Best Colleges in Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state with hot, humid summers and cool winters. As the “Birthplace of Aviation,” the Buckeye State has five international airports and also claims Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on the moon, as a native from Wapakoneta. Colleges in Ohio are evenly split between private not-for-profit and public institutions. Ohio University was the first college established in the state, and is the ninth oldest institution in the continental US. The most selective in Ohio is Kenyon College. Ohio’s key economic industries are advanced energy and environmental technologies, aerospace and aviation, along with agriculture and food processing. Top attractions include the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cedar Point Amusement Park, and Hocking Hills State Park.
How Were the Top Schools in Ohio Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Situated atop a hill overlooking the farms of mid-Ohio and featuring distinctive Gothic architecture, Kenyon College is a 4-year liberal arts college and the oldest private institution in the state. Kenyon offers undergraduate degrees in over 50...
It has one of the top programs in English in the country. Kenyon is truly a prestigious liberal arts college.
” – Valerie from Eastlake, OH
Founded by the merger of Western Reserve University and Case School of Applied Science, Case Western Reserve University is a 4-year private research institution in Cleveland. Case Western features nine schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in 95...
The classes are very challenging and you definitely have to earn your grade, but when you look back at all you've learned, its worth it!
” – Meaghan from Harrah, OK
Oberlin College is a liberal arts institution that was founded in 1833 in Oberlin, OH. Only two colleges operate on this private university’s campus, a College of Arts and Sciences and the oldest continuously operating Conservatory of Music in the...
The range of what you can learn here is vast. I'm currently kicking it with the true liberal arts experience taking cinema classes, photography, computer programming, Literature courses, and still being able to find incredible opportunities to...
” – Elliot from Somers Point, NJ
Founded by a Presbyterian minister, the College of Wooster is a 4-year liberal arts college in northeast Ohio. Wooster grants bachelor’s degrees in 44 academic majors and every student’s academic career begins with a First-Year Seminar focusing on...
I think the most notable aspect of the curriculum is its inter-disciplinary qualities. I can think of numerous occasions in which information from one class has connected to what I am learning in another class. Wooster is not merely about giving...
” – Katie
Originally founded as a land-grant university in 1870, Ohio State University is a public institution in Columbus and the third-largest campus in the nation. OSU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 200 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom...
You won't believe the opportunities you have here at Ohio State. There are over 160 academic programs available. I enrolled with an undeclared major, but wasn't nervous about it because ultimately whatever you go into you will be successful. The...
” – David from Perrysburg, OH
Founded in 1831, Denison University is a private school in mid-Ohio and the second oldest liberal arts college in the state. Denison grants bachelor’s degrees in 54 academic majors and its First-Year Program provides academic and co-curricular...
Denison University has amazing and engaging professors, who genuinely care about your intellectual, moral, and social development. Moreover, the learning environment is friendly and encouraging to students of all backgrounds, while challenging...
” – Stetson from Valley View, OH
The University of Dayton is a top-tier Catholic research university with offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. We are a diverse community committed, in the Marianist tradition, to educating the whole person and to linking learning...
Classes are hands on, and in my opinion, experience is the best teacher.
” – Jessica from Columbus, OH
Ohio Northern University is a private institution based in Ada, OH, associated with the United Methodist Church. ONU is a sister university of a private school in Seoul, South Korea, the Dankook University. ONU offers one of the only pharmacy...
Smaller school but a lot of majors to choose from. Teachers will take an interest in their students
” – HS Senior looking for the right college
Marietta College is a small, private liberal arts college that was founded in 1835. All first-year students are required to take a College Life and Leadership Laboratory course as well as a first-year seminar. Students can compete for places in the...
Professors are professors for a reason, and the ones at Marietta are by and large very good teachers as well. Knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter, the only thing stopping an ambitious student from learning from them is laziness or...
” – Thomas from Falls Church, VA
Established by a local pastor in a former hotel, Ohio Wesleyan University is a liberal arts college in mid-Ohio. OWU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 90 fields of study and more than a quarter of the student body chooses to double major. Throughout...
Although it has a 66% acceptance rate, the classes are far from easy. Class sizes usually fall between 6 and 30 so participation is a must. Professors are fully invested in the enrichment of the students, so as students, we are expected to be focused...
” – Jen from Spring, TX
John Carroll University is a Jesuit Catholic university located near Cleveland, Ohio. JCU offers more than 70 academic programs in the arts, sciences, and business that carry out the vision of creating inspired leaders who strive to increase the...
jcu is rigorous depending on the classes/major you study, but overall it is challenging to a degree that helps you learn, but it's not so challenging that finals are impossible.
