Best AIɫɫs in Ohio: Introduction 

Are you looking for a public or private college in the Midwest with access to major metropolitan centers? If your ideal college location matches this description, then you might want to go to one of best colleges in Ohio.

In this article, we will highlight the top colleges in Ohio. We’ll break down how many colleges there are in Ohio, including the number of public universities in Ohio and private colleges in Ohio. We’ll also describe where you can find some of the best colleges in Ohio with our colleges in Ohio map. Finally, using our colleges in Ohio map, we’ll highlight the top 10 colleges in Ohio. 

We’ll also examine the best colleges in Ohio based on factors like college rankings, college size, cost, college majors, and acceptance rates. Additionally, we’ll include where the Ohio universities ranking falls for the top universities in Ohio. 

Finally, we’ll discuss what factors you should consider as you build your college list of the best colleges in Ohio and the worst colleges in Ohio for you. But first, let’s find out which school tops the list of best colleges in Ohio. 

What is the best university in Ohio?

According to , the best university in Ohio is Case Western Reserve University. However, there is a close competition between Case Western and Ohio State University as to which should top the list of best colleges in Ohio.

We’ve talked about how Case Western and Ohio State are two of the top universities in Ohio. So, let’s learn a bit more about these top schools.

Below is our roundup of the best colleges in Ohio:

Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1826, Case Western Reserve has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,792 students. In the 2022-2023 edition of U.S. News’s Best AIɫɫs, the Case Western Reserve University ranking is #44 in National Universities. 

To learn more about Case Western Reserve University, visit their . You can also check out our Case Western essay guide for helpful tips on how to write your college essays. 

Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio State University is Ohio’s flagship university. Founded in 1870, has a total undergraduate enrollment of just over 47,000 students. The Ohio State ranking is #49 in National Universities according to U.S. News. 

You can read more about Ohio State University . You can also check out our guides on how to get into Ohio State and how to approach the Ohio State scholarship application essay. 

Take our quiz below to get a score on your college admissions readiness!

How many universities are in Ohio? 

According to the , there are over 100 Ohio colleges and universities.

Public Universities in Ohio

First, let’s look at public universities in Ohio. There are 14 universities that are a part of the public university system called The University System of Ohio. This unified system ensures that all the public Ohio colleges and universities follow the same academic calendar, which makes it easier for students to transfer between schools. 

Of all the public colleges in Ohio, 13 public universities in Ohio make up the Ohio Public Universities Admissions Council, or . Northeast Ohio Medical University is the one public university in Ohio that is not included in the OPUAC.  

Before we explore the private colleges in Ohio and the list of best colleges in Ohio, let’s highlight a few of the public universities in Ohio.

Bowling Green State University 

is located in Bowling Green, Ohio, just outside of Toledo. Founded in 1910, Bowling Green State has a total undergraduate enrollment of just over 14,000 students. U.S. News ranks Bowling Green State at #263 in National Universities. 

Miami University

Just north of Cincinnati, Oxford, Ohio is . Miami University was founded in 1809 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of almost 17,000 students. U.S. News lists the Miami University ranking as #105 in National Universities. Additionally, as one of the best public universities in Ohio, U.S. News puts the Miami University ranking at #48 in Top Public Schools. 

Private AIɫɫs in Ohio

There are private colleges and universities in Ohio. The largest of the private colleges in Ohio is the , home to more than 10,000 students. Next, let’s take a look at a few of the private colleges in Ohio. 

University of Dayton

The University of Dayton is a Catholic research university located in Dayton, OH. It was founded in 1850 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of roughly 8,600 students. According to U.S. News, the University of Dayton ranking is #127 in National Universities. In terms of Best Value Schools, the University of Dayton ranking is #35. The University of Dayton has an 81% acceptance rate and offers more than 80 undergraduate programs. 

Hiram AIɫɫ

is located in Hiram, OH. It was founded in 1850 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of just over 1,300 students. U.S. News ranks Hiram AIɫɫ as #13 in Regional AIɫɫs of the Midwest. Hiram AIɫɫ has a 93% acceptance rate and offers 33 majors, ranging from the sciences to humanities to business and nursing. 

We’ll explore more private colleges in Ohio later in this guide, along with the overall Ohio universities ranking.

What is the most prestigious university in Ohio? 

Case Western Reserve University is the highest-ranked university in Ohio.

However, a university’s ranking isn’t based on prestige alone. Other factors like famous alumni, history, reputation over time, etc., can all influence things like the Ohio universities ranking. Additionally, note that “prestige” is subjective.

