Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024

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Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Ohio.

10 Best Private Colleges in Ohio

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  1. Case Western Reserve University
  2. Oberlin College
  3. Denison University
  4. Kenyon College
  5. University of Dayton
  6. Ashland University
  7. John Carroll University
  8. Ohio Wesleyan University
  9. Xavier University
  10. Wittenberg University
  1. Case Western Reserve University
  2. Oberlin College
  3. Kenyon College
  4. Denison University
  5. University of Dayton
  6. Wilberforce University
  7. Ohio Wesleyan University
  8. College of Wooster
  9. Wittenberg University
  10. Xavier University
  1. Hiram College 93%
  2. Wittenberg University 92%
  3. John Carroll University 88%
  4. Muskingum University 86%
  5. Xavier University 84%
  6. Marietta College 83%
  7. Notre Dame College 82%
  8. University of Dayton 81%
  9. University of Mount Union 80%
  10. Walsh University 80%
  1. Ashland University 16 to 1
  2. Cedarville University 15 to 1
  3. Franciscan University of Steubenville 15 to 1
  4. University of Dayton 15 to 1
  5. Walsh University 15 to 1
  6. Tiffin University 15 to 1
  7. John Carroll University 13 to 1
  8. Malone University 13 to 1
  9. Notre Dame College 13 to 1
  10. Muskingum University 13 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. Union Institute & University $15,911
  8. Marietta College $14,220
  9. Walsh University $13,410
  10. Wilberforce University $12,830
  1. Muskingum University
  2. Notre Dame College
  3. Walsh University
  4. Malone University
  5. Hiram College
  6. Union Institute & University
  7. Wilberforce University
  8. Capital University
  9. Tiffin University
  10. Marietta College
  1. Malone University
  2. Tiffin University
  3. Notre Dame College
  4. Walsh University
  5. Capital University
  6. Muskingum University
  7. Cedarville University
  8. Union Institute & University
  9. University of Mount Union
  10. Franciscan University of Steubenville
  1. Denison University 28%
  2. Case Western Reserve University 30%
  3. Oberlin College 34%
  4. Kenyon College 37%
  5. Wilberforce University 39%
  6. College of Wooster 61%
  7. Cedarville University 62%
  8. Franciscan University of Steubenville 68%
  9. Ohio Northern University 69%
  10. Ashland University 70%
  1. Union Institute & University 7 to 1
  2. Marietta College 8 to 1
  3. Denison University 9 to 1
  4. Kenyon College 9 to 1
  5. Oberlin College 9 to 1
  6. Ohio Wesleyan University 10 to 1
  7. Wilberforce University 10 to 1
  8. Case Western Reserve University 11 to 1
  9. Hiram College 11 to 1
  10. Wittenberg University 11 to 1
  1. Wilberforce University $13,250
  2. Union Institute & University $17,141
  3. Ashland University $23,090
  4. Hiram College $25,000
  5. Tiffin University $28,480
  6. Muskingum University $30,090
  7. Franciscan University of Steubenville $30,180
  8. Notre Dame College $31,350
  9. Walsh University $32,315
  10. Cedarville University $33,374
  1. Hiram College $6,612
  2. Ashland University $6,972
  3. Wittenberg University $8,352
  4. Cedarville University $9,864
  5. Muskingum University $10,350
  6. Malone University $11,700
  7. Xavier University $12,060
  8. Franciscan University of Steubenville $12,600
  9. Tiffin University $12,600
  10. Capital University $12,780

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Ohio's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 41 private universities in Ohio. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Ohio, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in Ohio

  1. 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
  2. #2

    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
  3. #3

    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
  4. #4

    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
  5. #7

    John Carroll University

    University Heights , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/25

    Career Outlook for degree at John Carroll University

    Cost of Degree: $47,290
    Expenses: $17,950
    Starting Salary: $61,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $49,822
    Expenses: $16,785
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #9

    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
  8. #10

    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
  9. #11

    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
  10. 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
  11. 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

  12. 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
  13. #15

    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
  14. #16

    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
  15. #17

    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

  16. #18

    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

  17. #19

    Wilberforce University

    Wilberforce , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    790/16

    Career Outlook for degree at Wilberforce University

    Cost of Degree: $13,250
    Expenses: $10,200
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Union Institute & University

    Cost of Degree: $17,141
    Starting Salary: $55,000

    Union Institute & University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Human Resources Management
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Applied Technology & Business Leadership
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Services Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Child & Adolescent Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #21

    Hiram College

    Hiram , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Hiram College

    Cost of Degree: $25,500
    Expenses: $13,972
    Starting Salary: $46,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Hiram College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting And Financial Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #22

    Malone University

    Canton , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Malone University

    Cost of Degree: $34,875
    Expenses: $15,100
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Malone University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  21. #23

    Walsh University

    North Canton , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1074/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Walsh University

    Cost of Degree: $32,210
    Expenses: $15,128
    Starting Salary: $48,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Walsh University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  22. #24

    Notre Dame College

    Cleveland , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Notre Dame College

    Cost of Degree: $31,950
    Expenses: $16,168
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Notre Dame College known for?

    Notre Dame College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Notre Dame College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 82
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 103-107
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist
    • Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 119
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  23. #25

    Muskingum University

    New Concord , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Muskingum University

    Cost of Degree: $30,690
    Expenses: $15,318
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Muskingum University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Muskingum University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    Degree Concentrations
    • Public
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Occupational Science
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Intervention Specialist
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accelerated
    • Required Credits: 71
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Community Health And Wellness
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sport And Fitness Science
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Ohio’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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. Xavier University
  9. Hiram College
  10. Wittenberg University
  11. Malone University
  12. University of Dayton
  13. University of Mount Union
  14. Marietta College
  15. Otterbein University
  16. Ohio Northern University
  17. Franciscan University of Steubenville
  18. Ursuline College
  19. Antioch University Midwest
  20. Ashland University
  21. Capital University
  22. Muskingum University
  23. Baldwin Wallace University
  24. Cedarville University
  25. University of Findlay
  26. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
  27. Walsh University
  28. Mount St. Joseph University

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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