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2020 Best Colleges in OhioAbout this List

The Best Colleges ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares more than 1,000 top colleges and universities in the U.S. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Kenyon College

    • 4 Year
    • Gambier, OH
    • 368 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: First-rate college. Kenyon is among the best undergraduate programs in the world. The uniqueness of intellectual students, excellent professors, and the beautiful campus is unbeatable. This is a rigorous school that will test you at every level, but comparable to other famously rigorous schools. The undergraduate education that you get here is highly multidisciplinary and truly prepares you to think about any subject deeply. The rich history of this school and the culture of critical thinker/intellectual students makes this a unique and valuable place - and one of the best educations around. A classmate transferred to Kenyon from Middlebury and another from Princeton. Both said that Kenyon’s approach to education is more personal, educationally rich, and there is a college culture at Kenyon where we all help each other to succeed. Kenyon is difficult but manageable and the alumni connections are worldwide. Hands-down best choice!
    Read 368 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,271 Net Price
    • 1280-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  2. Case Western Reserve University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,621 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I love the opportunities that CWRU offers its students. All of the people here are passionate, intelligent, and dedicated to their studies. There's no shortage of advising and support (both academically and otherwise) for the students. As a freshman I've really loved my time here so far!
    Read 1,621 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,061 Net Price
    • 1350-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  3. The Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 5,217 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: OH-IO! Know it, Yell it. The Ohio State University has an abundance of athletic talent from its football to its basketball program and even to their tennis program. There's never a dull moment on campus. Academic wise the university has an excellent engineering department where the professors are committed to your success by teaching you valuable life skills such as learning to code in multiple programming languages and exposing you to internships. For example, Proctor and Gamble coordinated with my introductory engineering class for a lab and opened my eyes to the possibilities that OSU offered. The university does have some departments lacking such as the Chemistry departments inconsistent grading, but overall a great university to attend and prosper.
    Read 5,217 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 52% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,694 Net Price
    • 1240-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  4. Denison University

    • 4 Year
    • Granville, OH
    • 650 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: I love the connections and opportunities you can have at a small school. Denison offers a unique experience to thrive in a tight knit community while pursuing academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. The staff in all departments are very helpful for students to resolve any needs. It is very easy to take advantage of the chance to develop a meaningful relationship with multiple staff members.
    Read 650 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 34% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,694 Net Price
    • 1210-1380 SAT Range
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  5. Oberlin College

    • 4 Year
    • Oberlin, OH
    • 607 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Oberlin creates a lot of opportunities for its students and does its best to work with students to create the higher education that they want to see. While imperfect, I am incredibly grateful for my experiences and education here and feel confident that I will graduate prepared to set myself up for a successful and happy life. As a generalization, Oberlin culture and academics provide many personal and professional challenges that promote growth in students while offering the support necessary to the process. I have enjoyed my time here and have met many lovely friends, professors, and staff members along the way.
    Read 607 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $43,407 Net Price
    • 1280-1490 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  6. University of Dayton

    • 4 Year
    • Dayton, OH
    • 1,346 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Senior: I've grown so much throughout my college experience at the University of Dayton. Personally, I've developed from a shy, homeschooled kid to an outspoken leader. Academically, I have been able to take part in courses totally outside of my specific major and has helped hone in on my creative side through classes like theater. Lastly, professionally I've been able to work alongside my college career as a co-op which has resulted in me getting work experience even before I graduate and better prepared me for the time after graduation. I can't imagine having this experience anywhere else, go Flyers!
    Read 1,346 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,718 Net Price
    • 1110-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  7. University of Cincinnati

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 3,649 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Junior: I am so happy I enrolled at UC! The campus life is a perfect balance of traditional students, commuter students, and non-traditional students. There is a corner of campus for everyone. I live in the residence halls as an RA and love all of the different on campus living situations. The gym is also fantastic. Sometimes the food is not as good as I'd like (I am vegetarian), and there were a lot of health violations found in dining halls this year. My major, Medical Sciences, has set me up perfectly for a pre-health pathway, with a rigorous course load, shadowing opportunities, and great mentorship. I am also very happy financially because I was eligible for in-state tuition!
    Read 3,649 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,085 Net Price
    • 1160-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  8. Miami University

