2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in Ohio

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  5,779 reviews

Sophomore: Ohio State University is a college that focuses on job opportunities and athletics, and its degree requirements for students reflects that. Many professors are either very professional or have no teaching experience whatsoever, and it is a guess as to which one you'll receive half of the time. Campus events and community are great though, and there are plenty of groups to get involved with if you're interested in any subject. Although there are some instances of crime around campus, very rarely does any serious crime happen on campus grounds. The university has plenty of support and equipment for athletes as well, so if you are interested in any form of athletics, feel free to enroll into The Ohio State University!... Read 5,779 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $19,474

• SAT range 1250-1440

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  300 reviews

Sophomore: Ohio Dominican University is an amazing place to help foster growing minds, it is also a very accepting place for everyone no matter our differences. The main thing I love about Ohio Dominican is that the student body is able to create the groups that they are looking for within the school, this makes for finding a place that you can fit in a lot easier. Another thing that is pretty amazing about the Ohio Dominican experience is that the class sizes are on the smaller size which makes it easier for students to get the help that they need on the courses that they are taking, and allows for the professors to give their students their complete attention without them feeling like they're being lost in the crowd.... Read 300 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $20,772

• SAT range 1000-1140

• Cedarville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  1,230 reviews

Sophomore: Cedarville University is the real deal. If you are considering, you should absolutely, 100% go here. You would be surprised how possible that might be, definitely apply! To my experience so far (I have just finished my Freshman year), I would say it was very good overall. I am a Computer Science major, and the school is very hard at first, but you will absolutely get used to it (some majors are easy freshman year though) some not so much. The professors here are so amazing, class was literally my favorite part of the day. All were very willing to help during office hours, and all office hours fit into my schedule. People do get jobs here from what I have heard and seen and internships as well. People here all are ridiculously nice, think the nicest person you know, and that is everyone here. Cedarville is definitely conservative, but not absurdly so. The dress code is reasonable IMO. Lots of great speakers in chapel, school is very Christian, everyday chapel is a lot but good.... Read 1,230 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $25,380

• SAT range 1120-1350

• Cincinnati, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  392 reviews

Sophomore: Mount St. Joseph University is truly one of a kind! Although it is a small school, the students and faculty of the university is phenomenal. I've made so many new connections attending the Mount. If I ever needed assistance for class work, the teachers will always make out time to better your understandings. This university has a special place in my heart, and I wish others will feel the same.... Read 392 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $17,142

• SAT range 990-1140

• Mount Vernon, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  566 reviews

Sophomore: I have loved my experience at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. This University makes you feel like family from the first moment that you step on campus. It is an amazing and supportive environment. I have made many new friends, the classes are amazing, and the professors are willing to go above and beyond to help you succeed. The only downside to the school is that it is expensive. Even with some scholarships, grants, and loans, I still struggle to afford it. MVNU is my dream school and has been my dream school for many years. Being able to attend MVNU has been the opportunity of a lifetime, I just wish that it was more affordable.... Read 566 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $23,440

• SAT range 1020-1220

• Cincinnati, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  4,054 reviews

Graduate Student: As a current graduate of the University of Cincinnati, I am ecstatic to share my overwhelmingly positive experience! The university's commitment to academic excellence and supportive faculty truly stood out during my time there. The diverse and vibrant campus community fostered a welcoming environment, encouraging collaboration and cultural enrichment. Cutting-edge research opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities further enriched my learning journey. UC's emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications prepared me for a successful career ahead. I am forever grateful for the lifelong friendships and professional networks I developed. Without a doubt, the University of Cincinnati is an exceptional institution that has empowered me to achieve my dreams!... Read 4,054 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $20,827

• SAT range 1150-1350

• Pepper Pike, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  312 reviews

Junior: Looks like a great school so far! I’m transferring as a Junior, the only issue I’m running into the the tuition. This was not a price that I was financially ready for but it’s the only school in Ohio to offer art therapy so now I’m just figuring it out as I go.... Read 312 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $16,353

• SAT range 940-1100

• Athens, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  3,843 reviews

Sophomore: As a senior in high school looking at colleges, Ohio University wasn’t even on my radar. When I stepped foot on campus for my visit, I knew this was where I’d spend my next four years. OU is a beautiful college with many majors, organizations, and activities that help students with their success. The professors and administration prioritize student’s safety and ensure academic goals are met. Although you’ll never have a dull moment on campus, there are several things to do in the surrounding region. It is located in the beginning foothills of Appalachia inside the eclectic town of Athens with Strouds Run State Park, Hocking Hills, Lake Hope, and many other places and things to enjoy nearby. I am proud to call myself a Bobcat!... Read 3,843 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $20,496

