2024 Best Colleges in the Cleveland Area

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,756 reviews

Sophomore: CWRU is a great environment for premed students! I would estimate ~65% of undergraduates here are on the premed track, which makes for a very research heavy environment, where faculty is very cooperative and willing to work with students. Unfortunately the campus is isolated in a suburban-esque area of Cleveland, there's not much to do since stepping off campus is relatively dangerous as well. The undergraduate educational environment, however is quite tailored to the premed experience. Competition between premeds is pretty rough, and the school has a pretty bad case of the "Case Complex", meaning if you're not premed, you might be on the receiving end of a little snark on behalf of some Case students. Classes are quite manageable if you plan your schedule accordingly, don't try to overload yourself with classes and you'll be fine! Dining options on the North Residential Campus is gnarly compared to the South Side, so dine at Fribley whenever you get a chance.... Read 1,756 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $38,166

• SAT range 1410-1530

• Oberlin, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  659 reviews

Alum: My experience at Oberlin College was wonderful overall. Yes there were some bumps in the road socially and academically challenges but I wouldn't choose somewhere else if I could do my undergraduate over again. Key thing was having a community that looked like me and support me socially and culturally. I also built relationships with wonderful professors and staff that truly cared about me and my success because they were able to connect to each and every student, unlike giant public schools. While the party seen is pretty boring, the student life activities and events are great; there is always something happening on campus. And the natural areas around campus are gorgeous, especially in the fall.... Read 659 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 34%

• Net price $44,689

• SAT range 1300-1460

• Berea, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,067 reviews

Sophomore: The community within Baldwin Wallace is the best. Everyone, staff, and students, are so charming to one another. Walking down the street, just about everyone will smile or wave at you. It was a bit difficult to make friends at first, but I found that simply getting involved and attending different activities hosted by various clubs and groups was a fantastic way to get out and meet new people. I do have a bit of an issue with certain offices responding to emails, and parking for freshmen is a nightmare. But nonetheless, I could not have picked a better university to spend the next 4 years at!... Read 1,067 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $26,577

• SAT range 1040-1250

• Kent, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  4,805 reviews

Freshman: Kent State is an amazing school! They have great club academics and athletics that really cater to anyone's needs or dreams. As a poly science student I have an overwhelming amount of resources that help me in my studies, networking and making myself a better person. At first I had doubt about Kent State due to it living in the shadow of Ohio State University (I live in central Ohio near Columbus for reference.) But I was so wrong. The only thing I will say is that compared to urban universities it lack things to do BUT Kent is considered a suburban area school so for what it is it goes above my expectations overall. If your into off campus parties Kent has a great Greek Life in place and there parties are great. Like a slightly watered down version of Ohio University at Athens frat party.... Read 4,805 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $18,947

• SAT range 1000-1210

• North Canton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  523 reviews

Sophomore: This school maintains their Catholic identity fairly well and has a great campus ministry. The classes vary in difficulty, but overall the education is good. Most classes are not online, but, I would make sure to ask if your classes will be online if you're planning on taking a small major. Game Development, for example, is almost completely online. Some classes that are listed on the website are offered vary rarely or never, so I would definitely recommend talking with the head of your major before committing to this school and asking about this. I usually like the food and the housing is fine. The school is expensive, however, there are lots of scholarship opportunities that can lower the price. The school is small enough that you can find great community and some great help from professors. The library is good and the campus looks nice. The neighborhood is safe. I like that the classes run on a quick 8-week term schedule, because you can focus on only a few classes at a time.... Read 523 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $20,350

• SAT range 990-1220

• University Heights, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  844 reviews

Freshman: I am very impressed with JCU and the spirit and enthusiasm of the staff, faculty and students. The school is a very energized and welcoming environment. I immediately felt encouraged to achieve my career goals the very moment I started visiting the school and participated in orientation. I was made to feel that I could accomplish anything!... Read 844 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $28,661

• SAT range 1120-1340

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,963 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 1,963 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,517

• SAT range 900-1170

• Akron, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  2,930 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 2,930 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $17,443

• SAT range 990-1230

• Pepper Pike, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  311 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 311 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $16,353