    • 4 Year
    • Oxford, OH
    • 3,049 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Niche User: I'm really looking forward to attending Miami. I've heard many great things about the school from its professors and academics to its student organizations and campus life, not to mention the beauty of its campus! It is ranked 3rd best national university for undergraduate teaching by USNews, ahead of Dartmouth, Brown, and Stanford, etc. It is also one of the original eight Public Ivy schools, a group of publicly funded universities considered as providing a quality of education comparable to those of the Ivy League. In addition, the renowned poet Robert Frost called Miami's campus "The most beautiful campus that ever there was."
    Read 3,049 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,542 Net Price
    • 1200-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  9. Ohio Northern University

    • 4 Year
    • Ada, OH
    • 540 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I love Ohio Northern! The atmosphere is so very welcome, I knew the first time I stepped on campus that this would be my home away from home. The professors actually care about you and want to see you succeed. The smaller class sizes make It easier to learn and the smaller campus makes it so much easier to make friends and get around. I can't wait to spend a few more years here.
    Read 540 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,567 Net Price
    • 1090-1290 SAT Range
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  12. College of Wooster

    • 4 Year
    • Wooster, OH
    • 1,250 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Senior: I really enjoyed my four years at the College of Wooster. Specifically, the professors have truly made a difference in my experience. Nowhere else can you build as strong of a bond with your professors at Wooster. They are not only friendly and helpful, but they put you first in every way possible. With roughly 130 student organizations to become a part of, coursework is not the only time commitment at Wooster. Wooster students truly build a community that orchestrates a seamless transition into the college experience. After considering academics, extracurriculars and campus community, Wooster perfectly sets students up for life after ungrad!
    Read 1,250 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,715 Net Price
    • 1130-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  13. Cedarville University

    • 4 Year
    • Cedarville, OH
    • 1,090 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Cedarville is an incredible university to study at. The professors are beyond caring towards the students and make every effort to help the students learn; they even make gen eds interesting and enjoyable! The academics are not easy, but that is what shows its quality. If you put time and effort into the classes at Cedarville, you will get a lot out of the semester and come out with more knowledge than ever.

    Student life is lively and very encouraging! Students all around you, whether in the classroom or in the dorms, are always uplifting one another and encouraging each other to strive for academic and moral excellence.
    Read 1,090 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,360 Net Price
    • 1130-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  14. John Carroll University

    • 4 Year
    • University Heights, OH
    • 796 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Junior: I love it at John Carroll! We have a beautiful campus in a safe area with great academics and many unique, cultural and fun things to do in the Cleveland area. Professors here are easy to interact with, they care about students and they really take an interest in helping students succeed. Class sizes are small, and there are many leadership, research, internship, study abroad and immersion opportunities. I have met the nicest people here and while the academics are challenging, people here always step up and support each other. JCU provides fun and unique activities for students on campus and the athletic teams are always good. John Carroll is well ranked with a strong reputation and alums have gone on to much success. People think smaller schools are not fun, but there is so much to do on and off campus that the college experience is enhanced and the good times are many. I am so grateful to be here at Carroll!
    Read 796 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,765 Net Price
    • 1090-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  15. Ohio University

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, OH
    • 3,510 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Overall, my first year here at Ohio University has been exceptional! I've made new friends through my residence hall and through the clubs provided by the school. Though there was somewhat of a difficult transition in adulthood in moving here, it was very quickly remedied. Something I recommend to anyone who plans to attend Ohio University or any college, based on what I've learned in my time here, is that when the classes can be a little taxing, speak to the teachers, attend Supplemental Instruction, and work outside of class to better your understanding.
    Read 3,510 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,072 Net Price
    • 1070-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  16. Xavier University

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 1,063 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Xavier University is an amazing environment for students to create connections, gain a higher education and experience growth. The size of this university allows for incredibly accessible resources. Xavier thrives on supporting the students through their education but also their overall well-being. The emphasis on community at Xavier is huge. The support of faculty, residential assistants and fellow students is immense. One thing that makes Xavier university truly feel like home are the basketball games. Cintas is always sold out for every game and it is the place where students, faculty, alumni and everyone in between come together to cheer on our muskies. GO X!
    Read 1,063 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,240 Net Price
    • 1070-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  17. Wittenberg University

