Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024

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Interested in attending a STEM school in Ohio? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

10 Best Research Universities in Ohio 2024

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  1. Ohio State University
  2. Case Western Reserve University
  3. University of Cincinnati
  4. Miami University
  5. Ohio University
  6. Kent State University
  7. Bowling Green State University
  8. University of Akron
  9. Cleveland State University
  10. University of Dayton
  1. Ohio State University
  2. Case Western Reserve University
  3. University of Cincinnati
  4. Miami University
  5. Ohio University
  6. Kent State University
  7. Bowling Green State University
  8. University of Akron
  9. Cleveland State University
  10. University of Dayton
  1. Wright State University 95%
  2. University of Toledo 92%
  3. Miami University 88%
  4. Kent State University 88%
  5. Ohio University 87%
  6. University of Cincinnati 86%
  7. University of Findlay 86%
  8. Cleveland State University 85%
  9. University of Akron 83%
  10. Bowling Green State University 79%
  1. Kent State University 19 to 1
  2. University of Cincinnati 18 to 1
  3. Ohio University 18 to 1
  4. Ohio State University 17 to 1
  5. Bowling Green State University 17 to 1
  6. University of Toledo 17 to 1
  7. University of Akron 16 to 1
  8. Cleveland State University 16 to 1
  9. University of Dayton 15 to 1
  10. Miami University 15 to 1
  1. Case Western Reserve University $61,584
  2. University of Dayton $46,170
  3. University of Findlay $37,621
  4. Union Institute & University $17,141
  5. Miami University $13,678
  6. Ohio University $13,352
  7. Cleveland State University $12,144
  8. Ohio State University $11,525
  9. Bowling Green State University $11,272
  10. Kent State University $11,218
  1. Case Western Reserve University $50,838
  2. University of Dayton $18,540
  3. University of Findlay $17,106
  4. Union Institute & University $15,911
  5. University of Toledo $15,053
  6. Wright State University $14,298
  7. Miami University $13,396
  8. University of Cincinnati $13,224
  9. Ohio State University $12,092
  10. Kent State University $12,071
  1. University of Findlay
  2. Union Institute & University
  3. Wright State University
  4. University of Toledo
  5. University of Dayton
  6. Cleveland State University
  7. University of Akron
  8. Bowling Green State University
  9. Kent State University
  10. Ohio University
  1. University of Findlay
  2. Union Institute & University
  3. Wright State University
  4. University of Toledo
  5. University of Dayton
  6. Cleveland State University
  7. University of Akron
  8. Bowling Green State University
  9. Kent State University
  10. Ohio University
  1. Case Western Reserve University 27%
  2. Ohio State University 53%
  3. University of Dayton 74%
  4. Bowling Green State University 79%
  5. University of Akron 83%
  6. Cleveland State University 85%
  7. University of Findlay 86%
  8. University of Cincinnati 86%
  9. Ohio University 87%
  10. Kent State University 88%
  1. Union Institute & University 6 to 1
  2. Case Western Reserve University 9 to 1
  3. University of Findlay 13 to 1
  4. Wright State University 14 to 1
  5. University of Dayton 15 to 1
  6. Miami University 15 to 1
  7. University of Akron 16 to 1
  8. Cleveland State University 16 to 1
  9. Ohio State University 17 to 1
  10. Bowling Green State University 17 to 1
  1. University of Toledo $9,391
  2. University of Akron $10,097
  3. Wright State University $10,174
  4. University of Cincinnati $10,656
  5. Kent State University $11,218
  6. Bowling Green State University $11,272
  7. Ohio State University $11,525
  8. Cleveland State University $12,144
  9. Ohio University $13,352
  10. Miami University $13,678
  1. University of Akron $7,958
  2. Bowling Green State University $8,418
  3. Ohio University $9,444
  4. Cleveland State University $10,627
  5. Kent State University $12,071
  6. Ohio State University $12,092
  7. University of Cincinnati $13,224
  8. Miami University $13,396
  9. Wright State University $14,298
  10. University of Toledo $15,053

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Ohio's Best Research Universities Badge
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A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 14 research universities in Ohio. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

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Best Research Universities in Ohio 2023

  1. #1

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    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: $12,485
    Expenses: $17,700
    Starting Salary: $53,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. 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: $61,584
    Expenses: $20,420
    Starting Salary: $89,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    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: $12,334
    Expenses: $16,990
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  4. 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: $11,373
    Expenses: $18,390
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. 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: $12,427
    Expenses: $15,930
    Starting Salary: $41,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  6. 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: $12,254
    Expenses: $18,567
    Starting Salary: $46,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #11

    University of Toledo

    Toledo , OH

    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: $11,311
    Expenses: $19,482
    Starting Salary: $52,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. 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: $10,224
    Expenses: $15,256
    Starting Salary: $46,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    50%

    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
  10. #14

    University of Findlay

    Findlay , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Findlay

    Cost of Degree: $37,621
    Expenses: $15,224
    Starting Salary: $49,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Findlay known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

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Find the Best Research Universities in Ohio for 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.

  1. Case Western Reserve University
  2. University of Cincinnati
  3. Ohio State University
  4. Ohio University
  5. Bowling Green State University
  6. Miami University
  7. Cleveland State University
  8. University of Dayton
  9. Wright State University
  10. Kent State University
  11. University of Toledo
  12. University of Akron
  13. University of Findlay

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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