Besides Case Western Reserve, the argument could be made that Ohio State University or the University of Cincinnati are the most prestigious public universities in Ohio. While Ohio has ranked higher in the past,  the University of Cincinnati was recently ranked #1 for in Ohio. Both of these schools are considered some of the best colleges in Ohio and attract thousands of applicants every year. 

Although college rankings are important, the Ohio universities ranking should be just one factor in your college search. 

Exploring the differences

There are a few key differences between Ohio colleges and universities, including programs, college location, college setting, and college size. 

Most of the top colleges in Ohio offer undergraduate programs only and are often located in smaller towns or rural areas. AIɫɫs in Ohio also have smaller undergraduate enrollments. 

On the other hand, universities in Ohio offer both undergraduate and graduate programs and are located near major cities. They also have a larger student population.

The types of programs and/or majors offered at Ohio colleges and universities can also be different. You’ll want to research what each of the colleges in Ohio offer before making a final list of the best colleges in Ohio for you. 

How many colleges are in Ohio?

So, just how many colleges are in Ohio? According to the Ohio Secretary of State, there are over 100 Ohio colleges and universities. Since we just covered some of the top universities in Ohio, let’s take a look at some lesser-known colleges in Ohio. 

There are roughly 18 private colleges in Ohio, and even more public colleges in Ohio. We have chosen a few of the many wonderful colleges in Ohio to highlight below. 

Mercy AIɫɫ of Ohio

is a private Catholic college in Toledo, OH, with a focus on healthcare programs. It has a 40% acceptance rate and a total undergraduate enrollment of just over 1,200 students. 

Ursuline AIɫɫ

is a private liberal arts college. Located in Pepper Pike, OH, Ursuline has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,000 students. It has a 64% acceptance rate, and over 90% of students at Ursuline AIɫɫ are women. U.S. News ranks Ursuline AIɫɫ as #66 in Regional Universities in the Midwest. 

Now that you’re more familiar with some of the top universities in Ohio, let’s see where they land on our colleges in Ohio map. 

AIɫɫs in Ohio map 

Our colleges in Ohio shows, you guessed it, the locations of some of the top colleges in Ohio. 

In the center of Ohio is Columbus, the state capital. There are six colleges in Ohio. Most notably, at the top of the list of colleges in Columbus Ohio, is Ohio State University. 

Outside of the in Columbus Ohio, many of the other top colleges in Ohio are located elsewhere in the state. Southeast of Columbus is the city of Cincinnati, where you’ll find the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. Moving northwest of Cincinnati, there’s Miami University in Oxford. Northeast from Oxford is Dayton, where the University of Dayton is located. 

Moving northeast of Dayton, you’ll find Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. Move further north and you’ll come across the University of Toledo, located in Toledo, OH. Traveling east to Cleveland, you’ll find Case Western Reserve University. If you travel south of Cleveland you’ll find Akron, which is where Kent State University is located. Finally, if you’re looking around Columbus but don’t want colleges in Columbus Ohio, you’ll find Ohio University in Athens just an hour away. 

Columbus Area

The has the most higher education options in the nation, but there’s also a diverse range of higher education options across the state of Ohio. Since the best colleges in Ohio are spread out across the state, you’ll want to have a good idea of what type of college setting is right for you. Then, you can choose which colleges in Ohio to apply to. 

How many public colleges in Ohio? 

There are 14 main public colleges in Ohio. The 14 public colleges in Ohio have more than 24 campuses across the state. We’ve included a table of the 14 public colleges in Ohio below with the name of the college, the college location, and the acceptance rate. 

How many private colleges in Ohio? 

The Ohio Secretary of State says there are more than 50 four-year private colleges and universities. Many of them are among the top universities in Ohio. Aside from the private colleges in Ohio previously mentioned in this guide, here’s a few more top colleges in Ohio to add to your list. 

The AIɫɫ of Wooster

The is located in Wooster, OH and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,900 students. Founded in 1866, the AIɫɫ of Wooster offers a liberal arts education with over 100+ areas of study. The AIɫɫ of Wooster has a 61% acceptance rate. Additionally, the AIɫɫ of Wooster ranking is #76 in National Liberal Arts AIɫɫs. According to U.S. News, for Best Value Schools, the AIɫɫ of Wooster ranking is #71. 

Franklin University 

, founded in 1902, is ranked #127 in Regional Universities of the Midwest. Unlike other private colleges in Columbus Ohio, Franklin is one of the only colleges in Ohio that offers all of their courses online, making it one of the top colleges in Ohio for adult learners. 

