kent State University
  8. Kenyon College
  9. Bowling Green State University
  10. University of Akron
  1. University of Toledo 97%
  2. Wright State University 96%
  3. Wittenberg University 92%
  4. Cleveland State University 91%
  5. Miami University 89%
  6. Ohio University 89%
  7. John Carroll University 88%
  8. Kent State University 87%
  9. University of Akron 85%
  10. University of Cincinnati 85%
  1. University of Toledo 21 to 1
  2. Kent State University 21 to 1
  3. Bowling Green State University 19 to 1
  4. Ohio State University 19 to 1
  5. University of Cincinnati 19 to 1
  6. Central State University 19 to 1
  7. Youngstown State University 18 to 1
  8. Ohio University 16 to 1
  9. Miami University 16 to 1
  10. Ashland University 16 to 1
  1. Kenyon College $63,310
  2. Oberlin College $60,240
  3. Denison University $57,500
  4. College of Wooster $55,500
  5. Case Western Reserve University $54,532
  6. Ohio Wesleyan University $48,832
  7. John Carroll University $45,514
  8. University of Dayton $44,890
  9. Xavier University $42,460
  10. Wittenberg University $42,288
  1. Case Western Reserve University $49,358
  2. University of Mount Union $36,000
  3. Oberlin College $29,692
  4. Ohio Northern University $29,250
  5. University of Dayton $18,090
  6. John Carroll University $16,082
  7. University of Toledo $14,758
  8. Wright State University $14,298
  9. Marietta College $14,220
  10. University of Cincinnati $13,224
  1. Tiffin University
  2. Capital University
  3. Cedarville University
  4. Franciscan University of Steubenville
  5. University of Mount Union
  6. Ohio Northern University
  7. Central State University
  8. Marietta College
  9. Youngstown State University
  10. John Carroll University
  1. Denison University 28%
  2. Case Western Reserve University 30%
  3. Oberlin College 34%
  4. Kenyon College 37%
  5. Ohio State University 57%
  6. Central State University 59%
  7. College of Wooster 61%
  8. Cedarville University 62%
  9. Franciscan University of Steubenville 68%
  10. Ohio Northern University 69%
  1. Marietta College 8 to 1
  2. Denison University 9 to 1
  3. Kenyon College 9 to 1
  4. Oberlin College 9 to 1
  5. Ohio Wesleyan University 10 to 1
  6. Case Western Reserve University 11 to 1
  7. Wittenberg University 11 to 1
  8. Ohio Northern University 11 to 1
  9. Xavier University 11 to 1
  10. College of Wooster 11 to 1
  1. Central State University $4,842
  2. University of Toledo $9,028
  3. Youngstown State University $9,196
  4. Wright State University $9,784
  5. University of Cincinnati $10,099
  6. Bowling Green State University $10,776
  7. Kent State University $11,000
  8. Ohio State University $11,018
  9. Cleveland State University $11,610
  10. University of Akron $11,880
  1. Youngstown State University $6,453
  2. Ashland University $6,972
  3. Bowling Green State University $8,017
  4. Wittenberg University $8,352
  5. Ohio University $9,444
  6. Cedarville University $9,864
  7. Cleveland State University $10,419
  8. University of Akron $10,610
  9. Ohio State University $11,560
  10. Kent State University $11,766

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

Ohio's Best Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

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.

Back to Top

Best Colleges in Ohio 2022

  3. #3

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    #11 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    What is University of Cincinnati known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    What is Oberlin College known for?

    Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Akron

    Akron , OH
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2023 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2023 #8 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2023 #8 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    What is University of Akron known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  23. #20

    Youngstown State University

    Youngstown , OH
    #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2023 #6 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2023 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/21

    What is Youngstown State University known for?

    Youngstown State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Franciscan University of Steubenville

    Steubenville , OH
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2023 #10 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2023 #7 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs #7 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/25

    What is Franciscan University of Steubenville known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  29. #25

    University of Mount Union

    Alliance , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1057/22

    What is University of Mount Union known for?

    University of Mount Union’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  31. #26

    Cedarville University

    Cedarville , OH
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    What is Cedarville University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  32. #27

    Marietta College

    Marietta , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/22

    What is Marietta College known for?

    Marietta College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  33. #28

    Tiffin University

    Tiffin , OH
    #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Tiffin University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  34. #29

    Central State University

    Wilberforce , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    4K

    What is Central State University known for?

    Central State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  35. #30

    Capital University

    Columbus , OH
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Capital University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
Back to Top

Ohio’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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
This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. Read the Privacy Policy for more.