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2019 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
    • 361
    #1 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: It is a lot more sports/Greek oriented than I imagined, but I still enjoy it. For a small school, after a semester I am still meeting people I've never seen before (maybe I'm just unobservant), and it seems students still find themselves making new friends even senior year. It's very high school socially, perhaps because of size, but the cliques aren't as intimidating.
    I have enjoyed classes immensely, not that I've had so much experience with them yet. I would recommend contacting professors early and often– twice I have contacted professors with interest in a particular course and they have just enrolled me! This doesn't seem like a super frequent practice, but do all you can to get on waitlists as soon as possible because enrolling in courses is surprisingly difficult. Introducing yourself in person to prospective professors goes a long way. Not that particularly pertains to Kenyon...
    Read 361 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 34% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,704 Net Price
    • 1260-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Case Western Reserve University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,604
    #2 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: CWRU offers an experience unlike many of the other colleges I toured and visited. It has an incredible focus on student success and offers so many resources--like your own personal librarian and a 50,000-square-foot maker space with 3D printers and laser cutters--you just can't find time in the day to use them all! We're all huge nerds here, so it makes for a tiny party scene with a bunch of socially awkward kids, but that's not why we go to school.

    If you've ever wondered where all the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, and UChicago rejects go to school, this is the place. SO if you're an engineering student who's a little socially awkward and hella smart, this is definitely the place for you!

    Come check it out
    Read 1,604 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 33% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,973 Net Price
    • 1340-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. The Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 5,009
    #3 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Junior: The Ohio State University is well known by many for the outstanding athletic department. However, there is much more to Ohio State than just athletics. The Columbus campus offers a wide range of areas to study with academic advisors who are more than willing to help students with any questions. In addition, every student is offered free academic coaching for studying strategies or specific course tutoring. The Columbus Campus may seem colossal at first, but there are plenty of student organizations/committees to make the campus seem a lot smaller. Of course I could not forget to include the football culture. The amount of pride Ohio State fans have for their team is unreal. During football season, students are able to de-stress while supporting the best team in the land! Overall, my experience at Ohio State has been phenomenal, and I could not have picked a better school to attend.
    Read 5,009 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,042 Net Price
    • 1260-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Cleveland State University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,677

    Freshman: I love the class sizes because you're able to build more personal relationships with your professors and get one on one attention if needed. The professors actually care about their jobs and their students. Cleveland State is located in downtown Cleveland so there are many different attractions including restaurants, stores , museums, bars , parks you name it! Another thing I really love about CSU is the advisory services as a first generation freshman I felt very supported as far as preparation as well as financial help. The party scene is not really great but otherwise all around great school .
    Read 1,677 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,320 Net Price
    • 990-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Denison University

    • 4 Year
    • Granville, OH
    • 644
    #4 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: The campus is probably the most beautiful I have ever seen. Mix that with top notch professors that not only teach but care about their students. Small class sizes are the norm and because of that allow you to know your fellow student and your professors more intimately. I can't forget about the sports! Being an athlete myself, I can tell you that don't let this 'smaller' school fool you...almost every sport is represented here with superior athletes playing them. Glad I made the decision to attend this great school.
    Read 644 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 37% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,290 Net Price
    • 1200-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Oberlin College

    • 4 Year
    • Oberlin, OH
    • 595
    #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 595 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 34% Acceptance Rate
    • $39,794 Net Price
    • 1280-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of Dayton

    • 4 Year
    • Dayton, OH
    • 1,320
    #6 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Senior: After four years at the University of Dayton I can say with confidence that it is a great school. The campus is breathtaking, and the professors truly want to see you learn.

    The campus living situation is unique with an on-campus neighborhood. Most students live on-campus for the entire four years at the University of Dayton! Students can easily walk to class from any on-campus housing option. The size of the campus is the perfect blend between small and large.

    With a variety of majors and huge selection of on campus involvement opportunities, I have met a diverse group of life-long friends!
    Read 1,320 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,077 Net Price
    • 1100-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Miami University

    • 4 Year
    • Oxford, OH
    • 2,951
    #7 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Junior: The academics is great! Most of the professors really do care about you and your success. The class sizes are relatively small except the basic courses everyone has to take. The campus is just gorgeous, and the fall sunsets are breathtaking! It's difficult to get around though because it's a college town basically in the middle of nowhere. I wish there was more diversity. A lot of people are from small towns in Ohio. It's not that people are mean, it's just that a lot of students don't go out of their comfort zone to meet people that are different from them. So, it can be a little rough when you're from a diverse background. BUT DON'T WORRY! The campus is big enough that you will eventually find your sense of belonging. :)
    Read 2,951 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,316 Net Price
    • 1190-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Ohio Northern University

    • 4 Year
    • Ada, OH
    • 526
    #8 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Ohio Northern is a very prestiguous school full of opportunity. My experiences here so far have been greatly beneficial to my future already and have allowed me to start making numerous professional connections just 8 weeks into being here. The small community here makes everyone feel like family. The one-on-one time that you can get from your professors is extremely beneficial. Every professor cares about YOU succeeding. Every department is successful here and I do not know of many small town colleges that are strong in every single major. You'll even see plenty of furry creatures such as the squirrels, ducks, geese, and swans! Plus, chicken tenders from World of Wings Cafe. Nothing beats this small and diverse campus.
    Read 526 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,932 Net Price
    • 1130-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. University of Cincinnati

