2023 Best Colleges in Ohio

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,729 reviews

Sophomore: Case is not only supportive to its students, but the students themselves really care for each other. The challenging academics makes this very important, and having that support is great. You will learn an immense amount, especially if you get involved in clubs. I am apart of Case Rocket Team and I enjoy my time and friends in the club immensely. The projects we work on are insane, and combined with classes I am plenty busy! I feel as though people in these reviews mostly love the university for its opportunities, but some bash on it for not being the most socially active. Honestly your experience comes down to what you do! There are a lot of clubs, organizations, research opportunities, and of course greek life to have a good social life. Also the location is very nice and there is plenty to do.... Read 1,729 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $36,002

• SAT range 1340-1520

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  5,679 reviews

Sophomore: I love THE Ohio State University. I fit in there all around. There are so many things that students can get involved in, from going to sporting events to volunteering your time to train dogs. The athletics at Ohio State are always fun to watch. I love watching volleyball and wrestling. There is something for everyone. I enjoyed my job at the coffee shop on campus, and really enjoyed my classes. My roommate and I really enjoyed the football games and getting to know everyone in our hall. My classes and professors that I have had are all great. I have learned so much, especially about myself already. The TA's are all very helpful and understanding, and usually always available. I have found different ways to study, and study groups have been successful. I have made lifelong friends at Ohio State. I knew that I could not go wrong with my choice. And I know after graduation, I will have a fraternity of Ohio State graduates supporting me around the world. Go Bucks!... Read 5,679 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,884

• SAT range 1210-1430

• Gambier, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  397 reviews

Niche User: My son is planning to go and from visits, as well as discussions with other students, we can tell it’s a special, amazing place. With a recent $100 million donation, they are building 3 new dorms, renovating some dorms, and tearing down some. The library and athletic complex are spectacular. A modern light filled building is almost complete that will house the center for American democracy, political science and history departments. The science center is gorgeous. Upper class houses are amazing and allow groups of friends to live together in rows of real houses, with outdoor areas etc. The students he spoke to all said they have a great time on weekends, so much so that even those who plan to go on road trips often bail at the last minute bc they don’t want to miss out. Academics are top notch and professors are exemplary, approachable and caring. Its academic reputation is clear when you look at the list of grad schools students attend.... Read 397 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $40,862

• SAT range 1280-1460

• Cincinnati, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  3,965 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Cincinnati is a great school to attend especially if you live in the state of Ohio. I am in my sophomore year and still love it. I would recommend the school to anyone that takes an interest especially if it is in the engineering field. While some material is challenging, the engineering classes are good to have for any engineering background. The main reason I came was the co-op program which is an amazing opportunity to learn about what engineers do as well as be able to pay off student loans. Overall, this school has given me a great experience. Go Bearcats!... Read 3,965 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $22,767

• SAT range 1120-1330

• Granville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  687 reviews

Freshman: Denison provides everything I need and more. The opportunities are endless both on campus and off. There is always something going on, every night of the week. The staff and professors are encouraging and supportive and my classmates are collaborative, not competitive. Music department lets you play without being a music major. The town of Granville has terrific food and there are shuttles that take you into Columbus. There are parties if you want but plenty of other activities, too. I always feel safe. Some of the dorms are old school but improvements happen every year. I have never been around such friendly people before and the academics are challenging but very manageable.... Read 687 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $39,808

• SAT range 1220-1430

• Dayton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,438 reviews

Senior: Absolutely amazing experience at UD. I passed up so many 'higher' ranking schools to go here, and I am so happy I did. In engineering, both academically and professionally I have been able to push myself as far as any other school in the country—and am now working with numerous people from top notch & Ivy League schools. UD led to 5 fantastic internships with Fortune 500s, international non-profits, and cutting edge research groups. At the same time, I have been able to develop a well rounded personality and enjoy the 'college experience.' The neighborhood built of just students is very cool. The campus is beautiful, the city is unique & accessible, and the campus has great food. Highly recommend getting to know the Marianists who run the University, and getting involved with their impact on the local community and world. So happy I made the 500+ mile drive to visit, and ultimately decided to attend UD. Go Flyers!... Read 1,438 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $32,768

• SAT range 1080-1300

• Cedarville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  1,201 reviews

Sophomore: I have loved attending Cedarville University. I have learned so much in my time there. It is a small enough campus that you see people you know all the time, but there’s always someone new to meet! The professors are intentional about building relationships and helping you succeed by pushing students to their full potential. I developed deeper friendships than I expected, even in my first year. Discipleship is so important to Cedarville University. Something I would like to see change would be the communication between students and management. I think much improvement can be made in the communication between the students and the faculty and staff. I believe that open communication will allow students to see the reasons behind the decisions being made and those decision-makers would be able to see how those decisions affect the students. Overall, I love Cedarville University and attending has made a big impact on my life.... Read 1,201 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $24,965

