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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
    • 1,584
    1 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Junior: What I love most about Case is the general attitude around failure. There hasn't been a single class I've been in during my first three years at the university where messing up hasn't been celebrated as unanimously as succeeding has. What I've noticed, is that professors here especially are really concerned with the way you learn from your mistakes. Getting something right the first time is always what we'll hope for ourselves, but the professors here at CWRU understand that we're in a highly competitive environment. Not everyone is going to come in first place. So they take the time to foster an environment where failure is seen as the first step to success. And it's made me a better, more competitive, more curious, and well rounded student. I'll always be grateful to CWRU for helping me learn as an adult that it doesn't matter how many times you fail as long as you figure out why it happened and allow yourself to move forward.
    Read 1,584 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 35% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,124 Net Price
    • 1280-1490 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 4,847
    2 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I have absolutely loved my time at Ohio State! When choosing a school my senior year of high school, I was very torn between OSU and another school. Ultimately, I knew Ohio State was the best fit for me, and it has way exceeded my expectations since arriving in August. The amount of school spirit everyone has is unlike anything I've ever experienced and everyone truly is just so happy to be a buckeye. The challenging coursework and excellent professors make Ohio State's academic experience one of a kind. My only complaint about my is experience is, my dorm is very old and lacks air conditioning and study spaces. But after the weather cools down it's not a problem! With alumni stretching to all ends of the Earth, I'm so thrilled to be part of the wonderful Ohio State community. Go bucks!
    Read 4,847 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,971 Net Price
    • 1160-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Kenyon College

    • 4 Year
    • Gambier, OH
    • 355
    3 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 355 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,192 Net Price
    • 1230-1440 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Denison University

    • 4 Year
    • Granville, OH
    • 630
    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 630 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 44% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,023 Net Price
    • 1190-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Oberlin College

    • 4 Year
    • Oberlin, OH
    • 588
    5 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Academics are amazing! The professors really care about the students. The administration does too. Everyone on campus is supportive and wants each other to succeed. Oberlin will open doors all over the world for anyone who attends.
    Read 588 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 28% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,105 Net Price
    • 1250-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. College of Wooster

    • 4 Year
    • Wooster, OH
    • 1,223
    6 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 1,223 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,813 Net Price
    • 1070-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. University of Dayton

    • 4 Year
    • Dayton, OH
    • 1,289
    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 1,289 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,019 Net Price
    • 1020-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Miami University

    • 4 Year
    • Oxford, OH
    • 2,893
    8 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: It's a great campus, with many opportunities. The ability to take classes at all campuses, regardless of "home campus" is a blessing. If you are a regional student, and want to experience the main campus feel without paying main campus prices, you can do that. Also, you can bounce back and forth between which campus you take majority of your classes from through a simple application process. Also, many majors are available at the Regionals that give you a Miami education!
    Read 2,893 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,186 Net Price
    • 1130-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Ohio Northern University

    • 4 Year
    • Ada, OH
    • 515
    9 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 515 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,348 Net Price
    • 1030-1235 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  12. Sponsored

    Full Sail University

    • 4 Year
    • Winter Park, FL
    • 2,649

    Freshman: Full Sail University is a wonderful four-year college. I currently attend online and my current major is Creative Writing for Entertainment. My career advisor has been with me every step of the way throughout my academic year, and my instructors are even better! They're always available if I have any questions or if I need any help. They always make sure that everyone is involved in class discussions and GoTo Meetings. The meetings are fun because we all get together and share our opinions, discuss the work, share our assignments, and the professors make it fun. Whether you're or not you're doing great in class, they always let you know and offer to help you improve. Outside of class are various resources to available to students, such as the library, the writing center, lynda.com, Safari books, and technical support.
    Read 2,649 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,840 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. John Carroll University

    • 4 Year
    • University Heights, OH
    • 757
    10 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Junior: John Carroll is an academically exceptional school. They have a rigorous core curriculum and the major requirements are equally challenging. It is technically a Catholic school, but the Catholic presence is hardly felt at times. It is politically left-leaning. The professors are incredibly personable and available to help their students. That is perhaps my favorite part about the university. There is truly no greater resource to college students than having professors who care about your academic career and success. There have been countless occasions where the help or advice of a professor has totally altered my performance in a class for the better. The students are all very respectful and hard-working. The facilities are actually quite nice, with the interiors of the buildings in excellent condition. The technology is above average.
    Read 757 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,205 Net Price
    • 990-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of Cincinnati

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 3,374
    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 3,374 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,978 Net Price
    • 1030-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Ohio University

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, OH
    • 3,304
    12 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: The first thing I noticed about Ohio University is how charming the campus was! It had a balance of the "little-town" life and city life. Ohio University is so up-to-date and allows new generations to have an environment that reaches to their views and ways of thinking. One of the most important features of OU is that they are huge environmentalists and they want to promote it in any way they can. Also, you never have to worry about not being able to attend parties because of your busy schedule; OU has a lot of parties every weekend. There are also many cops trying to take good care of the campus and students. As for clubs, there are hundreds of them that cater to different individuals! They also encourage you to create organizations! Study abroad trips are highly encouraged as well, which is great because they have more offerings for classes on different trips!
    Read 3,304 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,899 Net Price
    • 990-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Xavier University

