Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025

Badge for BEST IN OHIO GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio has 16 of the best graduate programs, each offering doctorate degrees and a wide array of master’s degrees.
  • The best graduate programs allow students to advance their knowledge and boost their career prospects.
  • It is important to choose a grad school in Ohio that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Ohio in 2025

  1. Ohio State University
  2. Case Western Reserve University
  3. University of Cincinnati
  4. Miami University
  5. Ohio University
  6. Kent State University
  7. University of Akron
    +1
  8. Bowling Green State University
    –1
  9. Cleveland State University
  10. University of Dayton

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

There was no change in the top 5 positions within our 2025 ranking of the best grad schools in Ohio.

OSU has increased their investment in cutting-research facilities particularly in the STEM and health sciences fields, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation. The school has also expanded its graduate funding, increasing the number of fellowships and assistantships available to grad students.

Case Western has introduced new research hubs focused on health technology and data science. The school has strengthened their partnerships with nearby healthcare institutions. Likewise, they have increased fellowship options for grad students also.

Top Ten Grad Schools in Ohio 2025

  1. Ohio State University
    • Most Populazr Degrees: Earth Sciences, Psychology, and Engineering
  2. Case Western Reserve University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Computer Science, Nursing, and Medical
  3. University of Cincinnati
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Criminal Justice, and Engineering
  4. Miami University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Education, and Political Science
  5. Ohio University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Communications, Education, and Earth Sciences
  6. Kent State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Sociology, Nursing, and Mathematics
  7. Bowling Green State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Philosophy, Sociology, and Psychology
  8. University of Akron
    • Most Popular Degrees: History, Social Work, and Medical Sciences
  9. Cleveland State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Chemistry, and Psychology
  10. University of Dayton
    • Most Popular Degrees: Chemistry, Mathematics, and Engineering


There are 16 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Ohio. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Ohio is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025

  1. #1

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #14 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #15 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    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

    Ohio State University is a public institution of higher education in Columbus with an RI Carnegie status, or “Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity”. It offers more than 270 Graduate-level programs, some of which are available through online delivery.

    What we love about OSU:

    As a land-grant research university, OSU is creating solutions that benefit all 88 counties in Ohio.

    OSU is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for graduate programs with plenty of prestigious research opportunities.

    OSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a small or mid-sized campus in a rural area.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Case Western Reserve University

    Cleveland , OH
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
    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

    Case Western Reserve University is a Cleveland-based private university with intensive research activity. It offers around 90 graduate-level academic programs, including Dual-Degree programs.

    What we love about CWRU:

    The university has 16 Nobel Laureates in its faculty and alumni network. The school also has over 550 student clubs.

    CWRU is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for graduate programs available in a variety of schedule or learning formats.

    CWRU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Could be easily distracted studying on a campus surrounded by a vibrant art scene and a plethora of cultural activities.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    #10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
    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

    The University of Cincinnati is a public, four-year, research-intensive university with an R1 Carnegie classification. It currently offers more than 390 master’s, doctoral and certificate programs through its graduate college.

    What we love about the University of Cincinnati:

    As the global birthplace of cooperative education, UC currently ranks fourth nationwide for co-ops and internships.

    The University of Cincinnati is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for nationally ranked graduate programs in the fields of medicine, law, or pharmacy.

    The University of Cincinnati might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find academic programs with intensive experience-based learning to be too mentally and physically demanding.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Miami University

    Oxford , OH
    #5 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Miami University

    Cost of Degree: $17,060
    Expenses: $20,948
    Starting Salary: $55,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Miami University is an Oxford-based public research university with an R2 Carnegie classification, offering more than 90 graduate programs at various levels.

    What we love about Miami University:

    It is one of the original eight Public Ivy schools and continues to offer high- quality education at a public-school tuition rate.

    Miami University is ideal for students who:

    Are seeking a graduate school offering a variety of research opportunities.

    Miami University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find small class sizes to be too overwhelming or intimidating.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Ohio University

    Athens , OH
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio University

    Cost of Degree: $13,746
    Expenses: $17,350
    Starting Salary: $45,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Ohio University is a public, R1 Carnegie- classified research university offering more than 250 graduate-level programs, many of which are nationally ranked and can be taken online.

    What we love about OU:

    The University is located in the city of Athens, which has been ranked as the Best College Town in Ohio.

    OU is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for top-ranked and nationally recognized academic programs in nursing, primary care medicine, and other relevant healthcare fields.

    OU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Don’t find campuses located in towns far from cities to be appealing.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Kent State University

    Kent , OH
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
    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

    Kent State University is a public research university with several campuses in Ohio and other facilities in Italy and New York City. It offers more than 270 graduate programs, some of which are available for full or mostly online delivery.

    What we love about KSU:

    It annually produces almost 9,000 career-ready graduates and has more than 270,000 members in its alumni network worldwide.

    KSU is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for online MBA programs that are recognized as the best in Northern Ohio.

    KSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Love sports but are easily distracted from their studies, as KSU has a variety of intercollegiate sports and organized activities.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Akron

    Akron , OH
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
    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

    The University of Akron is a public R2-Carnegie-classified doctoral university with high research activity, offering more than 100 graduate programs at various levels.

    What we love about the University of Akron:

    The University offers generous financial aid to make high-quality education accessible to as many people as possible.

    The University of Akron is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend high-quality academic programs taught by expert faculty and with plenty of experiential learning opportunities.