    • 4 Year
    • Springfield, OH
    • 714 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: This school is very beautiful and the campus is easy to get around. The professors are super sweet and the classrooms are decent size so they get to know you pretty well over the course of a semester or year. They always are available and have posted office hours. The students are all very nice and 40% of the campus is greek life. The housing system has an honors floor and a substance free floor along with a gender inclusive floor so everyone feels comfortable. The diversity could be better and their could definitely be more representation for other races on campus. The language and culture departments host lots of events to celebrate other cultures, but it’s rare anyone attends unless they’re specifically interested in that study area. Overall, it’s a fun campus and i would recommend.
    Read 714 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,989 Net Price
    • 1040-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  18. Baldwin Wallace University

    • 4 Year
    • Berea, OH
    • 992 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Junior: I love this school. It provides ample opportunity for students to get involved with not only the school but the opportunity too. The staff is incredible, in my time being here I’ve only had one professor that I was not too fond of. Other than that, every professor has a strong drive and is willing to help. I am an education major and all my classes and professors really take initiative to assure that myself and others are ready for the real world of teaching. The food is not the best but we are around a lot of restaurants/carry out places that make up for it. I am so happy with this school!
    Read 992 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,526 Net Price
    • 1030-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  19. Marietta College

    • 4 Year
    • Marietta, OH
    • 353 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: It has been nice to be here! Coming from a very small town, Marietta has been a nice stepping stone for me to get used to larger populations. The teachers work very hard to help you, I have not come across any faculty member that would not greet you with a smile after some recognition! They are very flexible for office hours and for if you just want to talk! Some are the dorms are nice sized, but in freshman housing, prepare to burn alive in the summer and winter. The classes are intense, I have thankfully been getting by, but I had no idea how hard some of them would be. The food is okay, and Greek life is present but not pushy. A nice small college with a close knit community.
    Read 353 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,453 Net Price
    • 990-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  22. Otterbein University

    • 4 Year
    • Westerville, OH
    • 650 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Niche User: I am research scholar. I worked in the department of Health and sport's science, Education and Sociology.
    I like the student- faculty relationships. The faculty at Otterbein are amazing and always there to answer any questions or concerns.
    Sitting in the classes and observing the lectures was incredible. Otterbein has small class sizes, gives enough space to the students to interact. The university offers a variety of study abroad programs.
    One thing that I have observed is that the school is not diverse. I speak as an international student from Africa. I think a lot still must be done when it comes to defining the term diversity. I believe it’s important to a have a class or an institution that represents the world. As the world moves closer than ever towards globalization, it is important to have as many representatives as possible in training leaders for the next generation that we are creating.
    Amazing University highly recommended!
    Read 650 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,255 Net Price
    • 1100-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  23. Bowling Green State University

    • 4 Year
    • Bowling Green, OH
    • 2,423 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: I am 100% at home at BGSU!
    The Bowling Green community, both on and off campus, truly shows up when it is time for a local festival, homecoming celebration, or weekend hockey or football game (Talons up!) which brings so much life and belonging to campus! Additionally, the wide array of ways to get involved on campus mean that when the HW is done, there is usually going to be something that you can go do. The school is lower in cost, but that is NOT a reflection of the quality of education--if anything, it just means that students are getting a good value, because the instruction at BGSU is very good, and every year the campus integrates more and more student resources. For having as many students and programs as they do, I am also pleasantly surprised by the accessibility of faculty and staff. Usually, all it takes is an email or visit to office hours to have one-on-one communication. For me, that has made a particular impact on my success!
    Read 2,423 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,508 Net Price
    • 880-1100 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  24. Muskingum University

    • 4 Year
    • New Concord, OH
    • 276 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: I absolutely LOVE Muskingum University. The people and community are absolutely amazing and such a close group of people, and they are all so accepting of each other. The professors are great at interacting with students and and providing a rigorous curriculum. There are endless opportunities to get involved too such as Greek life, multi-cultural life, music and the arts, sports, everything under the sun! The residence halls could use some updating, but that does not take away from the absolute beauty of the rolling hills and classic brick featured all over campus. Go Muskies!
    Read 276 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,050 Net Price
    • 980-1180 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  25. Ohio Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Delaware, OH
    • 612 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: This school has a very good environment and the people are just generally lovely! Most of the professors seem like they actually care about their jobs and about students learning, which makes classes a lot more enjoyable. A few professors are terrible, but you'll find that at any university. In the first month I made so many friends, and the culture is just so wonderful.
    Read 612 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,857 Net Price
    • 990-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  26. Kent State University