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 3,498
    #9 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Senior: UC has multiple programs that attract a diverse crowd, differing in mindset, educational background, interests, and personality. The colleges and university are liberal in mindset, have recently designated themselves as tobacco-free campuses, offer multiple student housing opportunities, offer payment plans, and have professors who are always ready to help when asked. The Blue Ash campus even has free tutoring in the their writing and math labs (which helped me pass statistics)! I completed my undergraduate degree at UC and I plan to go back to complete my graduate degree. It is close to home and affordable.
    Read 3,498 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,050 Net Price
    • 1120-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. College of Wooster

    • 4 Year
    • Wooster, OH
    • 1,229
    #10 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Junior: I absolutely love the College of Wooster! When I visited for the first time, I fell in love with the atmosphere of the College. I felt welcomed right away and never lost this feeling. Additionally, I loved that the students seemed to really care about their campus and that most students are extremely involved on campus. This was all clear to me during my tour and then when I sat in on a class, I was sold. The professor I had was engaging and made the rather large classroom (by Wooster's standards) seem much more intimate. I remember hearing students talking about the class and other classes before and after the lecture, which made me realize how engaged in academics students here are. Fast forward four years and here I am typing this review as a junior at the College. I am so happy that I chose the College of Wooster and that every good thought I had about the College has been proven right ten-fold since coming here.
    Read 1,229 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,928 Net Price
    • 1150-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Ohio University

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, OH
    • 3,387
    #11 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Alum: The best part of Ohio University is the small class sizes compared to other larger schools close by, such as Ohio State University. I've heard from many OSU students that there was virtually no contact with professors, only TAs. That is why OU worked for me as any class it was very easy to reach out and discuss any question you have with the professor. Even if you just wanted to grab lunch! Being in a small town type of area with nothing surrounding it was great too. Everywhere you looked you would see only college students that you have been spending the past four years with! Class selection was great along with the fact that OU had a substantial amount of students with jobs prior to graduating! All in all, I'm so glad to have picked Ohio University.
    Read 3,387 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,607 Net Price
    • 1080-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. John Carroll University

    • 4 Year
    • University Heights, OH
    • 773
    #12 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: absolutely love being a student at John Carroll University. I was born and raised in the Cleveland so it was a blessing having such a high regarded university close to home. JCU is underrated! Cleveland residents applying for college should really consider JCU as an option. It has so much to offer for any student who attends here.

    Academics are phenomenal. My professors are beyond helpful and seem to really care about the material they're teaching. JCU has a ton of services to help students if they're struggling with grades or need some extra help too.

    The social scene is
    growing. The school is just small enough where you will see you friends or a noticeable face everyday. You don't have to join Greek Life to be social. Groups can get cliquey sometimes, but you'll see that at any university. Students at JCU are generally super friendly and are always looking to make new friends!
    Read 773 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,488 Net Price
    • 1000-1140 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Cedarville University

    • 4 Year
    • Cedarville, OH
    • 1,048
    #13 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Senior: Cedarville far outweighed my expectations! I would chose CU again in a heartbeat. Great professors who teach well and truly care. Clean, safe, modern equipment. Friendly campus. Although not in a big city, gives you a chance to get to know people. Fantastic food choices. Excellent financial aid & scholarship help. Thankful for the MK/TCK community that connected me to other foreign students & made sure I was doing well. Daily chapel and small groups kept my spiritual life real and growing strong. Felt I was learning with a purpose.
    Read 1,048 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,520 Net Price
    • 1130-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Xavier University

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 1,010
    #14 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Xavier is a great university... and a great investment in my future. The move-in and orientation experience was meaningful, memorable and helped ease the transition. Upperclassmen made us feel welcomed and accepted. This university cares about the individual and wants each of us to make a difference in our world, now and in the future. Books are included in the tuition! There is a pizza ATM. Need I say more?
    Read 1,010 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,190 Net Price
    • 1060-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Baldwin Wallace University

    • 4 Year
    • Berea, OH
    • 962
    #15 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Baldwin Wallace University is a wonderful academic and social community. The comparatively smaller class sizes allow for a real connection to the professor which benefits the learning environment. The historical look of the campus and the area surrounding it look nice. There are a great variety of organizations and opportunities for all students to engage in too!
    Read 962 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,990 Net Price
    • 950-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Wittenberg University

    • 4 Year
    • Springfield, OH
    • 702
    #16 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Wittenberg University has helped me to break out of my "shell" and truly find who I am. My advisor and professors on campus are very supportive of helping me to figure out what I want to do and the steps to get there. The campus is so welcoming and has pushed me to do things I thought I would never do, like join a sorority! I have a campus job, a great social life and interesting classes. I believe Wittenberg is doing a great job of preparing me for my future.
    Read 702 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,339 Net Price
    • 1040-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Otterbein University

