Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025

Badge for BEST IN OHIO PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

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

  1. Ohio State University
  2. University of Cincinnati
  3. Miami University
  4. Ohio University
  5. Kent State University
  6. University of Akron
    +1
  7. Bowling Green State University
    –1
  8. Cleveland State University
  9. University of Toledo
  10. Wright State University

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

  1. #1

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $12,859
    Expenses: $18,372
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ohio State University known for?

    Ohio State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    #10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $12,906
    Expenses: $19,772
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Kent State University

    Kent , OH
    #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
    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: $11,767
    Expenses: $18,972
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kent State University known for?

    Kent State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Akron

    Akron , OH
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $12,799
    Expenses: $15,866
    Starting Salary: $41,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Cleveland State University

    Cleveland , OH
    #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
    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: $12,613
    Expenses: $19,430
    Starting Salary: $46,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cleveland State University known for?

    Cleveland State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Toledo

    Toledo , OH
    #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 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: $11,742
    Expenses: $19,932
    Starting Salary: $52,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Toledo known for?

    University of Toledo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Wright State University

    Dayton , OH
    #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: $10,614
    Expenses: $15,670
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wright State University known for?

    Wright State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Youngstown State University

    Youngstown , OH
    #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
    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: $9,757
    Expenses: $15,608
    Starting Salary: $40,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Central State University

    Wilberforce , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,824
    Expenses: $14,190
    Starting Salary: $28,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Central State University known for?

    Central State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Miami University Middletown

    Middletown , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Miami University Middletown

    Cost of Degree: $6,848
    Starting Salary: $55,400
    What is Miami University Middletown known for?

    Miami University Middletown’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Miami University Hamilton

    Hamilton , OH
    #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Ohio 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Miami University Hamilton

    Cost of Degree: $6,848
    Starting Salary: $55,400
    What 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
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Shawnee State University

    Portsmouth , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Shawnee State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,622
    Expenses: $16,750
    Starting Salary: $37,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Shawnee State University known for?

    Shawnee State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Cincinnati Clermont College

    Batavia , OH
    #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Ohio 2025 #10 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Cincinnati Clermont College

    Cost of Degree: $6,448
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    What 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
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Ohio State University at Newark

    Newark , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Newark

    Cost of Degree: $9,212
    Expenses: $16,066
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ohio State University at Newark known for?

    Ohio State University at Newark’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Ohio State University at Mansfield

    Mansfield , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    16%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Mansfield

    Cost of Degree: $9,212
    Expenses: $16,066
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ohio State University at Mansfield known for?

    Ohio State University at Mansfield’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Kent State University at Stark

    North Canton , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    12%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University at Stark

    Cost of Degree: $7,428
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    What is Kent State University at Stark known for?

    Kent State University at Stark’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Kent State University at Ashtabula

    Ashtabula , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    11%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University at Ashtabula

    Cost of Degree: $7,428
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    What is Kent State University at Ashtabula known for?

    Kent State University at Ashtabula’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Kent State University at Salem

    Salem , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    12%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kent State University at Salem

    Cost of Degree: $7,428
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    What is Kent State University at Salem known for?

    Kent State University at Salem’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Ohio State University at Lima

    Lima , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Lima

    Cost of Degree: $9,212
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    What is Ohio State University at Lima known for?

    Ohio State University at Lima’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Ohio University Southern Campus

    Ironton , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio University Southern Campus

    Cost of Degree: $6,178
    Starting Salary: $45,800
    What is Ohio University Southern Campus known for?

    Ohio University Southern Campus’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Ohio State University at Marion

    Marion , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    17%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio State University at Marion

    Cost of Degree: $9,212
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    What is Ohio State University at Marion known for?

    Ohio State University at Marion’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Ohio University – Chillicothe

    Chillicothe , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio University – Chillicothe

    Cost of Degree: $6,178
    Starting Salary: $45,800
    What is Ohio University – Chillicothe known for?

    Ohio University – Chillicothe’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
Back to Top

Ohio’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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.

  1. University of Cincinnati
  2. Ohio State University
  3. Ohio University
  4. Bowling Green State University
  5. Miami University
  6. Cleveland State University
  7. Kent State University
  8. University of Toledo
  9. University of Akron
  10. Ohio State University at Mansfield

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

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here