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2020 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.

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  1. Kenyon College

    • 4 Year
    • Gambier, OH
    • 366 reviews
    #1 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: First-rate college. Kenyon is among the best undergraduate programs in the world. The uniqueness of intellectual students, excellent professors, and the beautiful campus is unbeatable. This is a rigorous school that will test you at every level, but comparable to other famously rigorous schools. The undergraduate education that you get here is highly multidisciplinary and truly prepares you to think about any subject deeply. The rich history of this school and the culture of critical thinker/intellectual students makes this a unique and valuable place - and one of the best educations around. A classmate transferred to Kenyon from Middlebury and another from Princeton. Both said that Kenyon’s approach to education is more personal, educationally rich, and there is a college culture at Kenyon where we all help each other to succeed. Kenyon is difficult but manageable and the alumni connections are worldwide. Hands-down best choice!
    Read 366 Reviews

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

  2. Case Western Reserve University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,617 reviews
    #2 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 1,617 Reviews

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

  3. Mount Carmel College of Nursing

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 109 reviews
    #3 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
    • 99% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,443 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Ohio Northern University

    • 4 Year
    • Ada, OH
    • 535 reviews
    #4 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 535 Reviews

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

  5. John Carroll University

    • 4 Year
    • University Heights, OH
    • 782 reviews
    #5 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Junior: I love it at John Carroll! We have a beautiful campus in a safe area with great academics and many unique, cultural and fun things to do in the Cleveland area. Professors here are easy to interact with, they care about students and they really take an interest in helping students succeed. Class sizes are small, and there are many leadership, research, internship, study abroad and immersion opportunities. I have met the nicest people here and while the academics are challenging, people here always step up and support each other. JCU provides fun and unique activities for students on campus and the athletic teams are always good. John Carroll is well ranked with a strong reputation and alums have gone on to much success. People think smaller schools are not fun, but there is so much to do on and off campus that the college experience is enhanced and the good times are many. I am so grateful to be here at Carroll!
    Read 782 Reviews

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

  6. University of Dayton

    • 4 Year
    • Dayton, OH
    • 1,346 reviews
    #6 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Senior: I've grown so much throughout my college experience at the University of Dayton. Personally, I've developed from a shy, homeschooled kid to an outspoken leader. Academically, I have been able to take part in courses totally outside of my specific major and has helped hone in on my creative side through classes like theater. Lastly, professionally I've been able to work alongside my college career as a co-op which has resulted in me getting work experience even before I graduate and better prepared me for the time after graduation. I can't imagine having this experience anywhere else, go Flyers!
    Read 1,346 Reviews

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

  7. Denison University

    • 4 Year
    • Granville, OH
    • 647 reviews
    #7 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 647 Reviews

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

  8. University of Findlay

    • 4 Year
    • Findlay, OH
    • 778 reviews
    #8 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Since coming to Findlay I have met a lot of fantastic people. I've made really good friends, I consider school now more of home than when I go back to my parents. I definitely think if you are interested in pharmacy or animal related fields this is the school for you. Chemistry and Biology classes are hard, but they are mostly taught be phenomenal professors. The only major thing I'd like changed, is the dining hall to expand, but that's what happens when you go to a smaller school, not as many food options! But off-campus food options are abundant and mostly reasonably priced.
    Read 778 Reviews

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

  9. The Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 5,125 reviews
    #9 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: I really enjoy campus life at OSU. It’s a big campus, but don’t be intimidated by the size. There are so many ways to be involved and tons of people to interact with. The atmosphere is welcoming and everyone is proud to be a buckeye. Professors are more than willing to provide help and answers any questions. There are also plenty of study locations and libraries— my personal favorite is the Thompson library! The location of campus is prime because it’s right in the middle of downtown Columbus. There are so many cheap, but unique restaurants around. There are also a plethora of shops, boutiques and thrift stores. And, of course there are amazing coffee shops around the area, from Stauf’s to Global Gallery, which also make great study locations.
    Read 5,125 Reviews

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

  12. Miami University

    • 4 Year
    • Oxford, OH
    • 3,006 reviews
    #10 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Niche User: I'm really looking forward to attending Miami. I've heard many great things about the school from its professors and academics to its student organizations and campus life, not to mention the beauty of its campus! It is ranked 3rd best national university for undergraduate teaching by USNews, ahead of Dartmouth, Brown, and Stanford, etc. It is also one of the original eight Public Ivy schools, a group of publicly funded universities considered as providing a quality of education comparable to those of the Ivy League. In addition, the renowned poet Robert Frost called Miami's campus "The most beautiful campus that ever there was."
    Read 3,006 Reviews

