Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2024
Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Ohio offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
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.
Top Ten Grad Schools in Ohio 2024
- Ohio State University
- Most Populazr Degrees: Earth Sciences, Psychology, and Engineering
- Case Western Reserve University
- Most Popular Degrees: Computer Science, Nursing, and Medical
- University of Cincinnati
- Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Criminal Justice, and Engineering
- Miami University
- Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Education, and Political Science
- Ohio University
- Most Popular Degrees: Communications, Education, and Earth Sciences
- Kent State University
- Most Popular Degrees: Sociology, Nursing, and Mathematics
- Bowling Green State University
- Most Popular Degrees: Philosophy, Sociology, and Psychology
- University of Akron
- Most Popular Degrees: History, Social Work, and Medical Sciences
- Cleveland State University
- Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Chemistry, and Psychology
- 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 2024
- #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #14 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #15 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
Other Rankings
- #15 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #7 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #14 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #18 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
- #6 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #6 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
- #9 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
- #3 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $12,485Expenses: $17,700Starting Salary: $53,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOhio 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.
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Ohio 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: $61,584Expenses: $20,420Starting Salary: $89,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCase 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.
- #10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Ohio 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Game Design Degree Programs for 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #1 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #1 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #1 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
- #1 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #1 Best Online Associate in Finance
- #1 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #1 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio
- #2 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Nursing Programs (PhDs)
- #2 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #3 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #3 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #3 Best RN to BSN Online
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #5 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
- #5 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #6 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
- #6 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #7 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
- #8 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
- #10 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
- #12 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
- #13 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
- #19 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
- #2 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
- #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
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: $12,334Expenses: $16,990Starting Salary: $49,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe 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.
- #5 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #12 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #13 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
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: $16,666Expenses: $19,954Starting Salary: $55,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMiami 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.
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs 2025
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio
- #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs 2025
- #4 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
- #25 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
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: $13,352Expenses: $15,862Starting Salary: $45,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOhio 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.
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #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: $11,373Expenses: $18,390Starting Salary: $42,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryKent 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.
- #8 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #1 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
- #4 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs 2025
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
- #7 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs 2025
- #2 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
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: $13,639Expenses: $16,754Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryBowling 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.
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #8 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #1 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Ohio 2025
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
- #3 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #5 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #10 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #21 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
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: $12,427Expenses: $15,930Starting Salary: $41,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe 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.
- #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #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: $12,254Expenses: $18,567Starting Salary: $46,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCleveland 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.
- #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: $46,170Expenses: $18,140Starting Salary: $61,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe 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.
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #20 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024 #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
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: $11,311Expenses: $19,482Starting Salary: $52,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe 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.
- #10 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #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: $10,224Expenses: $15,256Starting Salary: $46,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWright 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.
- #2 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time #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
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2025
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
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: $24,140Expenses: $14,948Starting Salary: $42,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAshland 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.
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024 #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: $9,585Expenses: $14,566Starting Salary: $40,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryYoungstown 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.
- #4 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024 #7 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs #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: $17,141Starting Salary: $55,000Union 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.
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
65%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Findlay
Cost of Degree: $37,621Expenses: $15,224Starting Salary: $49,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe 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.
Ohio’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
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.
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.