• SAT range 1110-1350

• Oberlin, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  645 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 645 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $42,745

• SAT range 1270-1360

• Wooster, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,336 reviews

Freshman: Wooster is an amazing school! The classes I've taken so far have been very engaging and every professor is very accessible and truly wants you to succeed. The culture of Wooster is very accepting and diverse. I've made friends from all across the world. Wooster also has so many opportunities available to every student for jobs, research, internships, etc.... Read 1,336 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $27,923

• SAT range 1150-1380

• Athens, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  3,781 reviews

Freshman: I'm currently a freshman at Ohio University and just recently completed my first semester and I love it here! Professors are great and super friendly creating an amazing class environment open to questions without any judgment. The atmosphere here is also very positive and inclusive, Ohio University promotes diversity which I believe is a noble trait for a university. The university also has so many clubs and student organizations, making it very easy for you to find friends with similar interests to you.... Read 3,781 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $23,307

• SAT range 1050-1250

• Ada, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  595 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a freshman at Ohio Northern University majoring in exercise physiology. First time coming to campus was a great experience, I immediately felt at home and loved the people! There is a lot of green space on campus and everything is within a 15 minute walk. Athletic facilities are good, two weight rooms and a cardio room for students to use. Academics are great, professors really care about your success and offer help outside the classroom. Many students play sports on campus, the team environment and coaching staff is wonderful. My favorite part is seeing students pass by one another waving and saying hello, very friendly environment.... Read 595 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $26,011

• SAT range 1100-1320

• Oxford, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  3,313 reviews

Junior: My first year at Miami University was a year full of covid and regulations, but my friends and I agree students at Miami University got the best college experience during the pandemic. Even the dorms that are considered 'old' are renovated and very nice. There is always something to do, whether it be socially going out or events that Miami organizations hold, like very reputable speakers and whatnot. I participate in Greek life, and it is a great way to make more connections and network within both Fraternities and Sororities. The campus is safe, clean, and beautiful. My classes are challenging but in a preparatory way. People assume all Miami kids are 'rich' but that is simply not the truth. I support myself financially and still have as much fun as the 'rich' kids. The Oxford atmosphere cannot be beaten, and my family loves coming to visit me and going out to bars & restaurants. Life truly feels simple here!... Read 3,313 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $24,345

• SAT range 1160-1370

• Berea, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  1,056 reviews

Senior: I love Baldwin Wallace. The education school not only gets you into a classroom in your first year, it also helps with all the things you need in your classroom. This does not mean just what we need to teach, but also classroom management, teaching styles, and multiple things that help us organize. Over all BW is an amazing place to be and helped me truly become who I am. Even though I am not done, I truly believe they will have me more than ready after college!... Read 1,056 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $25,274

• SAT range 1040-1260

• University Heights, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  834 reviews

Alum: I really enjoyed my time and overall experience at JCU. It has great academics with professors who genuinely care and want to see students succeed. It is a small and beautiful campus that strives to be a positive and accepting community where you can make friends and find groups you fit in with. The school puts a lot of effort into ensuring students have a variety of activities that they can partake in and enjoy both on and off campus from sports like rowing, ultimate frisbee, soccer, and so many more to clubs for interests in STEM, education, animal welfare, politics, and many more. Not to mention, there are other activities like concerts and movie nights! Although JCU is a Jesuit Catholic university, it embraces and celebrates all beliefs and dedicates events, days, and weeks to gaining a better and deeper understanding of others and their culture and beliefs. I sincerely appreciated my experience at JCU because of the academic opportunities, friendships, and inclusive environment.... Read 834 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $28,805

• SAT range 1060-1260

• Bowling Green, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  2,579 reviews

Niche User: Bowling Green State University was a wonderful experience for me. I have been on countless college visits, but none of them truly felt like home for me. It is a big university with a small-town feel which was perfect for me. The tour guides are very friendly, personable, and honest. It was nice to hear about everything from the dorm living to the activities around the campus such as their favorite restaurants and what they like to do in their free time. Overall just a great experience, defiantly recommend at the least visiting the beautiful campus. Cannot wait to start next year!... Read 2,579 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $17,580

• SAT range 1020-1210

• Kent, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  4,758 reviews

Alum: I transferred to the university as a second semester sophomore. The academic advisors and Student Accessibility Services (SAS) team were super helpful! Overall I had amazing professors who would put in extra office hours to accommodate my busy schedule, explain things in different ways fro students by giving real life examples, constantly stopping during lectures to make sure we understand the material being presented, worked with me when I had accommodations and when they didn't work the first time, and answer my emails very quickly. The students and general university community are very accepting, down to earth, and genuine. I felt right at home when walking around campus even my first week after transferring!... Read 4,758 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $19,034