Columbus AIɫɫ of Art and Design 

(CCAD) is also one of the private colleges in Columbus Ohio. CCAD was founded in 1902 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of roughly 1,000 students. Additionally, CCAD is one of the top colleges in Ohio for art and design and offers 11 undergraduate majors and 18 minors. 

Ohio Wesleyan University 

is located in Delaware, OH. It was founded in 1842 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,300 students. U.S. News ranks Ohio Wesleyan as #111 in National Liberal Arts AIɫɫs. Ohio Wesleyan has a 74% acceptance rate and offers more than 70 majors, including Zoology and Psychology..

Wittenberg University

was founded in 1845 and is located in Springfield, OH. Wittenberg is a Lutheran-affiliated college and has a 92% acceptance rate. Approximately 1,200 undergraduate students attend Wittenberg, and it offers over 35 majors. Additionally, U.S. News ranks Wittenberg University as #147 in National Liberal Arts AIɫɫs. 

15 Best AIɫɫs in Ohio

U.S. News has ranked the for the 2022-2023 academic year. Out of this list of top colleges in Ohio, we’ll focus on the 15 best colleges in Ohio below.

Our list of 15 best colleges in Ohio will include information about each college’s location, acceptance rate, and academic programs. 

What is the #1 college in Ohio? 

By college rankings alone, Case Western Reserve is the . The Case Western Reserve University ranking is #44 in National Universities, according to U.S. News.

In past years, Ohio State University has also been the #1 college in Ohio. However, the Ohio State ranking is currently below Case Western at #49. So, the rankings of the best colleges in Ohio can vary depending on the year.

As we’ve discussed, Case Western Reserve is one of the best colleges in Ohio. Additionally, the most popular majors at Case Western Reserve include Engineering, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Psychology, and Business and Economics. 

Case Western Reserve admissions statistics

Case Western Reserve has a total enrollment of 12,000 students, including 5,800 undergraduates. Students to Case Western Reserve have an average GPA of 3.9. Additionally, admitted applicants have an average SAT score of 1410-1530 and an average ACT score of 32-35. 

Although Case Western Reserve is currently the #1 college in Ohio, that could change. AIɫɫ rankings aren’t everything—just because a college is on the list of top colleges in Ohio, doesn’t mean it will be right for you. What matters most is that you find the right college in Ohio (or elsewhere) for you—despite where they may fall on the college rankings scale. 

Is college free in Ohio?

So far, we’ve covered Ohio’s robust public university and several top colleges in Ohio. If you’ve started thinking about the cost of college, you may be wondering what some of the best colleges in Ohio cost.

So, is it free to attend the best colleges in Ohio? In a word, no. While some public university systems offer free models, Ohio colleges and universities aren’t free.

Nevertheless, you can lower the cost of college drastically by applying or qualifying for merit scholarships. There are scores of merit scholarships out there for high-achieving applicants, like the Coca-Cola Scholarship. Some schools also have their own merit scholarship programs, like Ohio State University’s Morrill Scholarship. If you’re looking for merit scholarships, then you can start your search in our scholarships archive. You can also receive generous financial aid from some of the best colleges in Ohio.

Still, even with scholarships, paying for college is a huge factor in most college applications. Financial aid concerns can also influence your decision to apply or regular decision—or even to apply at all. If you’re set on as a college location, you may wonder about the least expensive colleges in Ohio. Let’s take a look.

What is the cheapest college in Ohio?

Using U.S. News tuition averages, here are the five least expensive colleges in Ohio.

As you can see, it’s definitely possible to get a great education in Ohio without breaking the bank. So, if financial considerations are a key part of your college planning, take a look at the schools above.

By the numbers, Franklin University tops the list of least expensive colleges in Ohio. Remember, there are also countless scholarships you can apply to help pay for the best colleges in Ohio. 

Top AIɫɫs in Ohio – By Major

When determining the best colleges in Ohio for you, you’ll weigh factors like college location and college rankings. Another prominent factor is academic programs. What Ohio colleges and universities offer your preferred major, and what are the best colleges in Ohio for those majors? You’ll likely recognize these schools from our colleges in Ohio map.

Coming up, we’ll examine the best colleges in Ohio for pre med, business, computer science, and psychology. These are some of the most popular majors at the top universities in Ohio, and for good reason. They can set you up for a good job or graduate program—maybe at other top colleges in Ohio. Don’t forget that the best colleges in Ohio may rank differently when looking only at their graduate programs.

