Ohio offers a wide range of higher education options, making it an excellent destination for students seeking quality academic opportunities. From top-tier research universities to smaller liberal arts colleges, the state has something for everyone.

World-class institutions like Case Western Reserve University, The Ohio State University, and Ohio University are renowned for their cutting-edge research and academic excellence. Larger schools such as Ohio State University provide extensive resources and vibrant campus life, while smaller colleges like John Carroll University and Wittenberg University offer personalized learning experiences. For those who prefer an urban setting, Ohio’s major cities feature top-ranked schools. University of Dayton is known for its strong engineering and business programs. In Cincinnati, the University of Cincinnati excels in cooperative education, while the University of Toledo is recognized for its research and medical programs.

Ohio’s colleges and universities cater to a variety of academic goals and personal preferences, offering exceptional opportunities for students across the state. Whether you’re seeking a bustling campus or a close-knit community, Ohio has an institution to match your needs.

Ohio higher education offers a mix of public and private schools. Heidelberg University, Xavier University, Wilmington College, Case Western Reserve University and University of Dayton are popular private institutions in the state. These medium and small schools offer intensive learning environments, small classes, and low student to faculty ratios. Some popular public universities include: The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Miami University, Ohio University and Kent State University.

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How Much Can You Make with a Degree in Ohio?


The federal government employment surveys along with state and private surveys support the conclusion that incomes rise with higher levels of education. The median salaries of workers show substantial increases as their levels of education rise. Studies and research have demonstrated that a bachelor’s degree can add as much as $1 million in lifetime earnings over workers that have a high school education.

The relationship between higher salaries and higher education continues through the master’s degree, professional degrees, and doctoral studies. Graduates consistently show higher earnings as their education levels rise. Having a college degree or graduate degree also open opportunities to change fields or occupations and enter higher-paying professions.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$36,816* $46,748* $55,016* $77,636* $90,324* $109,668*

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Cost of Ohio College Education & Salaries


In Ohio, the state average for in-state tuition is only slightly above the national average. The Ohio average for out-of-state tuition is significantly below the national average. This means that Ohio may be a favorable environment for out-of-state students. In-state students benefit from lower tuition costs because, as residents, they support the Ohio higher education system. Residents pay taxes on income and property that support the state government generally and higher education.

The out-of-state premium reflects the market value of education. Without the effects of the in-state subsidy, students must bear the costs of their high-quality educational preferences. For many students, the lower costs avenues include one or more years at a community college and the use of online education or distance learning. Students that prefer attending school on campus can also benefit from online education. Accredited online courses can reduce the number of semesters needed for on-campus study.

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Tuition Cost Analysis - In-state vs. National


Average Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $10,068

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $24,454

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

The range of the average financial aid for students varies by a wide margin among the states. The range is about $8,000 to approximately $16,000. Many factors help determine the amounts of aid including need-based aid like federal grants. Ohio ranks well in student success at obtaining financial assistance for college costs.

Ohio ranks 13th in the nation and close to the national average in dollars per recipient of financial aid. Ohio ranks at number 27 in the percentage of applicants that receive federal grants. The Ohio percentage is virtually equal to the national average.

Financial Aid Ohio Nationally
Received Federal Grants 37% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $10,735 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private non-profit schools only.

Scholarships for Ohio Students


College costs may be the most significant potential barrier for most students. The average costs of college today in Ohio is beyond the reach of most Ohio families. Students must find funding to pay tuition, living expenses, and housing. The federal government and the State of Ohio offer loan programs, and while loans can close the needs gap for most students, the student will have to repay the loans in future years. Grants and scholarships do not require repayment. Whether based on need or merit, these types of financial assistance should have priority for students with unmet financial needs. Grants and scholarships can reduce the need to borrow money and prevent excessive financial burdens.

OCOG

Ohio College Opportunity Grant

https://www.ohiohighered.org/ocog
Amounts: Up to $1,500
Deadline: October 1
The Ohio Department of Higher Education offers the College Opportunity Grant. This important state program uses a need-based formula to award grant money to students that attend Ohio colleges or universities. Students must apply using the FAFSA. Eligible students that demonstrate need can participate through enrollment at Ohio public colleges or universities; private, non-profit colleges or universities; and private, for-profit institutions.

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OEP

Ohio EPA Scholarship

http://www.ohiosci.org/oeef-scholarship
Amounts: $2,500
Deadline: April 15
These merit-based scholarships seek to award students that will enter careers in environmental science and environmental engineering. Students can qualify to cover the fourth or fifth years of their bachelor’s degree program. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher; they must demonstrate potential through education, past employment, or professional activities. Students must express their commitment and reasons for entering a career in environmental activities.

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PSOS

Presbyterian Student Opportunity Scholarship

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/theology-formation-and-evangelism/financialaid/undergraduate-opportunities/
Amounts: Up to $3,000 (80 Awards)
Deadline: May 15
The scholarship program supports student members of the Presbyterian Church that will remain engaged with the church during the time they attend college. The awards are needs-based for college sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students must be enrolled full-time and in good standing at a college or university. Applicants must have completed one year of a degree program at an accredited US college or University.

LESS

Lee E. Schauer Scholarship

https://sidney-ymca.org/college-scholarships
Amounts: $12,000
Deadline: April 5
This award is for Shelby County high school seniors. Eligible applicants will be college-bound high school seniors. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or higher. Students must demonstrate need and describe the impact of the award on their prospects. Applicants must also show involvement with the YMCA and the community. The award is based in part on need and in part on the award criteria of YMCA and community involvement.

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CDF

Children’s Defense Fund - Beat the Odds

https://cdfohio.org/programs/beat-the-odds/
Amounts: $5,000 (5 Awards)
Deadline: TBA
The Children’s Defense Fund provides scholarship awards to students that demonstrate high potential through academic performance and that have overcome severe personal barriers to educational success. Eligible applicants must be third or fourth-year high school students and must demonstrate their hardship with reports from counselors or other knowledgeable sources of information about the student’s challenge. Examples of obstacles include but are not limited to, poverty, disability, homelessness, or abuse.

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OWOS

Ohio War orphans Scholarship

https://www.ohiohighered.org/sites/ohiohighered.org/files/uploads/sgs/war-orphans/war-orphans-scholarship-application_050117.pdf
Amounts: 84% of public tuition, $6,435 for private institutions
Deadline: May 15
The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship Program awards tuition assistance to the children of certain Ohio veterans. The program supports the children of deceased or severely wounded veterans that served during a period of declared war or other conflicts. Applicants must be Ohio residents enrolled in full-time undergraduate study and must pursue a bachelor’s degree at an eligible Ohio college or university. They must also be between the ages of 16-24. The program awards tuition assistance for public schools and a limited amount of funds applicable to private Ohio institutions.

TWSEFS

The William D. Squires Educational Foundation Scholarship

http://wmdsquiresfoundation.org/
Amounts: $4,000 (per year - up to $16,000)
Deadline: April 5
This scholarship seeks to award funds to a student that demonstrates high promise and financial need. Applicants must be Ohio residents and attending or about to attend an accredited college or university. Applicants may attend or plan to attend colleges or universities in or outside of the state of Ohio.

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