• SAT range 1020-1210

• Westerville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  704 reviews

Freshman: After my first year at Otterbein, I learned so much and have met so many new people. I love how Otterbein is a smaller school, and you are able to get extra help from the professors. You can tell they really do care about you and want to see you achieve your goals, especially if you have a fairly difficult major like biochemistry. The only thing I would possibly like to see change is more cultural appreciation as in different activities or events hosted at the campus. I loved the study abroad fair because it showed exactly this! Otterbein is a great school and I am glad I chose to go there.... Read 704 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $23,229

• SAT range 990-1240

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  297 reviews

Junior: This is a fantastic university! They have such a strong science department with majors in Biopsychology, exercise science, etc. The professors are very passionate and all unique in their own way, so lectures rarely get boring! ODU is one of the few universities that has a full undergraduate cadaver lab where the students do the dissections on multiple cadavers, with small class sizes.... Read 297 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $19,365

• SAT range 1000-1140

• Alliance, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  1,143 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Mount Union has been amazing. As a current student, I love it here! The faculty and staff are very helpful, the academics are great, and student life is amazing. Living on campus and meeting new people with similar interests has made my experience more memorable. Athletics are huge in Mount Union culture. Athletes are very competitive and Mount Union athletic programs receive national recognition, especially the football program. Greek life is also something special at Mount Union. Mount Union has a special place in my heart and I will always recommend somebody makes a visit to the campus sometime!... Read 1,143 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $24,166

• SAT range 970-1160

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  538 reviews

Junior: So far I’ve had an excellent experience! Franklin University is definitely a school that caters to mature working students that have competing priorities/responsibilities. Their website is user-friendly and contains a lots of information for new students that will help you navigate through course material and generalized school information.... Read 538 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,658

• SAT range —

• Marietta , OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  377 reviews

Senior: Marietta College is a place to grow. People are largely incredibly friendly, including faculty and staff on campus. Everywhere you go, you will know someone and be able to say hello. Student life could be improved - more personalized events and activities that are just more in touch with the current student body. A lot of events have been downsized since COVID, obviously, but even pre-COVID events felt out of tune. Education-wise, you will be challenged, but you will also be cared for. Professors look out for you and are almost always willing to work with you if you have fallen behind or are having a hard time in general. Mental health services could be better, but the ladies in H&W are amazing. All in all, a solid college experience.... Read 377 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $20,249

• SAT range 1010-1220

• Steubenville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  829 reviews

Alum: I transferred to this school spring of 2020. I needed a more faith-filled environment, a Catholic one and this school was it. Franciscan is academically a challenge, which is good. They have numerous clubs and activities to be a part of and have a lot to offer regarding the faith. The professors are amazing and really care about you. It can be somewhat overwhelming at times, but the main thing is to just meet new people and focus on your studies. The only issue I had were roommates. I had a few roomie issues and had to switch. Going random isn't the best idea all the time. However, most people are compatible. The dorms are pretty nice. Some don't have AC which can be hard. The Heights could use some renovating, big time. The food is pretty good, and the cafe on campus is great! The atmosphere is great too and the campus is lovely in the spring. Overall, it's a pretty good school.... Read 829 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $25,175

• SAT range 1070-1290

• North Canton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  517 reviews

Freshman: I actually love Walsh! Everyone was so friendly even the current students! Walsh was really my top 3 colleges to pick from. Everything was so clear, the housing, deposits and the application. I wouldn’t have chose a better college to attend. They also really try to help me apply to more and more scholarships and was very encouraging! My admission councilor response time was the greatest, i never waited more than a day for a response. Overall, Walsh deserves 5 stars!... Read 517 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $19,792

• SAT range 960-1170

• Youngstown, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  1,411 reviews

Freshman: My experience as a first year Youngstown State employee was phenomenal. I was a collegiate as well running track and field for the university . The education was top notch and for a fair price as well! The one thing I would change about the campus would be the opportunities, what I mean by that is they need more things to get you involved with the town on campus... Read 1,411 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $11,785

• SAT range 960-1190

• Cincinnati, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,159 reviews

Alum: Xavier University provided me with lifelong friendships and a stellar Jesuit education which has given me a lot of opportunities to grow professionally since graduating in 1996. The small class sizes and teacher to student ratio was very beneficial to me. Cincinnati is a terrific city to live in, offering so many amenities in terms of tourist attractions, sports, restaurants and more. I met people from all over the country and the world when enrolled at Xavier with this diverse mix of their student body. I plan to send one of my sons to Xavier next Fall to afford him with these same positive experiences that have impacted my life to greatly.... Read 1,159 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $34,945

• SAT range 1060-1250