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

  13. Marietta College

    • 4 Year
    • Marietta, OH
    • 351 reviews
    #11 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: It has been nice to be here! Coming from a very small town, Marietta has been a nice stepping stone for me to get used to larger populations. The teachers work very hard to help you, I have not come across any faculty member that would not greet you with a smile after some recognition! They are very flexible for office hours and for if you just want to talk! Some are the dorms are nice sized, but in freshman housing, prepare to burn alive in the summer and winter. The classes are intense, I have thankfully been getting by, but I had no idea how hard some of them would be. The food is okay, and Greek life is present but not pushy. A nice small college with a close knit community.
    Read 351 Reviews

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

  14. Cedarville University

    • 4 Year
    • Cedarville, OH
    • 1,071 reviews
    #12 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Cedarville is an incredible university to study at. The professors are beyond caring towards the students and make every effort to help the students learn; they even make gen eds interesting and enjoyable! The academics are not easy, but that is what shows its quality. If you put time and effort into the classes at Cedarville, you will get a lot out of the semester and come out with more knowledge than ever.

    Student life is lively and very encouraging! Students all around you, whether in the classroom or in the dorms, are always uplifting one another and encouraging each other to strive for academic and moral excellence.
    Read 1,071 Reviews

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

  15. Walsh University

    • 4 Year
    • North Canton, OH
    • 492 reviews
    #13 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Niche User: -Etsy estimated on 7-16
    -Hollister estimated on the 7th



    Prom dresses Luulla

    I attended multiple other college tours, but none of them had the "wow factor" that Walsh had. The people there are professional and welcoming as soon as you step foot on campus. The learning environment is one of encouraged excellence and positivity. Compared to all of the other colleges that I have had experiences with, Walsh University is a cut above the rest. The school pioneers personalized curriculums and promotes international experiences that it's competitors cannot even hope to offer.
    Read 492 Reviews

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

  16. Xavier University

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 1,040 reviews
    #14 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Xavier University is an amazing environment for students to create connections, gain a higher education and experience growth. The size of this university allows for incredibly accessible resources. Xavier thrives on supporting the students through their education but also their overall well-being. The emphasis on community at Xavier is huge. The support of faculty, residential assistants and fellow students is immense. One thing that makes Xavier university truly feel like home are the basketball games. Cintas is always sold out for every game and it is the place where students, faculty, alumni and everyone in between come together to cheer on our muskies. GO X!
    Read 1,040 Reviews

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

  17. Oberlin College

    • 4 Year
    • Oberlin, OH
    • 600 reviews
    #15 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Sophomore: Oberlin creates a lot of opportunities for its students and does its best to work with students to create the higher education that they want to see. While imperfect, I am incredibly grateful for my experiences and education here and feel confident that I will graduate prepared to set myself up for a successful and happy life. As a generalization, Oberlin culture and academics provide many personal and professional challenges that promote growth in students while offering the support necessary to the process. I have enjoyed my time here and have met many lovely friends, professors, and staff members along the way.
    Read 600 Reviews

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

  18. University of Cincinnati

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 3,570 reviews
    #16 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: The university of Cincinnati has excellent programs. UC is unique and extremely helpful because they have an exploratory studies program. Not everyone knows what they want to do when the graduate high school and it can be scary. This program, personally, has helped me explore majors and finally figure out what I want to do the rest of my life! They admit thousands of students per year which really keeps you on top of your game to stay competitive with other students. The campus is beautiful but there is hills everywhere! It has definitely helped me keep off the "freshman 15" though. Word of advice though, get involved because they have tons of clubs and groups to join- 40,000 people can feel pretty lonely if you don't put yourself out there.
    Read 3,570 Reviews

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

  19. Otterbein University

    • 4 Year
    • Westerville, OH
    • 638 reviews
    #17 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I love the atmosphere and the professors, who all seemed to care about my education. The only thing that is unfortunate is that parts of the campus seems to be a bit run-down, but this does not change my overall view of Otterbein. I was able to make friends easily and get along with anyone I came in contact with. I began to develop a personal connection with my professors and those who worked in admissions and the financial aid department, all of the staff cares about your education!
    Read 638 Reviews

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

  22. College of Wooster

    • 4 Year
    • Wooster, OH
    • 1,232 reviews
    #18 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 1,232 Reviews

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

  23. The Ohio State University at Marion

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, OH
    • 141 reviews
    #19 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: I initially chose the Marion campus because of the significant decrease in the cost of tuition, but after classes started I recognized the appeal. The campus is relatively small, compared to the Main campus in Columbus, which makes it easy to navigate and move from building to building. This is expecially nice when facing severe Ohio weather during the winter months. The housing for the school is located across the street. The buildings are new and the furnishings and appliances inside are modern and clean. The campus doesnt have an abundance of athletic programs, they have a soccer club and gaming tables (ping pong and pool). There is an on site police officer at all times. The campus is well lit, and the parking lots are close to the buildings. As for the academic aspect of the school, it is very good. The majority of the teachers are genuinely interested in helping. Overall, I would recommend attending, it is a wonderful school, with great academics, and great people.
    Read 141 Reviews