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 990
    13 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Xavier is a close knit community that truly cares for one another. The feeling of "being home" is the top reason that students say they chose this school I couldn't agree more. The professors care, the students care, and the campus cares. Academics are rigorous but the class sizes are reasonable so it's easy to get to know your professors and peers. There are so many opportunities for growth - internships, study abroad, panel talks, etc. What more could you ask for? A challenging curriculum with the appropriate tools to succeed. Go X!
    Read 990 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,757 Net Price
    • 1010-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Baldwin Wallace University

    • 4 Year
    • Berea, OH
    • 946
    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 946 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,326 Net Price
    • 950-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Wittenberg University

    • 4 Year
    • Springfield, OH
    • 692
    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 692 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,325 Net Price
    • 1040-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Ohio Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Delaware, OH
    • 582
    16 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Ohio Wesleyan is the most beautiful campus I have ever stepped foot on. The beautiful historic buildings, with very historic backgrounds! Every person I pass by has a welcoming smile, to accommodate a very welcoming school. The professors are very helpful, and can help lead you to success. I am OH-WOO!
    Read 582 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,967 Net Price
    • 990-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Cedarville University

    • 4 Year
    • Cedarville, OH
    • 1,011
    17 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I absolutely love Cedarville! It's been an amazing experience so far and I can't wait to spend the next three years here! The professors are incredible and care about the students more than they care about their academic journals and whatever else professors do. They will work with you, help you, and do absolutely everything in their power to make sure you succeed.
    The quality of education is also amazing. I've learned so much and I am actually enjoying it. Many Christian schools tend to sacrifice quality of education for making everything "christian", Cedarville does not do this. At Cedarville they take education seriously and teach at a high academic level.
    Over all, Cedarville is an excellent school and a great choice.
    Read 1,011 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,849 Net Price
    • 1080-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  22. Sponsored

    Xavier University

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 990

    Sophomore: Xavier is a close knit community that truly cares for one another. The feeling of "being home" is the top reason that students say they chose this school I couldn't agree more. The professors care, the students care, and the campus cares. Academics are rigorous but the class sizes are reasonable so it's easy to get to know your professors and peers. There are so many opportunities for growth - internships, study abroad, panel talks, etc. What more could you ask for? A challenging curriculum with the appropriate tools to succeed. Go X!
    Read 990 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,757 Net Price
    • 1010-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Otterbein University

    • 4 Year
    • Westerville, OH
    • 614
    18 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 614 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,945 Net Price
    • 1010-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Bowling Green State University

    • 4 Year
    • Bowling Green, OH
    • 2,287
    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 2,287 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,313 Net Price
    • 900-1150 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Marietta College

    • 4 Year
    • Marietta, OH
    • 340
    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 340 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,847 Net Price
    • 950-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Walsh University

    • 4 Year
    • North Canton, OH
    • 473
    21 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I just finished my first semester there as a freshman and I have already meet some great people. I have made friends that I will keep for the rest of my life! The teachers are very willing to help you if you are struggling or if you need some help choosing a career. The teachers will sit down with you and help go through all of your options. Walsh overall has a great support system and will help you with any situation that you might get into!
    Read 473 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,195 Net Price
    • 880-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. University of Mount Union

    • 4 Year
    • Alliance, OH
    • 1,081
    22 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I love Mount Union because the atmosphere is very friendly. I think many people assume because Mount is an expensive college, the students will be stuck up snobs. This is completely untrue. I have found the complete opposite to be true really. I come from a low income household and paid for college completely through scholarships and grants. Never once have I felt lesser because of my socioeconomic status. Everyone I've interacted with have been exceptionally kind to one another. As funny as it is to say, the one thing that sticks out in my mind is the extreme lengths students go to to hold doors for others. The professors are always available and are able to relate well with students. Course material is difficult, but the atmosphere is full of resources and encouragement. I love being a Raider!
    Read 1,081 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,728 Net Price
    • 890-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. University of Findlay

    • 4 Year
    • Findlay, OH
    • 743
    23 Best Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Love Findlay! Great school, great professors. Beautiful campus with great farms for learning. Hands on learning is very helpful to the animal science program. Town of Findlay is very nice and safe, truly is a nice community.
    Read 743 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 97% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,129 Net Price
    • 940-1040 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Franciscan University of Steubenville

    • 4 Year
    • Steubenville, OH
    • 742
    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 742 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,367 Net Price
    • 1040-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Cleveland State University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,609
    25 Best Colleges in Ohio

    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 1,609 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 87% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,555 Net Price
    • 890-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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2018 Best Colleges in Ohio
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