Best Colleges in Ohio of 2023

The Ohio State University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of different subject areas, including medicine, business, law, political science, and public policy. This is an especially good option for STEM graduate students - according to the National Science Foundation, OSU has more science and engineering research space than all but a few schools in the entire country. OSU also has a lot to offer outside academics, including a beautiful 1,764-acre campus (four buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places), over 1,000 student organizations, and one of the most competitive college football teams.

Located in Cleveland, this private university offers many different programs in the arts and sciences. Undergraduates at Case Western Reserve University have exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning, with over 99% of students participating in research, co-ops, or internships. There are also several graduate programs available, including one of the best medical schools in the United States. CWRU offers a rich campus life with 550 student organizations and students from more than 90 countries.

Miami University's Tuition Promise freezes tuition and fees for the first four years of a student's education, allowing incoming freshmen to adequately plan for the cost of their degree and avoid unexpected expenses. There are over 120 areas of study for undergraduates to choose from, and the school offers more than 70 graduate programs. Many of Miami University's academic programs are offered in a part-time format, making this school an excellent choice for parents, working professionals, and anyone else who already has a busy schedule.

Kenyon College is a small private institution in Gambier, Ohio, that offers a selection of 50 major, minor, and concentration programs. All courses are taught by professors, and the school boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of just 10:1, ensuring that students receive a lot of personalized attention. For students who wish to study abroad, there are over 190 programs across 50 countries to choose from. It's also worth noting that Kenyon seeks to make all students strong writers, regardless of their major.

This college, which was founded by the Society of Mary in 1850, provides students with a high-quality education that's rooted in faith. The University of Dayton is widely regarded as a top engineering school, but they also offer a strong humanities program (this was the first college in the country to offer an undergraduate degree in human rights studies). Although it's a private Catholic institution, the University of Dayton is inclusive and welcomes students from many different backgrounds.

Oberlin is best known for their Conservatory of Music, which offers world-class faculty and facilities (students have access to 11 performance spaces, 150 naturally lit practice rooms, over 240 Steinway pianos, and a recording studio). Forty-two music programs, including majors, minors, and graduate degrees, are available. Oberlin's College of Arts and Sciences provides strong academic programs in many other academic areas as well. Students can expect close guidance from their professors due to the school's 11:1 student-faculty ratio and one-on-one mentorship programs. Oberlin also hosts many notable speakers and performers each year, has student clubs for a range of interests, and has 21 NCAA varsity sports teams.

The cooperative (co-op) education model, which allows students to earn money as well as course credits by working at a job in their field, was invented by the University of Cincinnati over 100 years ago. The school continues to offer one of the best co-op programs available to this day - University of Cincinnati students collectively earn around $75 million annually working at co-op placements, which have included positions at industry-leading organizations like Apple, HBO, Disney, and NASA. The school offers programs in medicine, nursing, law, engineering, and many other subject areas.

Denison University is located on a sprawling 1,100-acre campus in Granville. The campus includes a biological reserve, golf course, and the Doane library, which contains over 500,000 books and periodicals. Denison has an excellent track record for setting up their students for success, as 96% of alumni report that they are employed in their desired field or successfully working toward their professional goals.

Ohio University is a large public university with a rich campus life, competitive athletic programs, and high research activity. Although there are plenty of options for students who want a traditional college experience, the university stands out as a top school for online education. OU offers over 60 online programs, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. Overall, OU has nearly 8,000 fully remote students.

No matter which subject you plan to specialize in, there's a good chance that you'll be able to earn your degree at Kent State University. Indeed, this school offers 360 undergraduate programs, 110 master's degree programs, and 50 doctorate programs. The College of Podiatric Medicine is one of the best programs of its kind. Also, with tuition rates starting at $480.70 per credit for in-state undergraduates, Kent State is one of the most affordable options for a college education in Ohio.