2023 Top Public Universities in Ohio

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  5,715 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, my first year was very successful. I met amazing people, joined exciting clubs, and was excited about some of my classes. Even though the atmosphere is big and sometimes overwhelming; I quickly found it comfortable when I found my niche of people and activities. I would like to see actions following Ohio State's diversity claim. I remember there was white supremacist incident were inappropriate language was painted somewhere and Ohio State emailed everyone saying how wrong this was. In addition to how diverse and caring Ohio State is, but I didn't see the actions following up on that. There is cultural events, but I feel either sending out information or holding events related to current racism would be beneficial. I believe feeling comfortable and seen by your school is important academically and socially.... Read 5,715 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $19,474

• SAT range 1250-1440

• Cincinnati, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  3,994 reviews

Freshman: As I near the end of my first year of college here at the University of Cincinnati I’d like to say I can see myself here for another 3 years. The campus is amazing and I’ve made amazing friends here throughout this first year. I’ve had 1 or 2 professors that aren’t the greatest but everyone else has been amazing. Here at UC there’s always something to do and I never find myself bored. Whether it’s hanging with friends, playing basketball at the recreation center, or enjoying a walk around campus I’ve always had something to do. If there’s one thing I’d like to see changed it would probably be some of the surrounding areas around campus. They don’t feel the safest but are tolerable enough for me to want to stay here and continue my education. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me in the next 3 years!... Read 3,994 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $20,827

• SAT range 1150-1350

• Athens, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  3,809 reviews

Sophomore: As a senior in high school looking at colleges, Ohio University wasn’t even on my radar. When I stepped foot on campus for my visit, I knew this was where I’d spend my next four years. OU is a beautiful college with many majors, organizations, and activities that help students with their success. The professors and administration prioritize student’s safety and ensure academic goals are met. Although you’ll never have a dull moment on campus, there are several things to do in the surrounding region. It is located in the beginning foothills of Appalachia inside the eclectic town of Athens with Strouds Run State Park, Hocking Hills, Lake Hope, and many other places and things to enjoy nearby. I am proud to call myself a Bobcat!... Read 3,809 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $20,496

• SAT range 1070-1290

• Oxford, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  3,338 reviews

Sophomore: I love Miami Ohio-Oxford! Beyond its reputation of being a "top-notch " university, and having a superior liberal arts curriculum, the University prepares you for the "real-world" by providing extensive career and internship opportunities. The campus has such an "Ivy League" air to it with beautiful brick and ivy covered buildings. Plenty of transportation to get you around the campus, but everything is pretty much walking distance to restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping. There are so many clubs, activities, and sports to join that you're bound to find at least 10-20 that fit your time at Miami OH-Oxford.... Read 3,338 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $24,616

• SAT range 1160-1370

• Bowling Green, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  2,596 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 2,596 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $16,684

• SAT range 1020-1210

• Kent, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  4,782 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 4,782 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $18,947

• SAT range 1000-1210

• Youngstown, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  1,422 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 1,422 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $12,290

• SAT range 930-1180

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  1,939 reviews

Sophomore: I think Cleveland State is Ana amazing school. My Sister also goes to Cleveland state and I think its a great environment for me and my sister. I love that it is in the City of Cleveland and everyone is so engaged and wanting to do their best. Cleveland state also has many opportunities for my major which is sports management. They have three professional sports teams and it makes it easier on studies to pursue work and learning with professionals since they are so close in the City.... Read 1,939 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,517

• SAT range 900-1170

• Toledo, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  2,098 reviews

Freshman: I have loved my time at UT thus far! I live in one of the dorms on campus and the amenities and proximity to everything is wonderful. Toledo gives the big school feel on a small campus and it's so easy to get around the campus to and from my classes. The university also offers help in every area- from success coaches to major advisors to athletic trainers for everyone, there is no possible way to not succeed here!... Read 2,098 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $17,764

• SAT range 1030-1280

• Akron, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  2,904 reviews

Senior: I am a returning student at The University of Akron. After earning an associate's degree in 2002, I joined the working world. After many, many years away from school, I decided to return for a bachelor's degree. I reached out to an advisor who was extremely helpful. She worked with me to make sure that all of my prior credit hours were applied to my new degree, and worked with me to create a school schedule that would accommodate my full time work schedule. She has been instrumental each semester to ensure that I stay on track to meet my graduation goals! Taking online classes has been much easier than one would expect. All of the professors and instructors are accessible through email, and will meet in person, or teleconference. Email responses are very quick. Everything has made returning to school so much better than I anticipated.... Read 2,904 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $17,443

