Skip to Main Content

2019 Best Value Colleges in OhioAbout this List

Explore the colleges that are the best value for your money based on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates, and student debt using data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews. The ranking compares the most affordable colleges with the best return on investment. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 98
Best Value
98 results

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

  1. Case Western Reserve University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,598
    1 Best Value 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 1,598 Reviews

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

  2. Mount Carmel College of Nursing

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 109
    2 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: I enjoy being a part of this college because everyone is super nice and helpful. The advisors and staff are great! They answer emails super fast, usually with a very detailed and thought out response, and sometimes I could just hug them! The instructors genuinely care about you and want to see you succeed. I've never been to a more friendly place. My only issue is that they advertise that tuition is $10,000 a year. Which is true for the first year... But then my tuition went up to $13,000 A SEMESTER.
    Read 109 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Value
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,660 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Ohio Northern University

    • 4 Year
    • Ada, OH
    • 520
    3 Best Value 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 520 Reviews

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

    Cleveland Institute of Art

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 200

    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 200 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,647 Net Price
    • 1010-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Kenyon College

    • 4 Year
    • Gambier, OH
    • 358
    4 Best Value 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 358 Reviews

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

  6. John Carroll University

    • 4 Year
    • University Heights, OH
    • 768
    5 Best Value 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 768 Reviews

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

  7. Denison University

    • 4 Year
    • Granville, OH
    • 637
    6 Best Value 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 637 Reviews

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

  9. University of Dayton

    • 4 Year
    • Dayton, OH
    • 1,301
    7 Best Value 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 1,301 Reviews

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

  10. University of Findlay

    • 4 Year
    • Findlay, OH
    • 765
    8 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Alum: The University of Findlay is an amazing school with a very nice eye-appealing look. The Admissions team is very nice and are there when you need them. UF is defiantly the most beautiful universities I have seen. There band is beyond excellent totally worth going to see! They have a bunch of opportunities and different things to consider. I defiantly fell in love UF and the academics. Their staff is amazing and defiantly helps you consider if the university is for you. I will always love Findlay and how the community supports each other. To say the least, the University of Findlay is a great school and is very safe for college students.
    Read 765 Reviews

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

  11. The Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 4,953
    9 Best Value 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 4,953 Reviews

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

  14. Miami University

    • 4 Year
    • Oxford, OH
    • 2,924
    10 Best Value 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 2,924 Reviews

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

  15. Xavier University

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 1,004
    11 Best Value 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 1,004 Reviews

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

  16. Marietta College

    • 4 Year
    • Marietta, OH
    • 341
    12 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: If you're looking for a small, academically-inclined college, this is the best place to go! It's easy to find your way around campus and there are so many resources available to students. It doesn't end after four years! Alumni can come back to receive help with finding a job or using any of the resources available.
    Read 341 Reviews

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

  18. Cedarville University

    • 4 Year
    • Cedarville, OH
    • 1,033
    13 Best Value 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 1,033 Reviews

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

  19. Walsh University

    • 4 Year
    • North Canton, OH
    • 483
    14 Best Value 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 483 Reviews

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

  20. College of Wooster

    • 4 Year
    • Wooster, OH
    • 1,228
    15 Best Value 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 1,228 Reviews

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

  21. University of Cincinnati

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 3,458
    16 Best Value 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 3,458 Reviews

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

  22. Otterbein University

    • 4 Year
    • Westerville, OH
    • 621
    17 Best Value 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 621 Reviews

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

  25. Wittenberg University

    • 4 Year
    • Springfield, OH
    • 700
    18 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I really love this University! I wouldn’t go anywhere else. This is a very fun campus that also is very educationally involved. A lot of students drop their first year, due to academics. But if you stay, you are given so many opportunities here. The job placement rate is extremely high! The athletics here don’t disappoint us either. I would recommend this campus to people who like to work hard but love to have fun.
    Read 700 Reviews

