Colleges in Ohio
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2018 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.

Best Colleges
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  1. Case Western Reserve University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,572
    1 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Case Western is a near-perfect mix of a small and big school. There are always new people to meet, but I can't walk across campus without seeing at least a few people I know. School spirit isn't Case Western's strong suit, but the school's prestige makes up for it. I haven't met many people who would say Case Western is their top choice, but it's definitely a great place to be!
    Read 1,572 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,356 Net Price
    • 1300-1490 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 4,758
    2 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Why go to Ohio State? How do I even begin?? Not only are the academics incredible, but campus feels like home. Throughout my senior year, a plethora of people would ask "but aren't you afraid you'll feel like a number?", but the answer is no, and I probably never will feel that way. As buckeyes we are all linked together. We all dislike Michigan, we all love the great state of Ohio (even if you're not from here you'll grow to love it to), and we all worked hard to get where we are. Campus is home. Beyond these facets of campus culture, nothing can describe the amazing feeling of the shoe on game day, or campus as a whole a week before the Michigan game. With all of that said, classes will push you hard and academics aren't easy. But, the professors genuinely care about your well-being. All in all, OSU has something to offer for everyone!
    Read 4,758 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,502 Net Price
    • 1170-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Kenyon College

    • 4 Year
    • Gambier, OH
    • 352
    3 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Kenyon College is a great place to learn and grow. Due to the small size of the school, it truly is a tight knit community. People are connected to each other in many intricate and unexpected ways, which gives Kenyon students a sense of commonality, despite the wide variety of interests and views that the students of this school hold. From the beginning, classes are small and personal. Professors will get to know you and they will help you in any way that they can in an academic environment that is both challenging and fulfilling. Ultimately, I am very happy with my choice of Kenyon college.
    Read 352 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 26% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,253 Net Price
    • 1240-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Denison University

    • 4 Year
    • Granville, OH
    • 625
    4 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Denison University has a small, beautiful campus in the quant town of Granville, Ohio. The community is very close-knit with only about 2,000 students. However, there are always new people to meet and new organizations to become involved with. One problem that the campus faces is that it is know to be segregating into cliques. Most students are very academically driven and focused. Classes are small and often quite challenging but professors are always willing to help. Professors and students work very closely and often conduct research together over the summers and through out the school year. Overall, Denison fosters an amazing community environment and provides a great education in almost any field. However, there are not many major options, so look into their options before applying. The dorms are very average and so is the food. There are not many options for food on campus but the restaurants in the town are quite delicious.
    Read 625 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,761 Net Price
    • 1190-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Oberlin College

    • 4 Year
    • Oberlin, OH
    • 579
    5 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: It's gone pretty well so far. Oberlin is a complicated place with a lot of politics underlining the community. I love the academics here but socially I feel that Oberlin is difficult in a number of ways. In the context of being a POC, the community is small so it can feel difficult to really have some distance from others when needed. I will say that overall most people are well meaning though usually people are very self serving/ selfish though not in a mean way. This something that can be understood when spending time on campus. The campus is alright, it's pretty flat. The winters are typically harsh though this year was very lax. Even though I've said many things that are negative, I love Oberlin because the people here are very smart and are willing to engage about almost anything.
    Read 579 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,550 Net Price
    • 1260-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. College of Wooster

    • 4 Year
    • Wooster, OH
    • 1,211
    6 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Senior: I love Wooster! Wooster truly is a hidden gem of the Midwest. From the mentored research opportunities to the beautiful campus, Wooster takes pride in the details. By the end of my senior year, I will be able to proudly say that I completed an undergraduate research thesis: something that I honestly never would have thought was possible when I started at Wooster. I know that I would never have been able to complete such a challenging and rewarding process if it weren't for the compassion and care that the professors display towards there students. They genuinely care and want to help each student be the best student and even person that they can be. Having such a big project under my belt is going to set me apart form many other applicants for both graduate school and job interviews. Again, the academic rigor and the experiential opportunities lead me to believe that the return on my investment at the College of Wooster is far greater than what I could have ever anticipated.
    Read 1,211 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 55% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,038 Net Price
    • 1100-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. University of Dayton