    • 4 Year
    • Kent, OH
    • 4,409 reviews
    #22 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Niche User: Kent State has a beautiful campus and is located right outside of Akron. The dorm rooms are by far my favorite part of the campus, with microwaves and fridges along with air conditioned rooms. The scenery is beautiful, and the campus isn’t flat, there are lots of hills unlike Toledo or Bowling Green. There is a great dining plan, with a Starbucks and lots of other food options. There are many sororities and fraternities to choose from, tons of majors, clubs and organizations! There truly is something for everyone. Kent state also is one of the safest, if not the most, safe campus in Ohio!
    Read 4,409 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,552 Net Price
    • 1030-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  29. Walsh University

    • 4 Year
    • North Canton, OH
    • 497 reviews
    #23 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Walsh is a great community and environment. The professors work personally with you to make sure you're understanding the material and actually learning, in turn making you more successful in the real world. The dorms have all been updated and are in pretty great condition. The freshman dorms don't have AC units yet, but it was never too bad. It's only really hot hot during August, then it cools into fall weather, and the campus is beautiful this time of year. The food could be better, but is manageable for college food. There are multiple gyms around campus which is really impressive for such a small school. I'm about halfway through my college experience at Walsh and I've been thoroughly pleased with the experience I've had here. If you like small class sizes, genuine professors who will know you by name and not just an ID number, this is the place for you.
    Read 497 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,609 Net Price
    • 990-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  30. The Ohio State University at Marion

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, OH
    • 142 reviews
    #24 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I initially chose the Marion campus because of the significant decrease in the cost of tuition, but after classes started I recognized the appeal. The campus is relatively small, compared to the Main campus in Columbus, which makes it easy to navigate and move from building to building. This is expecially nice when facing severe Ohio weather during the winter months. The housing for the school is located across the street. The buildings are new and the furnishings and appliances inside are modern and clean. The campus doesnt have an abundance of athletic programs, they have a soccer club and gaming tables (ping pong and pool). There is an on site police officer at all times. The campus is well lit, and the parking lots are close to the buildings. As for the academic aspect of the school, it is very good. The majority of the teachers are genuinely interested in helping. Overall, I would recommend attending, it is a wonderful school, with great academics, and great people.
    Read 142 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,191 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  31. University of Findlay

    • 4 Year
    • Findlay, OH
    • 787 reviews
    #25 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Since coming to Findlay I have met a lot of fantastic people. I've made really good friends, I consider school now more of home than when I go back to my parents. I definitely think if you are interested in pharmacy or animal related fields this is the school for you. Chemistry and Biology classes are hard, but they are mostly taught be phenomenal professors. The only major thing I'd like changed, is the dining hall to expand, but that's what happens when you go to a smaller school, not as many food options! But off-campus food options are abundant and mostly reasonably priced.
    Read 787 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,122 Net Price
    • 1050-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare
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    Cleveland Institute of Art

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 207 reviews

    Alum: Class of 1997 here! I majored in Drawing and enjoyed each and every aspect of the curriculum. I remember rigorous art teaching and amazing faculty, as well as committed and diverse students who are supportive of one another. I am in a slightly different field today (art therapy and social work), but my foundation remains rooted at CIA.
    Read 207 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,034 Net Price
    • 1060-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare
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    Ohio Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Delaware, OH
    • 612 reviews

    Freshman: This school has a very good environment and the people are just generally lovely! Most of the professors seem like they actually care about their jobs and about students learning, which makes classes a lot more enjoyable. A few professors are terrible, but you'll find that at any university. In the first month I made so many friends, and the culture is just so wonderful.
    Read 612 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,857 Net Price
    • 990-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare
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    Miami University

    • 4 Year
    • Oxford, OH
    • 3,049 reviews

    Niche User: I'm really looking forward to attending Miami. I've heard many great things about the school from its professors and academics to its student organizations and campus life, not to mention the beauty of its campus! It is ranked 3rd best national university for undergraduate teaching by USNews, ahead of Dartmouth, Brown, and Stanford, etc. It is also one of the original eight Public Ivy schools, a group of publicly funded universities considered as providing a quality of education comparable to those of the Ivy League. In addition, the renowned poet Robert Frost called Miami's campus "The most beautiful campus that ever there was."
    Read 3,049 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,542 Net Price
    • 1200-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare
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