• SAT range 990-1230

• Canton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  361 reviews

Junior: Firstly, I enjoy the campus. It is within 20mins from my home. It is a small campus and easy to navigate for this ole dog returning to finish her degree. I love the landscape. The green grass, the simple little trees, and the clean look makes me feel like the college cares about even the smallest details. The professors I have had the opportunity to learn from are all wise, kind, and entertaining. I have learned much from them and am inspired. I very much love this school and am glad this is where I will be obtaining my bachelors. The only thing I would change are the small children's desks. They do not flatter this middle age body I have obtained during the course of working hard to get where I am at. Besides the desks, I love this campus!... Read 361 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,526

• SAT range —

• Hamilton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  260 reviews

Junior: My experience of being at Miami university Hamilton is amazing not just because it’s great school but because I was able to reunite with some friends of who I known since high school! Something that I want to change about Miami university Hamilton is for the school to have club sports. Having club sports at Miami university Hamilton is the one thing I want to change because there’s a club sport that I’m an expert at and it would mean a whole lot if they made that change. Having senior night for club sports is also what I want to change about Miami university Hamilton. Having senior night for club sports is also what I want to change about Miami university Hamilton because if there’s club sports for regular sports, why not have it for club sports.... Read 260 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,572

• SAT range —

• Dayton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  1,766 reviews

Junior: Wright State University (Dayton campus) is an amazing institution. It is located in Fairborn, Ohio, and the closest big city is Dayton, although Columbus and Cincinnati are fairly close too. All of the professors I had during one semester there were amazing (majoring in psychology). The campus is beautiful, especially in the fall, and the school has underground tunnels for when it is cold or raining outside. The dorms are close to the campus, and for people with cars, there is parking available. There are a lot of international students. There are a lot of commuter students too, so the events on campus are not visited that much. However, they are awesome! There is a fitness and wellness program, with a swimming pool, group fitness classes, two gyms, and more. Wright State is one of the cheaper universities too, especially for locals. Overall, I would recommend anyone to at least take a tour.... Read 1,766 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $14,198

• SAT range 950-1250

• Mansfield, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  134 reviews

Freshman: My experience at OSU Mansfield has been an experience that is worth more than words can say. But, to try to put it in words, I would say that it is the most welcoming environment. Here at OSU Mansfield, everyone is friendly and willing to help each other. The professors are absolutely amazing and try to get to know who you are. The classes are small with about 20-50 people per class. This campus offers many things that you could never get on a bigger campus. The best part is that it's cheaper! The on campus living is an apartment complex, so no cramped up dorm room. If you plan to go to the main campus they make the transition very smooth for you. The friendships and academic achievement that I have had this past year has been absolutely outstanding.... Read 134 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $15,605

• SAT range —

• Portsmouth, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  623 reviews

Alum: Shawnee State was just beginning to award baccalaureate degrees when I began, but they excelled in recognizing their niche in small-school strengths and provided hands-on counseling as well as quality education that led to a flourishing career in the nuclear field. Their facilities were always safe and clean, with faculty being approachable and engaging in their respective fields of expertise. Their balance when it came to matching the fair amount of liberal arts courses with educational and vocational objectives within my major helped me to reach outside myself through their Capstone initiative, where I not only learned to engage in public speaking, but also branched out into volunteer related endeavors. Shawnee State's location as a river town also provided for the leisure opportunities that alleviated some of those college-life stressors. The connectedness to the community which Shawnee serves provided immediate networking scenarios that led to instant career opportunities.... Read 623 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,532

• SAT range —

• Marion, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  150 reviews

Sophomore: I have really enjoyed my time at the regional OSU campus! The class sizes are perfect for one on one time with teachers and makes it easier to know students around campus. The smaller campus also allowed me to focus on school and keep my grades up. There are a lot of planned activities for student involvement. It is a great way to get in your general education courses for a cheaper price. No learning experience is taken away from you because most teachers on campus teach at other locations including main. The only downside I would say is the lack of school ran clubs. I personally cannot drive to both this location and main to participate in larger clubs but they do give that option to students who have the time. I also sometimes have issues with my advisor but if you take initiative you can figure out scheduling yourself or find a more helpful person to do so. Not much food is offered on campus as well as a party scene so that’s why they are rated so poorly. I recommend it 100%!... Read 150 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,767