• SAT range 940-1100

• 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

• North Canton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  364 reviews

Senior: I love this campus and would not have changed my experience if I could. With it being a small campus, I grew personal relationships with a lot of awesome professors. The engagement with faculty and other students is what I loved most when going to class. Something I would like to see change are some updates to the campus. I feel that parts of the campus are very outdated and could use some work. Overall though, I have nothing bad to say about my experience here from the past 3 years.... Read 364 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,526

• SAT range —

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  328 reviews

Senior: My experience with Notre Dame College has been wonderful! They have one of the most immersive I.E.P programs I have seen a higher educational school provide. Their program is called the Thrive Center. Classes are small and personal, you will always get to know your professor on a one to one basis and also get to know your classmates. At Notre Dame College you are not a number like at other big schools. Most of the student body is athletes but that’s okay! Notre Dame College always has some sort of event, game, club, play and more to be involved in. Everyone is so kind and welcoming, you will for sure make a friend!... Read 328 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $19,380

• SAT range 890-1100

• Painesville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  195 reviews

Sophomore: I am a transfer student, and during my short time at Lake Erie, everyone has been extremely helpful and nice. I had a really hard time getting help at my last school, and it made my academics hell. All workers know what is going on and care about their students.... Read 195 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $21,347

• SAT range 920-1130

• Parma, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  172 reviews

Sophomore: I started Bryant and Stratton college in 2005 I didn't finish the program but I came back in 2020 and completed the LPN program and I am currently in my second semester RN program. I have had an amazing experience with Bryant and Stratton and I had some really amazing instructors!... Read 172 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $15,562

• SAT range —

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  246 reviews

Junior: I initially chose the CIA because I had grown up knowing about it and the accomplishments of its students, as my father’s employer had close connections to school alumni. I became further interested in CIA and art/design-based career paths while in my freshman year of high school. Later on, I would participate in the CIA Pre-College Program which cemented my love for the school as well as the surrounding community which includes small businesses, novelty shops, and some of the best restaurants in Cleveland! Overall my favorite aspect of CIA and the academic courses I have taken so far is the professional and hands-on experience that is essential to so much of my course material and course requirements. I feel that this has helped me prepare for and better understand my current and future career objectives and will be necessary for growing and sustaining my creative career.... Read 246 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $31,448

• SAT range 1040-1270

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  52 reviews

Senior: Very friendly and supportive environment with phenomenal faculty. It is an extremely warm community and everyone cares for one another.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 33%

• Net price $32,598

• SAT range —

• Canton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  75 reviews

Freshman: Aultman college is second home for me. I love the staff and students that surround me every day. I currently work within the office of the school and have met so many amazing staff members. I also enjoy that our class sizes are small and the closer relationships we have with our professors! I would love to see more scholarships offered.... Read 75 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 33%

• Net price $21,600

• SAT range —

• Akron, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  87 reviews

Freshman: AWESOME, THEY REALLY CARE ABOUT THE STUDENTS AND GO THE EXTRA MILE. IF YOU DONT UNDERSTAND SOMETHING THEY WLL KEEP GOING OVER IT UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND IT. THE CLASS ROOMS AND SMALL AND YOU HAVE A GREAT REALTIONSHIP WITH THE CLASSMATES AND TEACHER.... Read 87 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $24,204

• SAT range —

• Solon, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  128 reviews

Freshman: I have had a great experience with the school in making my nursing dreams come true! Easy enrollment and communicative staff makes it easy to reach your goals in life.... Read 128 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,411

• SAT range —

• Copley, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  25 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Bryant & Stratton College has been amazing! I attended this school for the ADN program and loved every moment of it! The curriculum is fast paced, but nevertheless, a very fun experience. The students I have met have become very close friends, I felt very included when it came to attending this school. My professors were absolutely exceptional. They did everything in their power to help anyone in need. All they wanted was for everyone to succeed, and that is was every student needs from their professors. I cannot make one complaint about this lovely school.... Read 25 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,987

• SAT range —

• Wickliffe, OH•

• 4 Year

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $8,247

• SAT range —

• Lakewood, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  27 reviews

Sophomore: I love attending the Northcoast for fashion the staff is very helpful and experienced in offering resource and first hand knowledge about anything needed. I am grateful to be able to attend this school.... Read 27 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 50%

• Net price $23,124

• SAT range —