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

  26. University of Mount Union

    • 4 Year
    • Alliance, OH
    • 1,088
    19 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: The University of Mount Union has a beautiful campus, is very inclusive and diverse, and provides many opportunities for anyone to get involved with clubs and athletics. The professors are very caring of their students and are always there to help when needed. They genuinely care about what they are teaching which helps make learning easy and more enjoyable. I would recommend Mount Union to anyone because you receive a quality education and have a great time while you are there! Mount Union also provides many opportunities to get involved in your field and gain real life experience so you are more prepared when you graduate.
    Read 1,088 Reviews

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

  27. Oberlin College

    • 4 Year
    • Oberlin, OH
    • 592
    20 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I really enjoy Oberlin and all it has to offer. Academics are outstanding. Classes are interesting and challenging, the professors are brilliant and accessible. Both semesters I got the classes I wanted, though sometimes your have to sit in for a first few days before getting in. (Common at liberal arts schools.)

    Oberlin is a great size, small enough to feel like a community but large enough to keep meeting new people. Students are friendly. Some are quirky, athletic, political, or musical, but they are a great mix and you may be surprised at the friendships you make. There is always something to do on campus, and it is easy to get to Cleveland if you miss urban life.

    Athletics continue to improve, with several conference championships. Conservatory concerts are popular. The dining hall food is average, but if you like to cook or have dietary restrictions, you should consider joining a fun and delicious dining co-op.
    Read 592 Reviews

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

  28. Baldwin Wallace University

    • 4 Year
    • Berea, OH
    • 955
    21 Best Value 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 955 Reviews

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

  29. Ohio State University - Marion

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, OH
    • 131
    22 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: During my first year at OSU in Marion, I was very nervous. I was fresh out of high school, I did not know many people, and I was quite oblivious to what college life awaits me. The staff and my peer leaders were very helpful with making me feel more comfortable being a new college student. The scenery was lovely, there were many resources I can use if I needed help with homework or studying, and I have met many friendly people. My classes now are very difficult but I work and communicate with my fellow students and my professors often whenever I need assistance. I plan to finish my bachelor's degree in biology at OSU in Marion, and I am confident I will be able to accomplish that.
    Read 131 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,759 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Ohio Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Delaware, OH
    • 594
    23 Best Value 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 594 Reviews

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

  33. Mount St. Joseph University

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 319
    24 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: My class size in grade school was 90 and because of this I new everyone pretty well. My class size in high school was 340 and I didn't like it. I graduated without knowing most people. I was afraid that going to a big college would mean I would have classes in huge auditoriums and I didn't want this. I wanted to be more than just a number; I wanted to be able to build close relationships with my professors. As a result, I chose to look for small schools. I toured Mount St. Joseph University and immediately fell in love. I liked the close knit community feel. Everyone was so welcoming I still feel this way even now. This was the only school I applied to because there was no where else that I could see myself. I would recommend this school because despite being small, there are many opportunities given to you to succeed.
    Read 319 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,728 Net Price
    • 890-1140 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Capital University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 841
    25 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Alum: Good academics and faculty, most professors are super helpful! Class size is pretty small, good for someone who likes student faculty interaction and ask questions. On campus life, the student body is pretty conservative. ROI is good if you study hard, no problem getting a job in public accounting for me. The downside is the food, it has gone downhill like 2 years ago since the operation got outsourced to a different company.
    Read 841 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,676 Net Price
    • 950-1180 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    Cleveland State University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,658

    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 1,658 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 87% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,555 Net Price
    • 890-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Art Academy of Cincinnati

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 66

    Alum: I went to the Art Academy because I was looking for a smaller more individual experience with the faculty and student body. I was not disappointed! The professors and administrators are very involved in the student’s life in the form of mentorship, advising, academics and visual art. The professors and staff are local, national and international creative practioners and educators. I felt we shared a unique community with the school that was both respectful and insightful. I would recommend anyone to this great school!
    Read 66 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 31% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,137 Net Price
    • 810-1050 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  • 1 of 4