” – brad
Founded in 1809, Miami University is a 4-year public research institution in southwest Ohio and the state’s second oldest university. Miami of Ohio confers bachelor’s degrees in over 120 fields of study. For recreation, Miami is home to a unique...
Several teachers teach from the course textbook, but also draw from their own experiences and other media/texts. Miami gives a well-rounded education because they stress that non academic activities are important, too. Learning comes from the...
” – Samantha from Erlanger, KY
Xavier University is a Jesuit Catholic institution in Cincinnati and the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. Xavier is home to colleges of Arts & Science, Business, and Professional Sciences offering bachelor’s degrees in over 90 fields...
I am majoring in Natural Sciences at Xavier University. They provide a mass load of science help and much more, such as, Supplemental Instructions and tutoring. Supplemental Instructions are sessions in which upperclassman teach and review material...
” – Rachel from Fort Wayne, IN
Situated on the banks of Little Riley Creek, Bluffton University is a liberal arts college founded by the Mennonite Church in northwest Ohio. Bluffton offers undergraduate degrees in over 85 academic areas of study. As part of the university’s...
Bluffton is the most friendly campus that I visited during my college search. Community is an important value and will make you feel at home. Bluffton is the right choice if you want a good home away from home.
” – Tessa from Middlebury, IN
At Baldwin Wallace, tradition and innovation take center stage. We teach you how to think, solve problems, write and speak with confidence. With more than 85 academic programs – in science and technology, health, performing arts and more – we ensure...
There is no way to beat the class sizes here at Baldwin Wallace. The small size allows me to learn alot and have all my questions answered immediately.
” – Shane from Brunswick, OH
Hiram College is a private, liberal arts institution located in the state of Ohio. Students attending Hiram are required to complete courses in nine unique educational focuses, such as Creative Methods, Social and Cultural Analysis, and Experiencing...
I am currently going into my fourth semester at Hiram College and have been learning every step up the way. The fall of your freshman year you take a first year class where students learn about a particular topic and while doing so learn how to...
” – Corey from Ravenna, OH
The Art Academy of Cincinnati is a private, 4-year institution established in the state of Ohio. As one of the country’s smallest 4-year art colleges, students attending The Art Academy benefit from individualized support networks, guaranteed studio...
The AAC is by far one of the most artistic places I have ever seen. They want you to grow in your own vision, not a cloan trained classicly. Freedom, expression, and originality are the best three words to describe the AAC.
” – Douglas from Milford, OH
Founded in 1845, Wittenberg University is a 4-year liberal arts college in western Ohio affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The third oldest Lutheran college in the United States, Wittenberg confers bachelor’s degrees in over...
I am learning things that I have never heard of at this school. The professors are friendly and always willing to help you.
” – Stephanie from Chicago, IL
Founded in 1878, Ashland University is a 4-year private school in mid-Ohio affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. Ashland is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Nursing granting undergraduate degrees in over 70 academic...
This school is great for education and business majors! There are more than 70 undergraduate programs here at Ashland but the majority of the students come here for business or education. They are great at getting you experience in the field you...
” – Megan from Commercial Point, OHThe Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private institution based in Steubenville, Ohio, and affiliated with the Catholic church. The school is home to Christ the King Chapel where students can attend daily mass, weekly vespers, confessions...
Every class is challenging and presents materials with a Catholic perspective. The professors are knowledgeable and honestly try to help you in your learning experience.
” – Catherine from Wilmington, DEThe Cleveland Institute of Music is a conservatory that presents over 400 concerts to the public during every school year. CIM is one of just three independent conservatories in the country to focus solely on classical music performance. In addition...
Founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Joseph University is a Catholic liberal arts college in the Cincinnati area. The Mount offers undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic majors and several degrees can be completed in 3 years. As a...
When I first came to Mount Saint Joseph, I felt uncomfortable and unconfident because I didn't know a lot about the field I was studying. Luckily for me the professors are kind and respect students and will do anything to help them succeed. Its not...
” – Courtney from Cincinnati, OH
Founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Joseph University is a Catholic liberal arts college in the Cincinnati area. The Mount offers undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic majors and several degrees can be completed in 3 years. As a...
Founded in 1882, the University of Findlay is a private institution based in Findlay, OH. UF is affiliated with the Churches of God General Conference and is rated as having “more selective” admissions. The school offers liberal arts-based degree...
The classes are really small for the most part. I am a Pre-vet student, it's a popular major here so the classes get filled up quickly and are really full. They almost always open up another class to choose. The professors care about the students and...
” – Jessica from Wauseon, OH
Founded in 1830, Capital University is a liberal arts institution and one of the largest Lutheran universities in the US. The CU Chapel Choir is recognized for performing at Carnegie Hall, in different parts of the world, and for leading the annual...
