Best Colleges in Ohio 2024

Get Matched With Ohio Programs

The state of Ohio has a wide range of learning environments for students seeking higher educations. Ohio has world-class research institutions like the Case Western Reserve, Ohio State University, and the University of Ohio. Some large schools like Ohio State contrast with smaller colleges like the John Carroll University and Wittenberg University. The major Ohio cities host large or medium-sized schools like the University of Dayton, University of Cincinnati, and the University of Toledo.

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.

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Ohio?

Students in Ohio select among a range of majors from traditional agricultural fields to the most advanced high technology. The selection of majors translates into the degrees conferred and based on that data business and management is the top major. The next highest category is healthcare. Engineering, humanities, and the natural sciences rank in the top group of college majors in Ohio as well. The ranking of majors reflects the overall trends in the Ohio economy. Business and management occupations are leading sources of employment as is the rapidly developing healthcare field.

Business and Management
Education
Engineering
Healthcare occupations
Natural Sciences

How Much Can You Make by Having 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
$30,784*	$38,792*	$46,124*	$64,896*	$77,844*	$96,772*

Compare Popular Online Ohio Programs

Best Online Colleges

Search Programs

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Ohio

The Ohio economy is large and diverse. Ohio is a populous state with many large cities and metropolitan areas. It is also a leading agricultural state, and it has a widespread rural population that consists of farm communities and small towns. Occupational trends in Ohio reflect some state and national trends as it has had a traditionally strong base in manufacturing and industrial processes.

The economy has transitioned to a greater reliance on technology-based economic activity including eCommerce, global trade, and financial services. Ohio has pockets of booming employment and areas that are losing population and shrinking in size. Overall the state enjoys high levels of employment and a gradual increase in wages and income.

Businesses require highly-educated graduates to fill positions in the modern work environment. The technology-driven areas of business include finance, banking, and global trade. Healthcare is another dynamic trend. In recent decades, the US society has aged; the average age has risen and there are many healthy, active older Americans. With that higher national average age comes greater demands for certain types of healthcare services. Older Americans with greater access to health insurance and healthcare services create strong demand for healthcare professionals. As demands for healthcare increase, home care aides, health aides, and physician assistants are among the highest growth occupations in Ohio. These highly trained professionals meet the increasing need for health services.

Find Your Online Ohio Program

Business

Top Business Management Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME	NUMBER OF JOBS	ANNUAL SALARY
Marketing Managers	6,830	$135,870
Sales Managers	10,930	$135,590
Administrative Services Managers	11,400	$96,040
Information Systems Managers	12,900	$136,080
Financial Managers	22,110	$137,890

Marketing Managers are professionals that help organizations reach their target audience for sales, advertising, and other organizational activities. They help estimate demand, identify the best ways to reach potential customers, and create strategies to achieve organizational goals.
Sales Managers and Business Professionals provide expertise in bringing the organizations products, goods, and services to the marketplace. They use information and metrics to assess sales performance and take steps to correct issues and maximize performance.
Administrative Services Managers help organizations operate on a day to day basis by meeting the internal needs of employees, organizational processes, and functional areas.
Computer and Information Systems Managers use organizational information systems and databases to support organizational processes. Many organizational goals depend on managing information and using it for their programs and activities. This role includes hardware, computer programming, and systems analysis.
Financial Managers control the business and finance matters of their organizations to ensure adequate resources and proper handling of financial assets.
Accountants report financial and non-financial information about economic entities such as businesses and corporations and the financials are measured, processed, and communicated.
Business Administrators
Business Managers
Entrepreneurs

Best Ohio Schools for Business and Management

Case Western Reserve
Ohio University
The Ohio State University
Bowling Green State University
Miami University of Ohio

Education

Top Education Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME	NUMBER OF JOBS	ANNUAL SALARY
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary	1,140	$96,040
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary	1,810	$112,140
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary	510	$92,340
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary	1,540	$86,250
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	10,560	$128,960

Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers help college level students learn the complex areas of computers, computer systems, software, and information systems.
Postsecondary Engineering Teachers are college and graduate school level teachers that prepare graduates for the rigorous engineering positions that technology companies need filled.
Postsecondary Political Science Teachers provide college and graduate level education in the broad field of government and political systems. They can prepare students for further study at the graduate level and for professional education in the law.
Postsecondary Psychology Teachers teach undergraduate and graduate students to be counselors, psychiatrists, and mental health workers. They also help prepare the next generation of college faculty in the field of psychology.
Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers teach in medical and healthcare occupations including nursing and technical professions. They equip graduates for roles in healthcare settings and further education and specializations.
Preschool Teachers

Best Ohio Schools for Education

Youngstown State University
Wright State University
Xavier University
Ohio State University
Ohio University

Engineering

Top Engineering Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME	NUMBER OF JOBS	ANNUAL SALARY
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	100	$70,590
Aerospace Engineers	3,810	$116,540
Civil Engineers	7,570	$84,320
Computer Hardware Engineers	880	$103,480
Electrical Engineers	6,970	$86,620

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists provide expertise in reducing GPS and other satellite information to surface features. Using modern data analysis and digital techniques they produce layers of imagery with precise parameters.
Aerospace Engineers apply principles of mathematics, physics, and engineering to design and build spacecraft. These specialized professionals form the technological core for advanced space travel and use of the near-Earth space for communications and commercial activity.
Civil Engineers use principles of engineering, architecture, and design to create plans for buildings, infrastructure, bridges, roads, and tunnels.
Computer Hardware Engineers apply principles of computing and engineering to design and build hardware structures for computer systems.
Electrical Engineers focus on machines and devices of all sizes and types that operate on electricity. Electrical engineers can design systems that power large structures and tiny devices.

