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.
10 Best Grad Schools in Ohio
- Ohio State University
- Case Western Reserve University
- University of Cincinnati
- Miami University
- Ohio University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
- University of Akron
- Cleveland State University
- University of Dayton
- Ohio State University
- Case Western Reserve University
- University of Cincinnati
- Miami University
- Ohio University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
- University of Akron
- Cleveland State University
- University of Dayton
- Wright State University 95%
- University of Toledo 92%
- Miami University 88%
- Kent State University 88%
- Ohio University 87%
- University of Cincinnati 86%
- University of Findlay 86%
- Cleveland State University 85%
- University of Akron 83%
- Youngstown State University 81%
- Kent State University 19 to 1
- Ohio University 18 to 1
- University of Cincinnati 18 to 1
- Youngstown State University 18 to 1
- Bowling Green State University 17 to 1
- Ohio State University 17 to 1
- University of Toledo 17 to 1
- Cleveland State University 16 to 1
- University of Akron 16 to 1
- Miami University 15 to 1
- Case Western Reserve University $61,584
- University of Dayton $46,170
- University of Findlay $37,621
- Ashland University $24,140
- Union Institute & University $17,141
- Miami University $13,678
- Ohio University $13,352
- Cleveland State University $12,144
- Ohio State University $11,525
- Bowling Green State University $11,272
- Case Western Reserve University $50,838
- University of Dayton $18,540
- University of Findlay $17,106
- Union Institute & University $15,911
- University of Toledo $15,053
- Wright State University $14,298
- Miami University $13,396
- University of Cincinnati $13,224
- Ohio State University $12,092
- Kent State University $12,071
- University of Findlay
- Union Institute & University
- Youngstown State University
- Wright State University
- Ashland University
- University of Toledo
- University of Dayton
- Cleveland State University
- University of Akron
- Bowling Green State University
- University of Findlay
- Union Institute & University
- Youngstown State University
- Ashland University
- Wright State University
- University of Toledo
- University of Dayton
- Cleveland State University
- University of Akron
- Bowling Green State University
- Case Western Reserve University 27%
- Ohio State University 53%
- Ashland University 72%
- University of Dayton 74%
- Bowling Green State University 79%
- Youngstown State University 81%
- University of Akron 83%
- Cleveland State University 85%
- University of Findlay 86%
- University of Cincinnati 86%
- Union Institute & University 6 to 1
- Case Western Reserve University 9 to 1
- Ashland University 11 to 1
- University of Findlay 13 to 1
- Wright State University 14 to 1
- Miami University 15 to 1
- University of Dayton 15 to 1
- Cleveland State University 16 to 1
- University of Akron 16 to 1
- Bowling Green State University 17 to 1
- University of Toledo $9,391
- Youngstown State University $9,426
- University of Akron $10,097
- Wright State University $10,174
- University of Cincinnati $10,656
- Kent State University $11,218
- Bowling Green State University $11,272
- Ohio State University $11,525
- Cleveland State University $12,144
- Ohio University $13,352
- Youngstown State University $6,494
- Ashland University $7,656
- University of Akron $7,958
- Bowling Green State University $8,418
- Ohio University $9,444
- Cleveland State University $10,627
- Kent State University $12,071
- Ohio State University $12,092
- University of Cincinnati $13,224
- Miami University $13,396
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?
- 14 Research Universities
- 52 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 16 Graduate Schools
- 25 Public Colleges & Universities
- 41 Private Colleges & Universities
- 26 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 52 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 29 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 26 Community Colleges
- 14 Online Colleges
Ohio’s Best Overall
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 2023
- #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #15 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #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
- #18 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
- #9 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 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 salaryWhat is Ohio State University known for?
Ohio State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Communications
- History
- Chemistry
- Education
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 salaryWhat is Case Western Reserve University known for?
Case Western Reserve University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #11 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #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 in Accounting
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Game Design Degree Programs for 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #1 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #1 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics
- #1 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology
- #1 Best Online Associate in Finance
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Ohio 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2024
- #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 Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #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
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology
- #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 Criminal Justice
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #5 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
- #5 Best Online Master's in Special Education
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #8 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
- #8 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
- #8 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's in Management
- #11 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #12 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 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 salaryWhat is University of Cincinnati known for?
University of Cincinnati’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #13 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #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 salaryWhat is Miami University known for?
Miami University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Education
- Political Science
- History
- Business
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Engineering
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio
- #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English 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 salaryWhat is Ohio University known for?
Ohio University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Medical
- Physics
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #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 salaryWhat is Kent State University known for?
Kent State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- History
- Education
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #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: $13,639Expenses: $16,754Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bowling Green State University known for?
Bowling Green State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Communications
- Education
- History
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #8 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #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 2024
- #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
- #10 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
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 salaryWhat is University of Akron known for?
University of Akron’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #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 salaryWhat is Cleveland State University known for?
Cleveland State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #25 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2024 #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 salaryWhat is University of Dayton known for?
University of Dayton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- History
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Business
- Political Science
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #20 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 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 salaryWhat is University of Toledo known for?
University of Toledo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time #4 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2024 #12 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
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 salaryWhat is Ashland University known for?
Ashland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #14 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
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 salaryWhat is Wright State University known for?
Wright State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Anthropology
- Engineering
- History
- Education
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #6 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio
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 salaryWhat is Youngstown State University known for?
Youngstown State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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 #9 Best Online Master's Programs 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: $55,000What is Union Institute & University known for?
Union Institute & University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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 salaryWhat is University of Findlay known for?
University of Findlay’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Medical
- Nursing
- Communications
- Political Science
- History
- Literature
- Business
- Mathematics
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
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 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.