4 No Application Fee Colleges in Ohio

4 No Application Fee Colleges in Ohio
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio offers a range of budget-friendly colleges and universities focused on accessibility.
  • Avoiding application fees can simplify your college search and help you to focus more on finding the right school for you.
  • While avoiding an application fee is important, other considerations like academic offerings at the school and the right campus culture are crucial for your success.

Best No Application Fee Colleges in Ohio in 2025

  1. Kenyon College
  2. University of Dayton
  3. College of Wooster
  4. Ohio Northern 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, our ranking of the top no application fee college in Ohio showed no changes in ranking order.

Navigating the costs of higher education can be daunting, but hidden expenses like application fees can quickly accumulate and prevent promising students from even getting their foot in the door at top colleges.

Luckily, in the heartland state of Ohio, several colleges and universities have elected to remove the application fee altogether—drastically reducing the upfront costs associated with pursuing higher education for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Classroom full of students

Colleges in Ohio With No Application Fee

We’re covering four excellent Ohio colleges that don’t charge prospective students an application fee, making the path to an affordable degree in the Buckeye State a little bit smoother.

  1. #1

    Kenyon College

    Gambier , OH
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1432/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Kenyon College

    Cost of Degree: $69,330
    Expenses: $18,260
    Starting Salary: $54,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Kenyon College, located in the picturesque village of Gambier, Ohio, offers an exemplary liberal arts education. Founded in 1824, it is the state’s oldest private higher education institution. Kenyon is recognized for its strong academic programs, with over 50 majors and minors, including traditional liberal arts disciplines and interdisciplinary programs.

    It places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering numerous opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs.

    Admission to Kenyon is highly selective, and the institution is known for its high freshman retention rates and strong graduation rates, reflecting the quality of education and student satisfaction. The college’s financial aid policies are need-aware, but it meets 100% of demonstrated needs, making it accessible to a wide range of students.

    Key Features

    • It is possible to choose from more than 50 majors, minors, and concentrations.
    • With a long standing history of more than 200 years, this campus offers a traditional and unique experience.
    • Beyond classrooms, the campus buzzes with activities, ensuring a holistic college experience.

    Tuition Fees

    While Kenyon College has eliminated application fees, the tuition is a bit steep. For the 2023-24 year, tuition is $69,030, before additional fees such as room and board. However, keep in mind that this is a private institution, which generally has higher rates.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Dayton

    Dayton , OH
    #25 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Dayton

    Cost of Degree: $47,600
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $61,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Dayton is a private Catholic research university located in Dayton, Ohio, and was founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary (Marianists). It’s recognized as one of the top-tier research universities in the United States, offering undergraduate and doctoral academic programs.

    The university emphasizes the importance of linking learning and scholarship with leadership and service. It boasts a robust research environment, with a particular distinction as the number one Catholic university for engineering R&D and physical STEM R&D.

    UD offers several programs across various disciplines, including the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Health Sciences, School of Engineering, and School of Law. The university is known for its commitment to affordability, eliminating fees, and providing a transparent approach to tuition.

    The University of Dayton stands out as a good option for students seeking a comprehensive education in a supportive, faith-based community.

    Key Features

    • Has an acceptance rate of 81%, giving you a good chance of getting in.
    • Graduates typically earn over $61,000 after graduation at their job, which is a great income coming out of college.
    • The college showcases a 98% post-graduation success rate.

    Tuition Fees

    • For the academic year, the undergraduate tuition at the University of Dayton stands at $47,600.
    • There are no sneaky additional costs. Your investment is clear, ensuring a straightforward financial journey throughout your academic pursuit.
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    3. Students smiling in a college campus
  4. #3

    College of Wooster

    Wooster , OH
    #8 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1350/29

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Wooster

    Cost of Degree: $59,550
    Expenses: $16,250
    Starting Salary: $53,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The College of Wooster, a private liberal arts college located in Wooster, Ohio, offers a unique educational experience rooted in a liberal arts tradition and a commitment to independent thought and social responsibility. Founded in 1866, it has established itself as a dynamic institution that values diversity, inclusivity, and the free exchange of ideas.