• SAT range 1070-1290

• Canton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  486 reviews

Senior: Malone is a faithfully Christian university with huge strength in the community and faith. It offers courses that will highlight the Christian experiences in many different ways from digging deep into the theology of your faith to expanding your religious horizon. Malone also excels in other areas like its student and faculty body. Though the music department has lost a lot of its students and majors, it is one of the most inspiring and talented sections of Malone. Its choir never disappoints, the band is amazing, and the individual talented artists are mind-blowing. Malone also has an extensive wildlife biology program with its very own petting zoo and aquarium. The animals are taken care of by students and those students are hand-selected by their professors. Another area in which Malone excels - is its student/ professor relations. I have never attended a school where the professors truly loved and cared for both their students and their jobs.... Read 486 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $18,664

• SAT range 990-1200

• Youngstown, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,436 reviews

Sophomore: Youngstown State is one of the closest universities to home. It is the most comfortable and affordable choice for many students in my area. As far as it being affordable goes, I am one of many who struggle to get any scholarships through this university. This is my ultimate issue with this school aside from the parking situation. After tearing down a whole parking deck, parking at YSU is very chaotic. Being a school that most students commute to and from, you would thing parking would be a priority. However, finding a spot within a 10-minute walking distance proves to be hard every day. I do think this school does a very good job of being inclusive and trying to get students involved. They host many events in the center of campus which is important and highlights the college experience.... Read 1,436 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $12,290

• SAT range 930-1180

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  951 reviews

Sophomore: I first chose Capital because it was a calm and inviting vibe. The small classes and having professors personally know you make learning and studying more personal and applied is a great way to retain more information. It’s also a small campus so you get familiar with people quickly which adds to the inviting vibe. Their multitude of resources is also a huge help for almost anything ranging from tutoring to mental health services. Overall, Capital is definitely for those who want small attentive classes and prefer to have a sense of familiarity around campus.... Read 951 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $22,742

• SAT range 1000-1260

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,964 reviews

Freshman: I can't speak for everyone, because this is coming from someone who is getting their Bachelor's in Music Education, but my overall experience in the music program at CSU has been good. There are some negative things, like a professor here or there that is rude/discriminating, or a negative unspoken competition that goes on with other musicians sometimes. But there are good things too! Most faculty are amazing people who push their students to succeed, and the friends you can make here are priceless and I can tell that my new friendships are going to last for a lifetime <3... Read 1,964 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,517

• SAT range 900-1170

• Sylvania, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  506 reviews

Sophomore: I would recommend Lourdes to anyone who is looking to get the feel of a big university, but still desires a smaller campus. Professors and advisors work hard to make sure that you succeed as a student. The small classes make it easy to connect with classmates, work one on one with professors, and feel valued as a student. The feeling of community that this univeristy has can not be matched. I have made life long friends and connected with so many new people. Everyone will remember your name, smile at you in the hall, and talk with you. It’s easy to get involved and stay involved. The students, staff, and faculty will build you up and guide you to success!... Read 506 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $19,395

• SAT range 850-1080

• Dayton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  1,780 reviews

Junior: Wright State University (Dayton campus) is an amazing institution. It is located in Fairborn, Ohio, and the closest big city is Dayton, although Columbus and Cincinnati are fairly close too. All of the professors I had during one semester there were amazing (majoring in psychology). The campus is beautiful, especially in the fall, and the school has underground tunnels for when it is cold or raining outside. The dorms are close to the campus, and for people with cars, there is parking available. There are a lot of international students. There are a lot of commuter students too, so the events on campus are not visited that much. However, they are awesome! There is a fitness and wellness program, with a swimming pool, group fitness classes, two gyms, and more. Wright State is one of the cheaper universities too, especially for locals. Overall, I would recommend anyone to at least take a tour.... Read 1,780 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $14,198

• SAT range 950-1250

• Oxford, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  3,373 reviews

Alum: Reflecting back on my Miami education, I can honestly say that the Miami network has proven to be more valuable than the education. I have landed offers from companies from the Bay Area to Chicago to Boston on the strength of the Miami alumni network. If you evaluating a school this factor should not be overlooked. My Miami years were among the best of my life, the education and experiences were first rate (including studying abroad), and the friendships have been lifelong. The alumni network has proven priceless as I have sought employment in the years (decades) following my time in Oxford! Love and honor to Miami!... Read 3,373 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $24,616

• SAT range 1160-1370

• Defiance, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  192 reviews

Freshman: The professors were great they helped you whenever they could. They were very understanding and got to know you on a personal level. Class sizes were smaller, but helped because you really got the necessary connection needed to succeed! Food wasn’t the best, but had alternative options on campus. Smaller campus with little walking distance! Dorms were clean up to date and roomy!... Read 192 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $24,369