    • 4 Year
    • Westerville, OH
    • 629
    #17 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Senior: Awesome academics with many internship opportunities. Columbus is a great place for after college job opportunities. Westerville is an awesome place to be during college years, anything you need is in this area. Polaris is only 5 minutes away which has everything you need. Athletics are awesome! Great coaching staff for all athletic teams. Hosing/ dorms are great and the food is pretty good. Lots of off campus housing opportunities for upperclassman.
    Read 629 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,402 Net Price
    • 1040-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Bowling Green State University

    • 4 Year
    • Bowling Green, OH
    • 2,352
    #18 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I like BGSU and it offers you many opportunities to get involved! The classes are understandable. The professors are nice to talk to. Walking to another class doesn't take much time. BGSU is very safe around. The only thing I would change if I had to is the school Wifi. Sometimes it doesn't work at all. If you don't have unlimited data, the school wifi makes you stressful, especially during the exam week! But other than that, BGSU makes your college lives great!
    Read 2,352 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,877 Net Price
    • 990-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Kent State University

    • 4 Year
    • Kent, OH
    • 4,258
    #19 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Niche User: Currently, I am taking CCP classes at Kent State University Ashtabula. The instructors are enthusiastic and professional. Class sizes are small so instruction becomes very personal. My courses have been very demanding yet I have benefitted from being challenged. My experience at KSUA has been wonderful!
    Read 4,258 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,156 Net Price
    • 1040-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Marietta College

    • 4 Year
    • Marietta, OH
    • 343
    #20 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 343 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,593 Net Price
    • 960-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Ohio Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Delaware, OH
    • 595
    #21 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Small town atmosphere, safe, plenty to do, liberal arts, fun fun fun! Professors are readily available to help grow my learning.75% of all students are involved in Division 3 sports, with excellent facilities. Great coaches who want to see you grow and be better. Close proximity to state capital and job opportunities after graduation. 90% of graduates leave college with a quality job offer. Students are well rounded and able to overcome all issues faced to them in real life experiences . Career opportunities are plentiful, with over sees classes also.
    Read 595 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,005 Net Price
    • 990-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Walsh University

    • 4 Year
    • North Canton, OH
    • 486
    #22 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: So far I am really enjoying the small college atmosphere. Because the class sizes are small I have been able to have more one-on-one time with professors which has been helpful in my success so far. I really feel like my guidance counselors really care! I recommend this university to anyone who wants a solid college experience!
    Read 486 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,417 Net Price
    • 1020-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. University of Findlay

    • 4 Year
    • Findlay, OH
    • 769
    #23 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: When I went on my tour for Findlay, I was surprised about the tradition that Findlay has. My tour guide told me about the arch, that is in front of the college. The tradition is that incoming-freshmen will walk underneath it, and will be blessed with success as they go through Findlay's course. When you graduate, you will then walk through the arch, that you once walk under in the beginning, and will be blessed with success outside of Findlay. I really love that tradition, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I really love how spaciness the dorms are! It was so comfortable looking and feels like you are already home. The University is small and the walks to each building are incredibly enjoyable. They even have an art museum that children can submit their drawings and have a twirly slide. If you are looking forward to Findlay, I promise you that you would not be disappointed.
    Read 769 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 97% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,430 Net Price
    • 980-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Ohio State University - Marion

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, OH
    • 136
    #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 136 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,643 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Muskingum University

    • 4 Year
    • New Concord, OH
    • 260
    #25 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 260 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,525 Net Price
    • 920-1100 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    Eastern Gateway Community College

    • 2 Year
    • Steubenville, OH
    • 93

    Alum: I am a 2008 graduate of the Dental Assisting program at Eastern Gateway Community College. This is a great program, with wonderful instructors who are extremely dedicated in their teaching, as well as watching their students succeed. My instructors were so wonderful and encouraging, that I went on to receive my Associate Degree in Applied Science after receiving my Certificate in Dental Assisting. The instructors gave me the confidence and FOUNDATION to continue on, as I applied to dental hygiene school. I had such an advantage by having the tools and knowledge from my time in the Dental Assisting program. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in dental Hygiene in 2013. I consider myself so lucky to have been able to get the education that I did at Eastern Gateway!
    Read 93 Reviews

    • D+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $3,192 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Cleveland Institute of Art

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 203

    Sophomore: CIA is awesome! I just finished my sophomore year in Animation and I'm still loving it. The professors are amazing and I feel like I've learned so much at the end of each semester. I can't speak for any other programs, but the Animation program is awesome. I only wish we could cover more subjects. There's not enough time in a year honestly. I wish we were able to take Illustration classes without having to submit a portfolio and get accepted into a second major. Because, for example, we don't get to take classes like Character Design (since it's technically an Illustration class). Overall though, it's a great program with great people. Heads up for freshmen/prospective freshmen, Animation is one of the most competitive majors to get into at this school. It's definitely worth it, but you should know that going in.
    Read 203 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,930 Net Price
    • 1010-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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