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. 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. Miami University 16 to 1
  9. Ohio 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. 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 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

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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

    57%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    67K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,485
    Expenses: $17,700
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Case Western Reserve University

    Cost of Degree: $61,584
    Expenses: $20,420
    Starting Salary: $89,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Cincinnati

    Cost of Degree: $12,334
    Expenses: $16,990
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    $60K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Oberlin College

    Cost of Degree: $62,024
    Expenses: $22,206
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,373
    Expenses: $18,390
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Akron

    Cost of Degree: $12,427
    Expenses: $15,930
    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

    91%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Cleveland State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,254
    Expenses: $18,567
    Starting Salary: $46,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #11

    Denison University

    Granville , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Denison University

    Cost of Degree: $60,000
    Expenses: $16,900
    Starting Salary: $57,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #12

    Kenyon College

    Gambier , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Kenyon College

    Cost of Degree: $66,490
    Expenses: $17,310
    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

    97%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1097/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Toledo

    Cost of Degree: $11,311
    Expenses: $19,482
    Starting Salary: $52,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1089/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Wright State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,224
    Expenses: $15,256
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #19

    Xavier University

    Cincinnati , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Xavier University

    Cost of Degree: $45,000
    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
  13. #20

    Youngstown State University

    Youngstown , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Youngstown State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,585
    Expenses: $14,566
    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
  14. #21

    Wittenberg University

    Springfield , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wittenberg University

    Cost of Degree: $43,106
    Expenses: $14,480
    Starting Salary: $49,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #22

    College of Wooster

    Wooster , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Wooster

    Cost of Degree: $57,500
    Expenses: $15,750
    Starting Salary: $53,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio Northern University

    Cost of Degree: $36,530
    Expenses: $16,433
    Starting Salary: $72,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Franciscan University of Steubenville

    Cost of Degree: $31,080
    Expenses: $12,460
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

  18. Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1057/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mount Union

    Cost of Degree: $34,400
    Expenses: $13,056
    Starting Salary: $48,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. #26

    Cedarville University

    Cedarville , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Cedarville University

    Cost of Degree: $34,698
    Expenses: $12,494
    Starting Salary: $46,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #27

    Marietta College

    Marietta , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Marietta College

    Cost of Degree: $38,022
    Expenses: $15,022
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  21. #28

    Tiffin University

    Tiffin , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tiffin University

    Cost of Degree: $30,120
    Expenses: $15,970
    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

  22. #29

    Central State University

    Wilberforce , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,596
    Expenses: $13,600
    Starting Salary: $28,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  23. #30

    Capital University

    Columbus , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Capital University

    Cost of Degree: $40,350
    Expenses: $16,632
    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 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
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