Best Colleges in Ohio for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Ohio College Guide – What You Need to Know

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.

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*

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Best Associate Degrees in Ohio


Ohio has some of the best associate degrees available for students who are just graduating from high school or who have been working for a while and now want to elevate their credentials. Students can earn an associate degrees in management, accounting, or engineering, among other options. In fact, some of the best colleges in Ohio confer 2-year associates degrees in a broad range of fields.

Mercy College of Ohio
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
1,561
Graduation Rate
49%
Net Price
$13,856
Grads Salary
$55,400
University of Northwestern Ohio
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
3,221
Graduation Rate
62%
Net Price
$17,578
Grads Salary
$35,500
Ohio Technical College
College Type
2-year, Private for-profit
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
426
Graduation Rate
72%
Net Price
$22,541
Grads Salary
$45,900
Belmont College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
802
Graduation Rate
24%
Net Price
$5,987
Grads Salary
$30,000
Ohio State University-Newark
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,873
Graduation Rate
32%
Net Price
$14,891
Grads Salary
$55,300
Ohio University-Southern
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
2,535
Graduation Rate
30%
Net Price
$8,048
Grads Salary
$36,000
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
7,504
Graduation Rate
20%
Net Price
$8,152
Grads Salary
$37,000
Kent State University at Stark
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
4,950
Graduation Rate
31%
Net Price
$8,822
Grads Salary
$42,800
Zane State College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
2,223
Graduation Rate
39%
Net Price
$6,300
Grads Salary
$30,900
Stautzenberger College-Maumee
College Type
2-year, Private for-profit
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
551
Graduation Rate
67%
Net Price
$19,686
Grads Salary
$27,900
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in Ohio


Ohio has a huge variety of colleges and universities offering degrees, and by extension has a plethora of four-year bachelor’s programs for students to choose from. The bachelor's programs in Ohio offer degrees in all sorts of fields including education, criminal justice, accounting, computer science, and business administration, among others. In fact, the best colleges in Ohio rival many other colleges in the country both for academic strength and overall student enrichment. Keep reading to learn more about the best undergraduate degree programs in Ohio.

Ohio State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
61,369
Graduation Rate
87%
Net Price
$18,884
Grads Salary
$71,700
Case Western Reserve University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,465
Graduation Rate
85%
Net Price
$36,002
Grads Salary
$79,600
Miami University-Oxford
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
19,716
Graduation Rate
82%
Net Price
$24,345
Grads Salary
$70,200
Ohio Northern University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,817
Graduation Rate
76%
Net Price
$26,011
Grads Salary
$72,400
University of Dayton
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,650
Graduation Rate
81%
Net Price
$32,768
Grads Salary
$74,000
University of Cincinnati
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
40,826
Graduation Rate
73%
Net Price
$22,767
Grads Salary
$70,500
Ohio University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
27,367
Graduation Rate
66%
Net Price
$23,307
Grads Salary
$68,200
Bowling Green State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
17,733
Graduation Rate
62%
Net Price
$17,580
Grads Salary
$65,900
Wittenberg University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,488
Graduation Rate
63%
Net Price
$21,901
Grads Salary
$68,600
Franklin University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
5,926
Graduation Rate
42%
Net Price
$7,658
Grads Salary
$70,000
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in Ohio


Ohio is home to some of the Midwest's best master’s degrees and doctoral programs. Students can pursue career-enhancing graduate degrees in fields that include, but are not limited to accounting, business administration, engineering, chemistry, and education. Whether students need an advanced degree to enter their field or for advancement, the following list will guide them to the best education Ohio has to offer.

Ohio State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
61,369
Graduation Rate
87%
Net Price
$18,884
Grads Salary
$71,700
Case Western Reserve University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,465
Graduation Rate
85%
Net Price
$36,002
Grads Salary
$79,600
Miami University-Oxford
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
19,716
Graduation Rate
82%
Net Price
$24,345
Grads Salary
$70,200
Ohio Northern University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,817
Graduation Rate
76%
Net Price
$26,011
Grads Salary
$72,400
University of Cincinnati
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
40,826
Graduation Rate
73%
Net Price
$22,767
Grads Salary
$70,500
University of Dayton
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,650
Graduation Rate
81%
Net Price
$32,768
Grads Salary
$74,000
Franklin University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
5,926
Graduation Rate
42%
Net Price
$7,658
Grads Salary
$70,000
Bowling Green State University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
17,733
Graduation Rate
62%
Net Price
$17,580
Grads Salary
$65,900
Ohio University
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
27,367
Graduation Rate
66%
Net Price
$23,307
Grads Salary
$68,200
Wittenberg University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,488
Graduation Rate
63%
Net Price
$21,901
Grads Salary
$68,600
Full Ranking Report
Learn about MBA's in Ohio

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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College Cost Analysis - Ohio vs. National


Average Ohio 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.

Seven Best 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.

OEP_logo

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.

PSOS_logo

PSOS

Presbyterian Student Opportunity Scholarship

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/theology-formation-and-evangelism/financialaid/undergraduate-opportunities/student-opportunity-scholarships/
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.

CDF_logo

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.

OWOS_logo

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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