    The University of Akron might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not comfortable attending small classes sizes.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Bowling Green State University

    Bowling Green , OH
    #8 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Bowling Green State University

    Cost of Degree: $13,390
    Expenses: $17,618
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bowling Green State University has an R2 Carnegie classification. It offers nearly 100 graduate programs at various degree levels.

    What we love about BGSU:

    Its graduate college provides varied and flexible learning experiences (e.g., online, weekends, or part-time) to suit the students’ existing professional lifestyles.

    BGSU is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for colleges offering graduate assistantships to help them pursue high-quality post-baccalaureate education.

    BGSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to have more options in master’s and doctorate programs, as choices at BGSU are limited.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Cleveland State University

    Cleveland , OH
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
    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

    Cleveland State University is a public doctoral university with high research activity (R2 Carnegie classification). Its College of Graduate Studies offers around 150 academic programs.

    What we love about CSU:

    Its graduate online degree programs, along with its undergraduate programs, have been recognized as some of the best across the nation.

    CSU is ideal for students who:

    Prefer small class sizes in order to benefit from individualized attention and guidance from professors.

    CSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a laid-back approach to completing their graduate academic programs without intensive experiential learning activities.

    Compare school
  12. #10

    University of Dayton

    Dayton , OH
    #25 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Dayton

    Cost of Degree: $47,600
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $61,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Dayton is a private Roman Catholic, space-grant research university affiliated with the Society of Mary. It offers at least 50 graduate-level programs, as well as bachelor’s/master’s accelerated degree programs.

    What we love about UD:

    As a dedicated Marianist university, UD provides high-quality education built on a foundation that nurtures inclusiveness and hospitality.

    UD is ideal for students who:

    Have a passion for community engagement and service.

    UD might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a secular academic environment.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Toledo

    Toledo , OH
    #9 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #20 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024 #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2025

    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

    The University of Toledo is a public higher education institution that was established in 1872 initially as a vocational school and was developed as a university beginning in the late 1800s. This research university, with R2 Carnegie status, offers more than 175 graduate-level programs, some of which can be completed online.

    What we love about UToledo:

    It has been ranked by the US News & World Report as the Best National University, with 31 of its academic programs also ranked nationally.

    UToledo is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend academic programs designed to instill real-world skills into students to prepare them for workforce.

    UToledo might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer smaller campuses in rural areas.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Wright State University

    Dayton , OH
    #10 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #14 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025

    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

    Wright State University is a public research-intensive university with an R2 Carnegie classification. Its College of Graduate Programs and Honors Studies provides at least 150 academic programs at endorsement,licensure, certificate, master’s, and doctoral-degree levels.

    What we love about Wright State University:

    The university has consistently received recognition as one of the top 6.4% among other universities worldwide.

    Wright State University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for online Master of Business Administration programs that are highly ranked by major national business publications.

    Wright State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find low student-faculty ratio and small class sizes to be overwhelming or intimidating.

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Ashland University

    Ashland , OH
    #2 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2025 #13 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #19 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1161/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Ashland University

    Cost of Degree: $26,390
    Expenses: $15,468
    Starting Salary: $42,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Ashland University is a private Christian institution of higher learning affiliated with The Brethren Church and offers more than 45 graduate programs.

    What we love about AU:

    The university is guided by Christian values that help provide students with transformative learning experiences that encourage them to lead and serve their communities with integrity.

    AU is ideal for students who:

    Are wanting to pursue their academic and professional goals while growing in Christian values and faith.

    AU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a wide variety of options for graduate programs, as the offerings at AU are limited.

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Youngstown State University

    Youngstown , OH
    #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
    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, a public academic institution, delivers more than 60 graduate programs at certificate, master’s, and doctoral levels, some of which are available online.

    What we love about YSU:

    Its campus provides a small-town vibe despite being located in a vibrant city.

    YSU is ideal for students who:

    Are interested in sports, considering that YSU has several varsity sports teams and engages in national football championships and conference titles.

    YSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are wanting a less academically rigorous school.

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Union Institute & University

    Cincinnati , OH
    #3 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #4 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024 #8 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Union Institute & University

    Cost of Degree: $14,330
    Starting Salary: $55,000

    Union Institute & University is a private university offering fully online academic programs, including graduate programs at master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels.

    What we love about UI&U:

    It offers a variety of student perks, including complimentary one-on-one tutoring sessions, opportunities to obtain graduate credits at undergraduate costs, online store discounts, and many others.

    UI&U is ideal for students who:

    Want to obtain post-baccalaureate degrees despite their busy schedules and work commitments.

    UI&U might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to personally meet their academic peers and cohorts in traditional, on- site or hybrid programs.

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Findlay

    Findlay , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Findlay

    Cost of Degree: $39,646
    Expenses: $15,504
    Starting Salary: $49,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Findlay is a private Christian university affiliated with the Churches of God General Conference. It currently offers five doctorate and 11 master’s degree programs.

    What we love about UF:

    It has been consistently recognized as one of “America’s Best Colleges” for 17 consecutive years by US News & World Report.

    UF is ideal for students who:

    Aspire to become student-athletes, as the university boasts of athletic excellence.

    UF might not be the best fit for students who:

    Do not want their academic and professional development to be heavily influenced by Christianity or any other organized religion.

    Compare school
Back to Top

Ohio’s Best Grad School for 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

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here