Ever since coming here I have been taught a huge amount. Not just from the faculty, but from the students as well. This college isn't just about learning from the teachers. You learn from your peers and they learn from you. It is an amazing thing...
” – Jordan from Frankfort, OHKettering College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in suburban Ohio as a branch of the Kettering Medical Center, with a newly-developed satellite location in Greene County. Students are required to attend convocations and a...
This college offers my career intended and I feel is right for me.
” – Rachel from New Carlisle, OH
Malone University is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution located in Canton, OH. Founded in 1892, Malone has grown to offer 91 undergraduate and 12 graduate programs, some of which are available online. Standing out from the 50-plus majors...
The courses are invigorating and interactive. It seems like the teachers are enjoying you and so you enjoy being there. Classes are tough, but if your heart is in the right place, you get a lot out of classes. It's not like high school where subjects...
” – Lillian from Martinsville, VA
Founded in 1910 as a teacher’s college, Bowling Green State University is a 4-year public research institution in northwest Ohio. Bowling Green State is home to eight colleges conferring undergraduate degrees as well as an honors college. In addition...
I have learned a lot, but it has been tarnished by a few professors who are not as sympathetic to first year students' struggles while adjusting to college life/schoolwork/expectations.
” – Amanda from Findlay, OH
Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a Catholic nursing school and the largest private undergraduate nursing program in Ohio. Mount Carmel offers four options for conferring BSN degrees from a 4-year program to an accelerated 13-month curriculum as...
The science department at Defiance College consists of only professors with doctorates no graduate assistants, in fact there are no graduate assistants in the college. This helps keep the classroom more professional and makes learning easier. The...
” – Bryan from Defiance, OH
Heidelberg University is a private, liberal arts institution established in Tiffin, Ohio. Students graduating from Heidelberg are all given the option to enroll in the school’s Plus One Advantage program, which registers students in a 1-year Master...
I attend Heidelberg University's music program. I've at least doubled my knowledge about music, and I've only been here a semester! You will definitely learn, and the work is challenging but not difficult. I really think you will enjoy going here.
” – Katelyn from Coshocton, OHWalsh University is a private, 4-year institution located in North Canton, Ohio. The college also maintains a satellite campus just outside of Rome in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, which students have the opportunity to visit through one of the college’s...
walsh university is a great learning environment. the staff, faculty, and students alike have every person's best interests in mind. walsh is truly concerned with furthering both education and well-being.
” – Taylor from Navarre, OH
The Cleveland Institute of Art is a college of arts, media, and design in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood. CIA confers degrees in 15 artistic majors such as Animation, Game Design, and Ceramics. In addition, CIA requires all students to...
The area and student body is so diverse you're bound to be entertained. There are so many areas around University Circle to explore including Coventry and Little Italy, and the Art and Natural History museum are excellent resources. So many studio...
” – Maria from Struthers, OHMuskingum University is a private liberal arts institution. Paul Hall, the oldest building on campus, houses the music department and is registered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the Anne C. Steele Center was named...
Only after my first year, I learned a lot more than I even expected. the teachers are great and they truly care about how you are doing.
” – Alyssa from Grafton, OH
Lake Erie College is a private, 4-year institution established in Painesville, Ohio. LEC offers over 30 undergraduate and graduate majors, as well as over 25 minors, with a unique CORE general education curriculum that aims to cultivate all of the...
Since I arrived at Lake Erie College, I have had the privilege of learning one life lesson after another. I have not only had the chance to excel in the classroom under the tutelage of amazing professors, but I have learned a lot about myself as a...
” – Michelle from Glouster, OH
Ursuline College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Ursuline provides over 30 bachelor’s degree programs, pre-professional programs, minors, and certificate programs, as well as 20 graduate programs. Ursuline...
As a nursing student at Ursuline college, I have had a very full schedule due to the strenuous nature of studying for a successful career in the health field. Although I have heard great things about their other majors offered which range from...
” – Nicole from Chagrin Falls, OHOhio Dominican University is a private, 4-year institution established in the city of Columbus. The college utilizes a unique core curriculum which consists of four seminars that revolve around one deep, philosophical question per year. Students...
I am a learning a lot at ODU through the small classes and intimate learning experiences. As a Business major in my sophomore year, I have begun to learn about real skills that I will need in my career. Also, as ODU is a Liberal Arts College, I...
” – Elise from Cleveland, OH
Otterbein University is a 4-year, liberal arts institution located in Westerville, OH, minutes from the 14th largest city in the US, Columbus. Founded in 1847, Otterbein has been co-educational from the beginning and takes pride in its diversity and...
The small class sizes and individual attention from one's professor (as opposed to a graduate assistant as is the case at most large schools) sets students up for success. It's impossible to just blend in during a class.
