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
We understand you don’t want just any university. You want THE university that’s right for you. There’s a reason why Ohio State is a leading university and the #1 university in Ohio. Here you can achieve your goals doing what you love. You’ll have...
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, DE