• SAT range 860-1110

• Bluffton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  335 reviews

Senior: Very good community of students, lots of chances for involvement. Very knowledgeable and approachable faculty, faculty and staff work well with schedules of athletes. Nice facilities for a small campus.... Read 335 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $21,239

• SAT range 840-1050

• Bowling Green, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  2,616 reviews

Niche User: Bowling Green State University was a wonderful experience for me. I have been on countless college visits, but none of them truly felt like home for me. It is a big university with a small-town feel which was perfect for me. The tour guides are very friendly, personable, and honest. It was nice to hear about everything from the dorm living to the activities around the campus such as their favorite restaurants and what they like to do in their free time. Overall just a great experience, defiantly recommend at the least visiting the beautiful campus. Cannot wait to start next year!... Read 2,616 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $16,684

• SAT range 1020-1210

• Akron, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  2,932 reviews

Senior: I am a returning student at The University of Akron. After earning an associate's degree in 2002, I joined the working world. After many, many years away from school, I decided to return for a bachelor's degree. I reached out to an advisor who was extremely helpful. She worked with me to make sure that all of my prior credit hours were applied to my new degree, and worked with me to create a school schedule that would accommodate my full time work schedule. She has been instrumental each semester to ensure that I stay on track to meet my graduation goals! Taking online classes has been much easier than one would expect. All of the professors and instructors are accessible through email, and will meet in person, or teleconference. Email responses are very quick. Everything has made returning to school so much better than I anticipated.... Read 2,932 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $17,443

• SAT range 990-1230

• Steubenville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  845 reviews

Junior: I have been pleasantly surprised with my classes at Franciscan. It does not feel like your usual online class. The professors are personable and eager to give feedback and encouragement, and their interactions with students feel genuine and not generic! The lectures are also chock-full of information! The plus side is that I can pause the video and take notes as needed! There isn't anything I would change about the college. I highly recommend Franciscan University to any serious scholar!... Read 845 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $19,542

• SAT range 1100-1310

• Findlay, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  871 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Findlay is a great place to focus on school and make friends. There are very few distractions and it is a great school centered around athletics and since there are a great deal of student athletes many of them are intertwined through their respective sports and therefore have people to aid them in their studies as well. They also have a great staff who are dedicated to helping their students and ensuring a proper education. Not only this, but they are willing and happy to give you advice outside of school as well. In my personal experience, the university of findlay is absolutely amazing and I would not trade the experience for anything else!... Read 871 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $23,042

• SAT range 1010-1230

• Toledo, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  2,113 reviews

Freshman: I have loved my time at UT thus far! I live in one of the dorms on campus and the amenities and proximity to everything is wonderful. Toledo gives the big school feel on a small campus and it's so easy to get around the campus to and from my classes. The university also offers help in every area- from success coaches to major advisors to athletic trainers for everyone, there is no possible way to not succeed here!... Read 2,113 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $17,764

• SAT range 1030-1280

• Cincinnati, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  1,177 reviews

Sophomore: Xavier is a community driven school that prioritizes each of its students. The school has amazing faculty and staff that I was able to connect with and gave great advice about my college career and life thereafter. I was always able to find clubs and after class activities to take part in with friends and always felt included. Overall, I have had a fantastic time at Xavier so far!... Read 1,177 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $32,370

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Wilmington, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  494 reviews

Senior: Wilmington College is a small private school, allowing students to have personal connections with the staff and students that are around the campus. Students have a more opportunities to be involved in groups and not feel overwhelmed by a bunch of people being in one area at once. Wilmington College does a fine job at keeping the students all on the same page as to new events happening around campus and great new ways to be involved. Some changes I would like to see happen is that for many of the sciences there are not many opportunities when it comes to experiencing the science fields outside of the college campus. I would like to see Wilmington College apply there biology students by taking them out once in a while to different places to explore their options after graduation.... Read 494 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $22,372

• SAT range 960-1150

• Tiffin, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  673 reviews

Sophomore: I am a commuting student attending at Tiffin University! The College provides a great educational opportunity for those interested in majoring in Criminal Justice or Forensic Psychology. The campus is relatively small and decorated by brick styled buildings. The school has a great program for those who are a part of music, theatre or art. Those interested in neither sports or the arts may be interested in g-sports for which have their own building as well. In regard to music students they have there own designated building for practice much like any other group on campus. The University also has a variety of options open for athletes. There is a turf stadium, grass game field, gymnasium, indoor lifting center, practice track and outdoor grass and turf practice fields. Among these great options there is also a large building with an indoor track and turf. Overall the school has great teachers, clubs and an abundance of opportunities despite the campuses relatively small size.... Read 673 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $25,811

• SAT range 860-1063