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

  24. Wittenberg University

    • 4 Year
    • Springfield, OH
    • 706 reviews
    #20 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: Wittenberg University has helped me to break out of my "shell" and truly find who I am. My advisor and professors on campus are very supportive of helping me to figure out what I want to do and the steps to get there. The campus is so welcoming and has pushed me to do things I thought I would never do, like join a sorority! I have a campus job, a great social life and interesting classes. I believe Wittenberg is doing a great job of preparing me for my future.
    Read 706 Reviews

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

  25. University of Mount Union

    • 4 Year
    • Alliance, OH
    • 1,096 reviews
    #21 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 1,096 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,030 Net Price
    • 980-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Ohio Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Delaware, OH
    • 603 reviews
    #22 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: It is my first year of going here and I absolutely love it! I am currently studying zoology and music. I recently applied for a trip to Spain that is in May, so hopefully I get accepted to that. That's what I love about Ohio Wesleyan University, they have this thing called study abroad and travel learn courses that the school pays half for. It gives us a chance to experiment our majors into the fields we desire.
    Read 603 Reviews

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

  29. Franciscan University of Steubenville

    • 4 Year
    • Steubenville, OH
    • 758 reviews
    #23 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Senior: The school is a great place to receive an well-rounded liberal arts education that is extremely faith/reason-based. The professors are very available for students and small class sizes help students from going under the radar and not actually learning. Personally I didn’t find the academics to be very rigorous, though I have learned very, very much and my love for school and academia would not have been possible without Franciscan. I also had the opportunity to do NCAA sports at the university. Many people support the student-athletes though there really isn’t any support at all from students outside of those who are already involved in a sport. It has its flaws like any school, but it’s professors are unmatched.
    Read 758 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,407 Net Price
    • 1080-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. Ohio State University - Mansfield

    • 4 Year
    • Mansfield, OH
    • 113 reviews
    #24 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Freshman: OSU Mansfield is a phenomenal value! Almost all the professors have PhD’s in their fields and the class sizes are great. Don’t let anyone fool you. This is the full college experience and 100% Ohio State. You cans still get Columbus campus fb tickets and our sports teams are pretty good as well. It’s super cheap and you always can campus change to Columbus if you want. The community is amazing and the apartment style dorms are great for entertaining and are quite spacious.
    Read 113 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,637 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Baldwin Wallace University

    • 4 Year
    • Berea, OH
    • 979 reviews
    #25 Best Value Colleges in Ohio

    Junior: I love this school. It provides ample opportunity for students to get involved with not only the school but the opportunity too. The staff is incredible, in my time being here I’ve only had one professor that I was not too fond of. Other than that, every professor has a strong drive and is willing to help. I am an education major and all my classes and professors really take initiative to assure that myself and others are ready for the real world of teaching. The food is not the best but we are around a lot of restaurants/carry out places that make up for it. I am so happy with this school!
    Read 979 Reviews

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

    Ohio University

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, OH
    • 3,449 reviews

    Junior: Ohio University is a beautiful campus that has plenty of opportunities and people to meet. The University is open to all walks of life and is continuing to grow in order to cater to all individuals. There are plenty of activities for visitors,staff, and students. OU's academics have assisted me in pursuing my career goals as well as introducing me to new topics that I never would have thought I would be interested in! The University will challenge you in various ways to help you grow as an individual.
    Read 3,449 Reviews

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

    Art Academy of Cincinnati

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 66 reviews

    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

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 45% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,020 Net Price
    • 880-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    The Ohio State University at Marion

    • 4 Year
    • Marion, OH
    • 141 reviews

    Freshman: I initially chose the Marion campus because of the significant decrease in the cost of tuition, but after classes started I recognized the appeal. The campus is relatively small, compared to the Main campus in Columbus, which makes it easy to navigate and move from building to building. This is expecially nice when facing severe Ohio weather during the winter months. The housing for the school is located across the street. The buildings are new and the furnishings and appliances inside are modern and clean. The campus doesnt have an abundance of athletic programs, they have a soccer club and gaming tables (ping pong and pool). There is an on site police officer at all times. The campus is well lit, and the parking lots are close to the buildings. As for the academic aspect of the school, it is very good. The majority of the teachers are genuinely interested in helping. Overall, I would recommend attending, it is a wonderful school, with great academics, and great people.
    Read 141 Reviews

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