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.

Explore the Best Universities in Ohio with Appily!

Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.

Antioch College
Yellow Springs, OH
Antioch College

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
Cedarville University

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

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
Columbus College of Art & Design

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
University of Mount Union

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, OH
College placeholder image

Affiliated 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...

University of Akron Main Campus

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
Kent State University at Kent

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
University of Toledo

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
College placeholder image

Pontifical College Josephinum is a Roman Catholic college in Columbus and the only pontifical seminary in the United States. PCJ is home to the College of Liberal Arts conferring bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Philosophy. As a Catholic seminary, the...

“…

the pontifical college josephinum is the best school to attend if you are single, male, and catholic and thinking about becoming a priest. the pcj is holy, renaissance, and pontifical. the faculty, architecture, and curriculum is the best i have ever...

” – Cody from Columbus, OH
Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University is a 4-year public school and urban research university based in northeast Ohio. Youngstown State awards undergraduate degrees in over 115 academic majors and is home to research centers including the Center of Excellence...

“…

Of course. The teachers are very helpful and will lend a hand whenever you need it.

” – Shanelle from Jeannette, PA
College placeholder image

Shawnee State University is a public institution situated in Portsmouth, Ohio, with a “selective” admissions process. SSU students can apply for the Honors Program or take advantage of an accelerated program, which can lead to completion of...

“…

Shawnee has taught me so much. Not only about my major and the classes I'm in, but about myself as a person. I'm constantly being pushed to my limit and my professors have guided me to succeed and didn't stop until I had. I feel as though they are...

” – Nicole from Hamilton, OH
Wright State University-Main Campus

Named after Wilbur & Orville Wright, Wright State University is a 4-year public school in Dayton. Wright State features eight colleges and three schools granting degrees in 295 academic programs. In addition to classroom space, Wright State hosts the...

“…

I am working on a degree in Computer Engineering.
I have already learned SO much in my first year there.
One of the latest projects was to program a video game.

” – Mik? from Ravenna, OH
College placeholder image

With a campus on the shores of scenic Grand Lake St. Marys, Wright State University, Lake Campus, is a regional campus of WSU in western Ohio. Wright State Lake is home to 27 majors and the annual Lake Campus Research Symposium where faculty and...

College placeholder image

The University of Rio Grande is a private, 4-year institution established in southeastern Ohio. The 190-acre campus offers more than 70 academic programs which are taught through a combination of practical experience and the liberal arts. Rio Grande...

“…

While some may feel a small town college atmosphere may be lacking a social aspects of bigger and more well known colleges, I think this makes it easier to learn. There is a better professor to student ratio. You aren't tripping over other students...

” – Hillary from Jackson, OH
Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution with 15,000 students, 10 colleges and schools and more than 175 academic programs. According to the Brookings Institution, CSU is No. 18 in the U.S. among public...

“…

Cleveland State has proved to me that you do not need to go to an Ivy League School to be challenged. When Cleveland State says that their students experience engaged learning, they really are telling the truth. The professors really want you to...

” – India from Columbus, OH
College placeholder image

Wilmington College was founded in 1870 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). It is a career-focused liberal arts institution situated in rural Wilmington, Ohio. It is the only private college in the state that offers an Agricultural program...

“…

The professors here are very understanding and treat you like another human being. They treat you like an adult and are very easy to get along. They are willing to meet with you and assist you in any way possible. They get you hand on experience. It...

” – Paige from Bloomingburg, OH
Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus

The Ohio State University at Mansfield is a public, 4-year, regional institution of the Ohio State University system. The Mansfield campus features a number of notable facilities, including the Fallerlus Technical Education Center, the Bromfield...

“…

Out of 5 stars I rate this campus a 5. The campus is a small well oriented campus with excellent professors & an organized set-up to achieve & succeed. Even tho you aren't at the Columbus campus you still feel a apart of The Ohio State Buckeyes...

” – Xavier from Canton, OH
Ohio State University-Marion Campus

Ohio State University in Marion is a 4-year institution on 187 acres in Marion, OH. OSU Marion students can complete any of 9 degrees in full through the Marion campus, including a completely online RN to BSN program. Students can also attend 1 to 3...

“…

the campus is very clean and fairly small. you get to know people on a first name basis as many of the students are in several of your classes. the teachers learn names as there is usually only about 20 students per class.

” – Devon from Findlay, OH
College placeholder image

Kent State University at Stark is the largest regional campus in the Kent State system and the only public university in Stark County, Ohio. Kent State Stark offers degrees in over 25 subjects as well as the opportunity to begin courses in more than...

“…

I am learning TONS of stuff that I thought I already knew. I'll be ready for Jeopardy! very soon!!!!!!!

” – Shelley from Kensington, OH