    • 4 Year
    • Dayton, OH
    • 1,257
    7 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Overall it's a great campus, with a really good vibe. Lots of events that take place and allow you to get involved on campus. Very supportive of every sports team! Multiple places on campus to get great food, along with Brown Street that has just about every variety of food you can think of. Professors are very friendly and helpful. Class sizes are fairly small compared to other schools. The campus all over from landscaping to dorms is amazing! One thing I wish for is a little more diversity considering myself a minority. Dayton is a great place to be with many opportunities and memories to look forward to!
    Read 1,257 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,252 Net Price
    • 1030-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Miami University

    • 4 Year
    • Oxford, OH
    • 2,850
    8 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: I have loved my experience at Miami University. The buildings, the professors, the activities and the friends I have made have made this the best experience of my life so far. The reason I did not give it five stars is becuase my counselor did not give me the best scheduling advise from the beginning. I knew at freshman orientation that I was going to be a Chemisty major with a dental concentration. By the end of sophomore year I was missing one Physics class that I will have to complete in the summer. Miami University does offer amazing studying abroad opportunities. I am looking forward to two weeks in Italy this summer studying Chemistry!
    Read 2,850 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,871 Net Price
    • 1140-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Ohio Northern University

    • 4 Year
    • Ada, OH
    • 508
    9 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Alum: Ohio Northern University was a great experience. Firstly, they are committed to helping their students attend by providing extensive financial aid to those who need it. The professors are all very committed to the students, and do all they can to help you not only in class, but with anything you might need outside of class. There are many student organizations on campus, including religious groups, multicultural groups, academic groups, and even for fencing, video games, dance, and writing. The Student Planning Committee (SPC) is also committed to hosting at least one to two big event(s) each month. The campus is beautiful, and the facilities are great. As a student you have access to a lot of great technology and resources. It's also very safe. The format of ONU's degree requirements pushes for a well-rounded education, and guarantees that you will have opportunities to put your learning into practice, ensuring you will graduate with real-world experience.
    Read 508 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,355 Net Price
    • 1010-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. John Carroll University

    • 4 Year
    • University Heights, OH
    • 750
    10 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Alum: During my first year at John Carroll, I struggled a little bit adjusting. However, I quickly fell in love after I started getting involved on campus. I became a part of service programs, immersion trips, and retreats. I made friends through both students and faculty that will last a lifetime. John Carroll is a close-knit community that cares for each other; everyone is family. The campus is beautiful, the academics are top-notch, and the athletics teams are always exciting to watch!
    Read 750 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,247 Net Price
    • 990-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. University of Cincinnati

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 3,292
    11 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: I love attending the University of Cincinnati! I'm originally from Columbus so I decided to attend the University of Cincinnati in Fall of 2015. I love the diversity of the students and faculty! The campus is beautiful! The games are a blast! Also Over-the-Rhine, Downtown Cincinnati, and Kentucky is a 10 minute drive at the most! There are so many little shops, cafes, and local businesses to explore in Over-The-Rhine and Clifton, there's always a new adventure! It's great. On the flip side, the areas the border the university are a bit intimidating, especially to a college student. Avondale, Walnut Hills, and OTR tend to be high crime areas. The criminals see the students as "easy prey" to rob them for things like their phones, laptops and wallets. Because the city of Cincinnati is aware that crime can occur on campus, the university has taken the initiative of having their own police which does reduce the crime. Overall, I pretty safe on campus.
    Read 3,292 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 86% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,141 Net Price
    • 1040-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Ohio University

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, OH
    • 3,237
    12 Best Colleges in Ohio

    College Student: This is my first semester at Ohio University and so far I've enjoyed every second of school. I love my professors and my classmates are friendly and they make me feel welcome. The walks in between classes are a breeze thanks to the beautiful scenery here on campus. I've taken full advantage of the student study sessions in math and they are really helping. Diverse is probably the best word to describe the students here at OU. Not only can you notice a difference in ethnicity but also in interest and age. If I could change anything, I would have started school here in the Fall of 2014 after finishing high school instead of waiting this long to experience such an amazing school!
    Read 3,237 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,560 Net Price
    • 990-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Xavier University