• SAT range —

• Middletown, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  141 reviews

Sophomore: I have attended MUM for 3 semesters and they have been highly enjoyable! The classes are lead by very capable and knowledgable professors who are willing to lend aid wherever possible. The student body is a very complacent and nice group of individuals, a good portion of which come from Asia as transfer students. The campus is situated in a place surrounded by forest (not deep or thick forest) whith interweaving trails. The English Learning Center faculty holds various events throughout semesters that are very fun and relaxing, such as a meditation room during finals week or holding an Asian culture day. MUM is a wonderful school and location and I would recommend it to anybody and everybody!... Read 141 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,923

• SAT range —

• Celina, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  61 reviews

Sophomore: Wright State Lake Campus is a great place to receive higher education! The campus and class sizes are small making it a very friendly environment. All of the professors are wonderful and dedicated to helping their students. Although it is a community college it has many options for bachelors and associates degrees among many more opportunities. The lake campus as very affordable tuition and great apartment style dorms. I would recommend Wright State University Lake Campus to any perspective college student.... Read 61 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $9,926

• SAT range 790-890

• Zanesville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  174 reviews

Freshman: I love my experience at Zane State College so far. The staff, faculty, and teachers are all so kind and truly amazing people. Zane State offers so many opportunites for students to get engaged as well. The college has so many valuable resources for the students, and everyone there always has the needs of the student in mind. Im so glad that I chose to attend Zane State. It keeps me close to home, which allows me to spend quality time with my family and friends. If I were to recommend any college to an unsure student, I would 1000% point them in Zane State's direction!... Read 174 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,009

• SAT range —

• Lima, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  117 reviews

Freshman: I chose Ohio State University at Lima because it was more affordable and I could live and home. Staying close to my family and friends was very important for me. So far, I have made several friends and enjoy my classes. I am an education major and I have been placed in an amazing school district to help further my education in my field. I am so thankful for this university for helping me achieve my goals!... Read 117 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,160

• SAT range —

• Newark, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  304 reviews

Freshman: Ohio State Newark is a good school overall. When deciding where to go to school there are a lot of factors including student life, professors, and especially price. The Regional campus does pretty well in all of these factors. Class sizes are smaller than a bigger college so you will be much more likely to get individual attention from your professors and do better overall. When talking about the professors, most are really kind and really want you to do well. I find myself even searching for specific ones because my first impressions were so wonderful. The overall price is truly the best part. Before transferring to main campus, I got all of my general education classes done for half the price. You essentially get the same education, but much more affordable. The only thing about this campus that I would truly complain about is the lack a true cool experience. I’m this way it’s a lot similar to a community college. Ohio State Newark is really a transition from high-school to college.... Read 304 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $15,340

• SAT range —

• Wilberforce, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.29 out of 5  614 reviews

Senior: I was not sure what to expect when I enrolled at Central State in 2021. Two years later and I can honestly say it was a great experience. The online program was top-notch and worked well with its two terms per semester to expedite the degrees in high-demand careers, such as education (my major) and criminal justice. I highly recommend this university for anybody looking for a quality college experience at a reasonable price. This school is definitely worth the investment! I would like to see more consistency in the quality of professors. Some of my professors were absolutely amazing and worked well with the online learning. Others seemed to struggle, and it hurt the quality of the classes. However, in the end, the demands from the courses were reasonable, and the professors truly care about you as a student.... Read 614 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $10,598

• SAT range 770-950

• Burton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  113 reviews

Freshman: So I went to Kent State Geauga for orientation and overall each one of the faculty members were very welcoming made sure you felt comfortable and safe. When meeting with my admissions advisor( Courtney) when it came to scheduling my classes she made sure to ask questions along the line of what my major is, did I have any incoming credits, and what my intended work load I'm wanting. She made sure to check each one of those boxes and she made sure that I can be the most successful for my freshman year. One thing that I would change would be to update the interior, which they are currently doing some work on now that its summer. I don't think I could say much of what to change due to the fact I have only been on the campus 2 times and haven't really gotten a feel of what the campus atmosphere truly feels like. Overall it was a great place and I'm so excited to spend the next 4 years with Kent State Geauga!... Read 113 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,226

• SAT range —

• Kent, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —

• Burton, OH•

• 4 Year

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —