Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025
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 2025
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.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best public colleges in Ohio remained fairly stable. The University of Akron gained a ranking position as the university is focusing on financial accessibility through initiatives like the Making Akron Possible (MAP) Grant, which offers tuition-free education to eligible students, aiming to broaden access to higher education. These developments reflect the university’s commitment to creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for its students.
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.
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 2025 #14 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #15 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
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: $12,859Expenses: $18,372Starting 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
- #10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Ohio 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: $12,906Expenses: $19,772Starting Salary: $49,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Respiratory Therapy
- Required Credits: 50
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- RN-BSN
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Radiation Science Technology
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Technical and Applied Studies (BTAS)
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 52
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Law & Paralegal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Pre-Occupational Therapy
- Required Credits: 52
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Work
- Required Credits: 57
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Fire Science & Emergency Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Required Credits: 60-120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Networking and Systems
- Software Application Development
- Cybersecurity
- Game Development and Simulation
- Data Technologies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 59
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025 #4 Best Research Universities 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: $17,060Expenses: $20,948Starting Salary: $55,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 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 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
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: $13,746Expenses: $17,350Starting Salary: $45,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 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 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
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: $11,767Expenses: $18,972Starting 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
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Ohio 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: $12,799Expenses: $15,866Starting 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
University of Akron’s Online Degrees
BS in Organizational Supervision
- Required Credits: 62
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Emergency Management And Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Relations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 31
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #8 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 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: $13,390Expenses: $17,618Starting 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
- #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #9 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
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: $12,613Expenses: $19,430Starting Salary: $46,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
- #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: $11,742Expenses: $19,932Starting Salary: $52,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
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: $10,614Expenses: $15,670Starting 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
- #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
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: $9,757Expenses: $15,608Starting 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
Youngstown State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Generalist Track
- Required Credits: 57
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 28
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSAS in Applied Science
Degree Concentrations
- Allied Health
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
25%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Central State University
Cost of Degree: $7,824Expenses: $14,190Starting Salary: $28,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
$7K
Graduation
23%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Miami University Middletown
Cost of Degree: $6,848Starting Salary: $55,400What is Miami University Middletown known for?
Miami University Middletown’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$7K
Graduation
19%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Miami University Hamilton
Cost of Degree: $6,848Starting Salary: $55,400What 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
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Health Communication
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Information Technology
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
35%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Shawnee State University
Cost of Degree: $9,622Expenses: $16,750Starting Salary: $37,500Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
$6K
Graduation
22%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Cincinnati Clermont College
Cost of Degree: $6,448Starting Salary: $49,700What 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: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
34%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Newark
Cost of Degree: $9,212Expenses: $16,066Starting Salary: $53,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
$9K
Graduation
16%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Mansfield
Cost of Degree: $9,212Expenses: $16,066Starting Salary: $53,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
$7K
Graduation
12%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University at Stark
Cost of Degree: $7,428Starting Salary: $42,400What 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
$7K
Graduation
11%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University at Ashtabula
Cost of Degree: $7,428Starting Salary: $42,400What 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
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University at Salem
Cost of Degree: $7,428Starting Salary: $42,400What is Kent State University at Salem known for?
Kent State University at Salem’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
21%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Lima
Cost of Degree: $9,212Starting Salary: $53,600What is Ohio State University at Lima known for?
Ohio State University at Lima’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
21%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio University Southern Campus
Cost of Degree: $6,178Starting Salary: $45,800What is Ohio University Southern Campus known for?
Ohio University Southern Campus’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
17%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Marion
Cost of Degree: $9,212Starting Salary: $53,600What is Ohio State University at Marion known for?
Ohio State University at Marion’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
18%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Ohio University – Chillicothe
Cost of Degree: $6,178Starting Salary: $45,800What is Ohio University – Chillicothe known for?
Ohio University – Chillicothe’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.