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 975
    13 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: When I first applied to Xavier, I had every intention of pursuing an Occupational Therapy degree. Then I decided to come in as a freshman undecided. Xavier was great helping me decide what I wanted to major in. Its important to remember that because it is a Jesuit and liberal arts university that the Core Curriculum is a little more extensive. Those classes can honestly be rough unless its something that you really are interested in. However, now I am an Early Childhood Education major and the program is incredible. The faculty and professors really want what is best for you as a student and future independent adult. I have met some of the best friends of a lifetime here and the basketball scene is always a blast. Go X!
    Read 975 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,591 Net Price
    • 980-1180 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Baldwin Wallace University

    • 4 Year
    • Berea, OH
    • 931
    14 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: BW is great! As a mid-year transfer student I was really nervous having to start everything over again. I went from a huge state school to a very small school. The faculty & staff are very kind. My professors know me by name and want what's best for me, in & outside of the classroom. From understanding the course work to finding an internship or getting involved on campus, they truly make an effort to make sure that we are taking advantage of all the opportunities that are provided here at Baldwin Wallace University.
    Read 931 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,465 Net Price
    • 950-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Wittenberg University

    • 4 Year
    • Springfield, OH
    • 686
    15 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Alum: Witt was a great experience for me! Great faculty, good friends, beautiful campus, close-knit community, excellent opportunities off campus and especially abroad. Everyone should spend a semester or summer abroad or off campus. Witt does expect initiative and creatIt's. Not everything is handed to you.
    Read 686 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,559 Net Price
    • 1040-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Ohio Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Delaware, OH
    • 568
    16 Best Colleges in Ohio

    College Sophomore: Course are hard and push you. It is important to talk to the professor with questions or if you aren't doing as well as you life and they will help you with study suggestion, what to work on, etc. I do wish there was more class options, but there is also an independent study option I haven't taken advantage of. Scheduling can be stressful but the school and teachers work with you to figure stuff out.

    Class sizes are personal and great! It is so much easier to learn with smaller class sizes! Most of mine are like, 10-25, but it varies depending on class level and subject.

    There are many different class styles; the OWU Connection, travel abroad, Honors, labs, independent study classes, travel-learning courses (which are sweet!), and more!

    Professors are great and really know their stuff! They want you to do well. You have to go to them for help, but then they definitely work with you!
    Read 568 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,627 Net Price
    • 990-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Cedarville University

    • 4 Year
    • Cedarville, OH
    • 986
    17 Best Colleges in Ohio

    College Freshman: I love Cedarville! Immediately during getting started weekend my family was approached by a student. We just talked, and I got valuable info and a great new friend. It was one of many overwhelming, welcoming feelings on the campus that week. The unit mates in my dorm, Printy, are fantastic! Yes the rooms are small, but in such tight quarters the relationships one builds become very strong. I love my acadeic advisor. Not only is she honest about my options and what courses make the most sense for my major, but she is compassionate to my situation and willing to pray with me and give life advice as well. The professors are awesome and a majority of them are extremely helpful during office hours, and graciously willing to explain any subject or topic you're struggling with. Chapels are refreshing to my mind and spirit, especially with my hectic schedule. As a minority on campus, it's been fantastic to have MISO (Multicultural International Students Org) exist and I love the opportunity to be around other interesting and culturally different students on a campus that is predominately one ethnicity. One Voice has been fun to be a participate in and I appreciate that you only need to love worshipping your Lord and Savior. Oh, and Campus Christmas is the icing on the cake. It's literally magical! Overall, from Cedarvile's campus to its downtown, the sense of community, security, and Christ's love permeates through everything and everyone. Yep... I'm in love with my school! :D
    Read 986 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,721 Net Price
    • 1060-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Otterbein University

    • 4 Year
    • Westerville, OH
    • 604
    18 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Alum: Otterbein is a small community with a large heart. You will know most of everyone including professors not in your major if you are involved in anything outside of your classes. The campus is like its own little bubble but surrounded by so much - Uptown Westerville, Polaris, Easton and Downtown Columbus. If you want to have a close college experience while it not being too close Otterbein is perfect for that!
    Read 604 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,538 Net Price
    • 970-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Bowling Green State University