” – Tara from Columbus, OH
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Ohio. Students are required to attend chapel, with the number of chapel credits necessary each semester varying depending on the student’s year. MVNU primarily...
the Nazarene is a wonderful school, the professors really care about each student, they are always there to talk to. It doesn't matter if you're 24 or 50 you are a student and treated as equal, as just another person on campus. the kids are very...
” – Rebbecca from Danville, OH
Ohio University doesn't simply deliver a degree. It offers an experience that becomes a part of who you are and what you'll be, forever. OHIO is a four-year public R1 research institution offering more than 250 programs of study and boasting more...
Ohio University is a great academic school and I feel I have learned so much in just a year of attending this university. Although, freshman year is based on tier one classes and usually are only review and basics, they are great refreshers and help...
” – Caitlynn from Norwalk, OH
Founded in 1919, the University of Cincinnati is a 4-year public research institution and the second largest university in the state of Ohio. UC is home to 14 colleges and schools conferring degrees and is renowned as the first school to offer a co...
I was delighted to find that most of the professors at UC really know their stuff and they are willing to help if you don't understand them on the first go. However, it certainly is useful to ask around about potential professors. I had a Chemistry...
” – Nathan from Edgewood, KY
Founded by the Christian Connection, Antioch College is a 4-year liberal arts college in western Ohio. Antioch offers bachelor’s degrees in nine fields of study and students also have the option to design their own major in arts or sciences...
Don't expect everything to be all hammered out within the next couple of years. Antioch is still just restarting up, and they are trying to rebuild the old ties that they lost. Don't let that dissuade you, though! It's a wonderful college.
” – Katherine from Hillsboro, OH
Founded by the Reformed Presbyterian Church in 1887, Cedarville University is a 4-year Baptist school in southwest Ohio. Cedarville offers undergraduate degrees in more than 150 biblically integrated academic programs and each program features a...
Cedarville University has much to offer its students in everything from academics to volunteer ministry opportunities. Its faculty are all top notch, with most having their doctorate in their chosen fields. They are all passionate about teaching and...
” – Melody from De Pere, WI
Tiffin University is a private, 4-year institution located in Ohio and founded in 1888. It is a military-friendly school and houses the first public building to be wired for electricity in the nation. Criminal justice and law enforcement...
When I go to ever class I learn a lot. The instructors make sure they teach you as much in the time provided. I learn a lot inside of class and outside of class. The class sizes are small compared to big university classes, so you have more...
” – Damiar from Reynoldsburg, OH
Founded in 1879, The Columbus College of Art & Design is one of the oldest art and design colleges in the United States. With a campus adjacent to the Columbus Museum of Art, CCAD confers bachelor’s degrees in 12 artistic fields of study such as...
I thought learning foundation classes would have been a hassle when I first came to the school. But after now finishing my first year I couldn't have been happier. Most of the basic information (such as color theory or art history) is really...
” – Amanda from West Chester, OH
Founded in 1846, the University of Mount Union is a private institution based in Alliance, Ohio. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university campus is home to a bird observatory, learning center, and hiking trails. All students...
Mount Union sets up an excellent community of educational and social opportunities. Not only will you learn a lot about your field of study, but you will gain the tools necessary to go out and succeed in the world. Socially, Mount Union is the...
” – Sean from Mentor, OHAffiliated with Good Samaritan Hospital, Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science is a Catholic nurse training and medical academy in Cincinnati. Good Samaritan College offers bachelor’s and associate degrees in Nursing as well as an...
As one of Ohio’s most influential public urban research universities, the University of Akron is home to five colleges and three regional campuses in Orrville, Lakewood, Medina, Ohio. Akron offers highly ranked degree programs in engineering...
The classes are generally small and the professors are fantastic. After you finish your electives, all the major-specific class are enticing and exciting. I'm glad I chose Akron over a smaller school. There are tons of opprotuniteis here for...
” – Abby from Bellville, OH
Originally founded as a teacher-training school, Kent State University is a 4-year public research university in northeast Ohio. Kent State hosts ten colleges conferring undergraduate degrees in more than 300 areas of study. Additionally, KSU is home...
At Kent I am able to challenge myself at whatever level I choose. Academically for my major, I learn a fair amount, and on top of that there are thousands of other courses I can take that are not mandatory, but just great learning experiences. With...
” – Steven from Parma, OH
Founded in 1872, the University of Toledo is a public research institution in northwest Ohio and a member of the state university system of Ohio. Toledo is home to 13 colleges and schools conferring over 300 undergrad and graduate degrees. For...
The University of Toledo is an excellent school. In the classes that I am taking right now, I am learning a lot. I feel like by the time I graduate, I will have received an excellent education.
” – Sarah from Sagamore Hills, OH