Best Ohio Schools for Engineering

Case Western Reserve
Ohio University
The Ohio State University
Bowling Green State University
Miami University of Ohio

Healthcare Occupations

Top Healthcare Occupations Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME	NUMBER OF JOBS	ANNUAL SALARY
Dentists, General	3,370	$156,060
Pharmacists	12,510	$117,020
Physical Therapists	8,220	$87,600
Registered Nurses	125,470	$68,220
Nurse Practitioners	8,950	$103,780

General Dentists diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth and gums. They provide education about dental care and prevention to their patients and the public.
Pharmacists provide expert assistance to patients that need prescription medications. They help educate patients and the public about prescription drugs and drug safety.
Physical Therapists provide therapy and treatment to patients that need to restore physical strength and range of motion. Therapists often treat patients that have limitations due to age, illness, disease, and injury.
Registered Nurses provide direct patient care in inpatient settings like hospitals and nursing homes. RNs supervise the work of vocational and practical nurses. Registered nurses work in many medical settings including surgery, psychiatry, and outpatient clinics.
Nurse Practitioners can perform many of the functions of a medical doctor. In managed care settings, they can perform roles such as primary care provider and make referrals to specialists as needed.
Healthcare Administrators role is to ensure that a healthcare facility runs smoothly and efficiently by making sure they have all the necessary resources and policies in place.

Best Ohio Schools for Healthcare Occupations

Youngstown State University
Wright State University
Xavier University
Ohio State University
Ohio University

Natural Sciences

Top Natural Sciences Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME	NUMBER OF JOBS	ANNUAL SALARY
Food Scientists and Technologists	750	$69,420
Biochemists and Biophysicists	250	$57,800
Chemists	4,010	$72,940
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health	2,080	$78,930
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists	3,540	$72,000

Food Scientists and Technologists study food, food growth, and food production. They provide research to support many critical fields including studies of plant disease and agriculture.
Biochemists and Biophysicists perform research in support of efforts to find solutions to production issues in manufacturing, create new material technologies, and other important items. They work in public and private settings.
Chemists study the chemical makeup of things at both large and small levels. They analyze chemical interactions and support many types of critical research and development such as agriculture, clean air, water, and medicines.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists are experts that study the relationship between human activity and the environment. They research ecological impacts and the ways in which they affect health and living conditions.
School Psychologists are experts in diagnosing and treating emotional disturbances that can affect a child’s ability to manage normal life conditions. In school settings, psychologists work to assist schools and teachers manage student behavior and create the best possible learning environment for each student.
Counselors
Substance Abuse Counselors
Psychologists

Best Ohio Schools for Natural Sciences

Case Western Reserve
Ohio University
The Ohio State University
Bowling Green State University
Miami University of Ohio

Additional Careers in Ohio

Want to See All the Ohio Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest growth rate forecasts in Ohio

Job Title	Growth % Change	Jobs added from 2016-2026
Healthcare Support Occupations	21.7%	44,348
Personal Care and Service Occupations	13.8%	24,066
Community & Social Service Occupations	11.9%	12,138
Healthcare Practitioners & Technical Occupations	12.4%	46,256
Life, Physical & Social Science Occupations	8.8%	3,276

Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Ohio

Mercy College of Ohio

Score: 85.43

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,950
- Out-of-State: $18,950
Net Price: $14,564
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 1,261
Undergrad Students: 1,120
Graduate Students: 141
Grads Salary: $57,400
Student-to-faculty: 5:1

University of Northwestern Ohio

Score: 65.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,930
- Out-of-State: $12,930
Net Price: $16,860
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 2,615
Undergrad Students: 2,576
Graduate Students: 39
Grads Salary: $38,900
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

University of Cincinnati-Clermont College

Score: 64.09

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,554
- Out-of-State: $13,786
Net Price: $9,248
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 7,448
Undergrad Students: 7,448
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $50,200
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Central Ohio Technical College

Score: 63.47

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,136
- Out-of-State: $7,896
Net Price: $10,103
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 46%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 2,614
Undergrad Students: 2,614
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $47,700
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Ohio Technical College

Score: 63.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,676
- Out-of-State: $25,676
Net Price: $21,803
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 97%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 374
Undergrad Students: 374
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,500
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Northwest State Community College

Score: 63.09

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,578
- Out-of-State: $8,930
Net Price: $10,909
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 4,030
Undergrad Students: 4,030
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,800
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

Ohio University-Southern

Score: 61.97

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,178
- Out-of-State: $9,170
Net Price: $8,181
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 49%