    • 4 Year
    • Bowling Green, OH
    • 2,222
    19 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: BG is great! The faculty are helpful; whether for a passing question, or working with me for extended periods of time. They've encouraged me about goals I want to pursue, big or small. My teachers have been fantastic, as well; they're enthusiastic about their subjects and always willing to help students out if they don't understand the material. The courses themselves have challenged me intellectually, which I appreciate. I'm impressed by the wide range of clubs. It's also great to have so many Christian groups on campus; I never feel uncomfortable about my faith. I can always find something I like to eat at the dining areas, which is an impressive feat. I have had no issues with my housing and the campus feels safe, which I really appreciate since I've had to walk around at night a few times. The only thing I would wish to change is the BG website. Although it's really helpful when you know what you're doing; it can be extremely hard to navigate. Overall, BG has been phenomenal!
    Read 2,222 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,516 Net Price
    • 900-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Marietta College

    • 4 Year
    • Marietta, OH
    • 334
    20 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Alum: When I attended MC, it was nearly perfect. The student body was incredibly involved and respectful of one another—from athletes to Greeks to independents—and you would likely find yourself actively involved in several different clubs and hanging with a variety of friend groups (it's small, so it can't be cliquey). Professors truly go above and beyond—increasing your intellectual curiosity is not the only thing that drives them. They want you to succeed in life, no matter your political philosophy or outside interests, in fact, they take the time to get to know you as an individual, and will not hesitate to call you out on your crap (which you need sometimes when you are 18-22). The administration has changed A LOT over the last couple of years (killing some of the soul that made Marietta awesome), but they have responded by turning the reigns over to a leadership team that has their sights set on making Marietta the place it should and ALWAYS should have been.
    Read 334 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,539 Net Price
    • 950-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Walsh University

    • 4 Year
    • North Canton, OH
    • 466
    21 Best Colleges in Ohio

    College Junior: My overall experience has been wonderful at my school! Walsh is very resident friendly, meaning a lot of activities are towards residents. However, I myself am a commuter and Walsh provides plenty of friendly opportunities for commuters to get involved, The professors are amazing and care so much about their students! The overall Walsh community is fantastic! I love my school!
    Read 466 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,508 Net Price
    • 900-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. University of Mount Union

    • 4 Year
    • Alliance, OH
    • 1,070
    22 Best Colleges in Ohio

    College Junior: My overall experience at school has been incredible so far! The academics at my university are challenging and demanding, but the professors care about your learning in the classroom. Due to the small class sizes, professors are always available before or after class as well as during office hours and via email if you have any questions or concerns. They get to know each student individually, which in turn builds a strong student/professor relationship. Aside from the professors, everyone you meet on campus is extremely friendly and welcoming. My university also contains many clubs, activities, and organizations that students can join in order to give each student an opportunity to meet new people and hold leadership positions.
    Read 1,070 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,040 Net Price
    • 900-1130 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. University of Findlay

    • 4 Year
    • Findlay, OH
    • 731
    23 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: The campus is great! It's really safe due to the security officers and the emergency phones. The barns are amazing as well! And the Hazard Center is fantastic and is makes any ESOH major's dream come true. I'd like to see more trees on campus as well as more places on campus to recycle--most are pretty remote rather than scattered throughout campus. Also, if it went plastic and paper-free, or at least close to it, that would hugely impact the environment in a great way.
    Read 731 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 97% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,568 Net Price
    • 940-1040 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Franciscan University of Steubenville

    • 4 Year
    • Steubenville, OH
    • 732
    24 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: A fantastic education combined with a fantastic atmosphere make for a wonderful experience! Best programs are Theology, Catechetics, Education, and Nursing, but all of the programs are wonderful. Campus is very safe, with the city being less safe but not horribly dangerous. The only downside is that there is not much to do nearby, but Pittsburgh is 45 minutes away!
    Read 732 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,139 Net Price
    • 1060-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Cleveland State University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,559
    25 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Senior: As a commuter living a short distance from campus, Cleveland State was convenient. Distance is not what makes it an amazing school or what determined my decision to attend CSU. It was the great professors, programs/majors, student life, and affordability. There are numerous organizations and events to participate in and ways to become active at the school. The campus is beautiful and being able to walk off campus and immediately be in Downtown Cleveland to experience the city is awesome! It is a large school but you will not be just a number if you take your education, time, and life seriously. Just like in the real world you make your education, time, and life what it can be when you work hard and connect to the professors and students. Regardless of where you attend, only then can your educational goals will be fulfilled.
    Read 1,559 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,937 Net Price
    • 890-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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2018 Best Colleges in Ohio
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