    The college is particularly renowned for its focus on research and collaboration, where faculty and students engage as co-learners in liberal inquiry. This collaborative environment is bolstered by Wooster’s commitment to excellence in teaching, enabling students to realize their full potential as engaged scholars.

    Wooster offers more than 100 areas of study, including pre-professional programs and teacher licensure in multiple areas. Its strong academic programs are complemented by over 120 student organizations, offering various extracurricular activities.

    The College of Wooster is a strong option for students who value a holistic approach to education, emphasizing intellectual development, creativity, and a commitment to serving others.

    Key Features

    • The college offers a comprehensive list of programs spanning more than 50 areas of study.
    • With students coming from 76 countries across the globe, 14% of the college’s students are international.
    • Ranked #11 in the top 20 best schools for internships.

    Tuition Fees

    • For the academic year, the College of Wooster’s undergraduate tuition is $51,250.
    • There are no surprise expenses. Your investment in education is straightforward and clear.
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  5. #4

    Ohio Northern University

    Ada , OH
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Ohio Northern University

    Cost of Degree: $37,600
    Expenses: $16,686
    Starting Salary: $72,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Ohio Northern University (ONU) is a renowned private university located in Ada, Ohio. Founded in 1871, ONU stands out for its academic excellence and strong focus on student success.

    The university offers a four-year graduation guarantee across most of its undergraduate programs, ensuring that students can complete their bachelor’s degrees on time without additional tuition costs if it takes longer through no fault of their own. This commitment is part of the Ohio Northern Promise, which focuses on making higher education accessible and affordable.

    ONU has a rich history of academic excellence and is always evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of society. It has been recognized for its teaching quality, high graduation rates, commitment to volunteer service, and providing a high return on investment for its graduates.

    Key Features

    • Ranked #1 university in Ohio for boosting graduate salaries, according to the Wall Street Journal.
    • The average class size is just 19, placing students in an efficient learning environment.
    • The student body is around 2,100, giving you a “small college feel,” and the opportunity to get to know your peers well.

    Tuition Fees

    • ONU’s undergraduate tuition for residents for the academic year is $26,574.
    • ONU’s undergraduate tuition for non-Ohio residents for the academic year is $36,942.
    • ONU’s undergraduate tuition for international students for the academic year is $42,957.
    Compare school
Man wearing graduation robes while looking at a sports field
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Tips for Choosing the Right No Application Fee College

While not having to pay to submit an application is great, there are other important factors you should consider to determine if a college is right for you:

  • Academic Offerings: Consider the array of academic opportunities the college provides. Does it offer courses and majors aligning with your career goals? Scrutinize the specific programs available to ensure they resonate with your intellectual pursuits.
  • Campus Culture: Envision yourself within the campus environment. What characterizes its atmosphere? Is it a bustling hub of activity or a serene space conducive to focused study? Understanding the essence of the campus culture is vital; it goes beyond classes to encompass the formation of your community.
  • Financial Considerations: Explore the scholarships, grants, and available financial aid. Look beyond tuition fees and factor in meals, housing, transportation, and other potential expenses.

Related Questions

What college is free in Ohio?

Choosing an institution with no application fee is a smart move. While no college is entirely free, there are affordable college options like Kent State University and Ohio University you can attend.

At what age is college free in Ohio?

Ohio State allows residents age 60 and older to attend college at no cost, both for four-year universities and two-year technical colleges. However, participation is limited and must be approved by the instructor.

Does Ohio University have an application fee waiver?

Ohio University, understanding the financial burden on students, provides application fee waivers. Applicants should review the university’s guidelines to determine their eligibility for this helpful waiver.

Conclusion

The colleges featured eliminate financial barriers, allowing students, regardless of means, to shoot their shot and be considered for admission. While more prestigious Ohio institutions like Ohio State continue to charge steep application fees, opportunities for an affordable yet valuable university exist at open-access public schools and less selective private colleges across the state.

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