Graduation Rate: 21%
Total Enrollment: 2,006
Undergrad Students: 2,006
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $49,500
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Marion Technical College

Score: 61.53

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,475
- Out-of-State: $11,065
Net Price: $6,748
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 56%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 2,767
Undergrad Students: 2,767
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,600
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Sinclair Community College

Score: 61.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,569
- Out-of-State: $8,316
Net Price: $5,830
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 17,591
Undergrad Students: 17,591
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,700
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Eastern Gateway Community College

Score: 61.37

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,385
- Out-of-State: $6,071
Net Price: $1,845
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 30,364
Undergrad Students: 30,364
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,700
Student-to-faculty: 33:1

North Central State College

Score: 60.97

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,624
- Out-of-State: $9,102
Net Price: $3,885
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 27%
Total Enrollment: 2,439
Undergrad Students: 2,439
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,500
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

James A. Rhodes State College

Score: 60.9

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,657
- Out-of-State: $9,217
Net Price: $8,991
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 27%
Total Enrollment: 3,533
Undergrad Students: 3,533
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,500
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Southern State Community College

Score: 60.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,687
- Out-of-State: $10,368
Net Price: $5,983
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 1,947
Undergrad Students: 1,947
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,100
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Edison State Community College

Score: 60.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,379
- Out-of-State: $8,106
Net Price: $8,304
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 58%

Graduation Rate: 23%
Total Enrollment: 4,353
Undergrad Students: 4,353
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $45,800
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

Zane State College

Score: 58.96

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,856
- Out-of-State: $11,466
Net Price: $7,609
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: N/A

Graduation Rate: 54%
Total Enrollment: 1,726
Undergrad Students: 1,726
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,100
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Clark State College

Score: 58.86

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,200
- Out-of-State: $7,809
Net Price: $8,192
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 43%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 4,703
Undergrad Students: 4,703
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,800
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Washington State Community College

Score: 58.8

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,128
- Out-of-State: $4,152
Net Price: $7,389
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 51%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 1,556
Undergrad Students: 1,556
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,300
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Cuyahoga Community College District

Score: 58.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,622
- Out-of-State: $8,736
Net Price: $5,928
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 15,764
Undergrad Students: 15,764
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,200
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Stautzenberger College-Brecksville

Score: 57.8

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,699
- Out-of-State: $16,699
Net Price: $21,930
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 198
Undergrad Students: 198
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $28,400
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Belmont College

Score: 56.08

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,815
- Out-of-State: $7,525
Net Price: $5,501
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 51%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 723
Undergrad Students: 723
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $29,700
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Ohio State University-Newark

Score: 56.04

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,212
- Out-of-State: $34,718
Net Price: $15,024
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 24%

Graduation Rate: 34%
Total Enrollment: 2,263
Undergrad Students: 2,263
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $45,200
Student-to-faculty: 27:1

Lorain County Community College

Score: 55.52

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,790
- Out-of-State: $8,730
Net Price: $3,896
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 9,170
Undergrad Students: 9,170
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $30,200
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Terra State Community College

Score: 54.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,660
- Out-of-State: $10,316
Net Price: $12,513
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 2,207
Undergrad Students: 2,207
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,700
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Stautzenberger College-Maumee

Score: 54.42

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,699
- Out-of-State: $16,699
Net Price: $19,541
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 403
Undergrad Students: 403
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $28,400
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Columbus State Community College

Score: 54.36

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,338
- Out-of-State: $10,917
Net Price: $6,964
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 25,129
Undergrad Students: 25,129
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $32,500
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Find Online Ohio Schools

Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Ohio

Ohio State University

Score: 83.23

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,859
- Out-of-State: $38,365
Net Price: $19,582
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 88%
Total Enrollment: 60,540
Undergrad Students: 46,123
Graduate Students: 14,417
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Case Western Reserve University

Score: 82.99

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,671
- Out-of-State: $64,671
Net Price: $38,279
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 86%
Total Enrollment: 12,201
Undergrad Students: 6,017
Graduate Students: 6,184
Grads Salary: $84,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Denison University

Score: 79.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,000
- Out-of-State: $64,000
Net Price: $38,267
Acceptance Rate: 22%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 85%
Total Enrollment: 2,416
Undergrad Students: 2,416
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Miami University-Oxford

Score: 77.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,809
- Out-of-State: $40,025
Net Price: $23,031
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 81%
Total Enrollment: 19,107
Undergrad Students: 16,864
Graduate Students: 2,243
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

University of Dayton

Score: 76.94

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,600
- Out-of-State: $47,600
Net Price: $30,590
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 81%
Total Enrollment: 11,674
Undergrad Students: 8,416
Graduate Students: 3,258
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Kenyon College

Score: 76.61

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $69,330
- Out-of-State: $69,330
Net Price: $43,044
Acceptance Rate: 34%
Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 87%
Total Enrollment: 1,885
Undergrad Students: 1,885
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Oberlin College

Score: 75.45

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,646
- Out-of-State: $64,646
Net Price: $46,462
Acceptance Rate: 35%
Retention Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 83%
Total Enrollment: 2,992
Undergrad Students: 2,986
Graduate Students: 6
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1