Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2026
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Ohio provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
Key Takeaways
- The best public colleges in Ohio are known for their robust academic programs, especially in fields like engineering, business, and healthcare, offering students a high-quality education with opportunities for hands-on research and internships.
- Ohio’s best public colleges provide affordable tuition rates and various financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, making higher education accessible and appealing to a diverse student population.
- The colleges in our ranking boast dynamic campus communities with a range of student organizations, cultural events, and Division I sports teams, fostering school spirit and offering students a well-rounded college experience.
10 Best Public Colleges in Ohio in 2026
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 25 public universities in Ohio. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Ohio, schools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Below you’ll find the best public colleges in Ohio for 2026, ranked and contextualized to help you compare value, program breadth, and institutional fit. Entries emphasize undergraduate offerings, typical cost considerations, and distinguishing strengths—for example, strong STEM programs, regional campus networks, or robust experiential learning. Use this guide to narrow options by academic priorities and career goals, then consult individual school profiles for tuition, admission criteria, and program details relevant to your decision.
Best Public Colleges in Ohio
- #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
87%
Student body
65K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/30
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University
Cost of Degree: $12,859Expenses: $18,372Starting Salary: $67,080Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
- #12 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2026
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
75%
Student body
52K
Median SAT/ACT
1265/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Cincinnati
Cost of Degree: $12,906Expenses: $19,772Starting Salary: $60,832Cost 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
University of Cincinnati’s Online Degrees
BBS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
BS in Respiratory Therapy
- Required Credits: 50
- Completion Time: 1-2 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- RN-BSN
- Completion Time: 9 months, or two semesters
BS in Radiation Science Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Technical and Applied Studies (BTAS)
- Required Credits: 60
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 52
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Law & Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Required Credits: 52
- Completion Time: 2-4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication
- Format: Fully online
BS in Social Work
- Required Credits: 57
- Format: Fully online
BS in Fire Science & Emergency Management
BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Required Credits: 60-120
- Completion Time: 2-4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Networking and Systems
- Software Application Development
- Cybersecurity
- Game Development and Simulation
- Data Technologies
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 59
- Completion Time: 2-4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Medical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: 2-3 years
- Format: Fully online
- #5 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2026 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2026
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
81%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1305/27
Career Outlook for degree at Miami University
Cost of Degree: $17,060Expenses: $20,948Starting Salary: $63,814Cost 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 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2026 #5 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2026 #6 Best Colleges in Ohio 2026
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
65%
Student body
29K
Median SAT/ACT
1190/25
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio University
Cost of Degree: $13,746Expenses: $17,350Starting Salary: $61,938Cost Recoup Time: 10 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 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2026 #7 Best Colleges in Ohio 2026
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
51%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/21
Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University
Cost of Degree: $11,767Expenses: $18,972Starting Salary: $51,178Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2026 #9 Best Colleges in Ohio 2026
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
53%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Akron
Cost of Degree: $12,799Expenses: $15,866Starting Salary: $51,221Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
University of Akron’s Online Degrees
BS in Organizational Supervision
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Emergency Management And Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Public Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 31
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Allied Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #8 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2026 #9 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2026 #9 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2026
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
66%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/22
Career Outlook for degree at Bowling Green State University
Cost of Degree: $13,390Expenses: $17,618Starting Salary: $52,269Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2026 #10 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2026 #10 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2026 #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2026
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
58%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Toledo
Cost of Degree: $11,742Expenses: $19,932Starting Salary: $55,537Cost 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
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2026 #6 Best Accredited Online Juris Doctorate (JD) Law Programs #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2026
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
51%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at Cleveland State University
Cost of Degree: $12,613Expenses: $19,430Starting Salary: $56,979Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
42%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1071/21
Career Outlook for degree at Wright State University
Cost of Degree: $10,614Expenses: $15,670Starting Salary: $53,497Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2026 #5 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2026 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio #8 Best Online Master's in Economics 2026
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
53%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/22
Career Outlook for degree at Youngstown State University
Cost of Degree: $9,757Expenses: $15,608Starting Salary: $46,691Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
Youngstown State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Generalist Track
- Required Credits: 57
- Completion Time: 2-2.5 years
BS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 28
- Completion Time: 10 months
- Format: Fully online
BSAS in Applied Science
Degree Concentrations
- Allied Health
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: 2.5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Respiratory Care
- Required Credits: 72
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
21%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Central State University
Cost of Degree: $7,824Expenses: $14,190Starting Salary: $36,832Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central State University known for?
Central State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
27%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Miami University Middletown
Cost of Degree: $6,848Starting Salary: $63,814What is Miami University Middletown known for?
Miami University Middletown’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
26%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Miami University Hamilton
Cost of Degree: $6,848Starting Salary: $63,814What is Miami University Hamilton known for?
Miami University Hamilton’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Miami University Hamilton’s Online Degrees
BS in Commerce
Degree Concentrations
- Small Business Management
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Health Communication
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Information Technology
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$11K
Graduation
29%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Shawnee State University
Cost of Degree: $9,622Expenses: $16,750Starting Salary: $43,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Shawnee State University known for?
Shawnee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
9%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio University – Chillicothe
Cost of Degree: $6,178Starting Salary: $61,938What is Ohio University – Chillicothe known for?
Ohio University – Chillicothe’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
23%
Student body
15K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Cincinnati Clermont College
Cost of Degree: $6,448Starting Salary: $60,832What is University of Cincinnati Clermont College known for?
University of Cincinnati Clermont College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Cincinnati Clermont College’s Online Degrees
BTAS in Technical And Applied Students
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
27%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Newark
Cost of Degree: $9,212Expenses: $16,066Starting Salary: $67,080Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ohio State University at Newark known for?
Ohio State University at Newark’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
35%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University at Stark
Cost of Degree: $7,428Starting Salary: $51,178What is Kent State University at Stark known for?
Kent State University at Stark’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
41%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University at Ashtabula
Cost of Degree: $7,428Starting Salary: $51,178What is Kent State University at Ashtabula known for?
Kent State University at Ashtabula’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
12%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio University Southern Campus
Cost of Degree: $6,178Starting Salary: $61,938What is Ohio University Southern Campus known for?
Ohio University Southern Campus’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
16%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Mansfield
Cost of Degree: $9,212Expenses: $16,066Starting Salary: $67,080Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ohio State University at Mansfield known for?
Ohio State University at Mansfield’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
34%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University at Salem
Cost of Degree: $7,428Starting Salary: $51,178What is Kent State University at Salem known for?
Kent State University at Salem’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
24%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Lima
Cost of Degree: $9,212Starting Salary: $67,080What is Ohio State University at Lima known for?
Ohio State University at Lima’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
17%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Marion
Cost of Degree: $9,212Starting Salary: $67,080What is Ohio State University at Marion known for?
Ohio State University at Marion’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Ohio’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest
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.
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.