Still choosing a major?

Don’t worry if you haven’t a major yet. You can still research the best colleges in Ohio based on your academic interests without deciding on a major. In fact, many of the best colleges in Ohio don’t require you to declare a major until your second or third year. While some of the best colleges in Ohio may require a major declaration on applications, you can still change later. At the same time, some majors, such as engineering, may have hefty coursework requirements that you must begin early.

What if, after two years at one of the best colleges in Ohio, you’re torn between several disciplines? At that point, you may discuss minors, double majors, and interdisciplinary majors with an academic advisor. Whether you’re laser-focused or have too many interests to count, the best colleges in Ohio can accommodate you. With that said, let’s examine some of the top colleges in Ohio by popular majors.

Best AIɫɫs in Ohio for Pre Med

Before we discuss the best colleges in Ohio for pre med, remember that pre-med is actually a broad category of majors. In fact, medical schools usually accept any major as long as you’ve completed relevant coursework. Of course, many students will choose pre-med tracks to prioritize medical school prerequisites. Therefore, our list of the best colleges in Ohio for pre med will feature schools with outstanding health professions majors.

As you’ll notice, pre-med and similar programs like pre-dentistry are usually tracks or recommended courses, not standalone majors. Medical schools at the top colleges in Ohio—indeed, nationwide–don’t require a particular major when you apply. Rather, they’re looking for applicants with both foundational coursework and experience in a medical setting, like internships or shadowing.

Beyond that, according to the best colleges in Ohio for pre med, you can usually pursue pretty much any major. So, don’t feel limited by pre-med requirements as you consider your future at these top Ohio schools. Despite the need to take certain classes, you have flexibility within your major at the best colleges in Ohio.

Best AIɫɫs in Ohio for Business

Business is one of the most popular college majors. So, next, let’s learn about some of the best colleges in Ohio for business.

Whereas pre-med college rankings are usually based on science programs overall, most schools have a specific business major. Specifically, we’ll be looking at the five best colleges in Ohio for business according to .

The five best colleges in Ohio for business offer a variety of experiences. Whether you prefer residential to online, or religious to secular, some Ohio colleges and universities probably meet your needs. Remember this is only one list of best colleges in Ohio for business. So, other lists may rank them differently. 

Best AIɫɫs in Ohio for Computer Science

Now, let’s move on to some of the best colleges in Ohio for computer science. Most of these will be familiar; Ohio universities ranking high overall will obviously have stellar individual programs. If you’re seeking a job in CS, the best colleges in Ohio for computer science can prepare you for a successful career.

Computer science is a rapidly expanding field, with new career paths and areas of study opening up every day. So, the best schools in Ohio for computer science can start you down the right path with research and experiential learning opportunities. After graduation, you’ll be set for a dynamic career or perhaps even a further degree.

Best AIɫɫs in Ohio for Psychology

Finally, let’s look at the best colleges in Ohio for psychology. Psychology is a popular major at Ohio colleges and universities in part for its flexibility. Many careers beyond psychiatry are open to psychology majors. Provided you’ve completed relevant coursework, many graduate programs aren’t picky about degrees. With that said, let’s review the top five best colleges in Ohio for psychology.

Psychology is a very popular major that opens a variety of doors. Internships and research at the best colleges in Ohio for psychology can prepare you for further degrees or a career. Whether your next step is toward other top universities in Ohio or something entirely new, you’ll be ready.

What is the hardest college to get into in Ohio?

We’ve looked at of the best colleges in Ohio, from to private, that top Ohio universities ranking lists. It’s clear from its many appearances that Ohio State is one of the public universities in Ohio. Likewise, Case Western is undoubtedly one of the best private colleges in Ohio. But of all the private and public colleges in Ohio, which one is the hardest to get into?

From the Ohio colleges and universities we’ve discussed, Case Western Reserve University has the lowest acceptance rate: 30%. This isn’t surprising, given that Case Western tops many lists of best colleges in Ohio. But what does this acceptance rate mean for you and your college list?

Balance your college list

Ideally, your college list should include a mix of “safety,” “match,” and “reach” schools, categorized by your odds of admission. To estimate those odds, research each school’s admitted students profile and compare it to yours. Do your test scores and GPA fall above, below, or within the averages? Furthermore, research acceptance rates of the best colleges in Ohio and beyond. Schools with under 25% should automatically be considered “reach” schools.

With that being said, Case Western sees a difference between ED and RD acceptance rates. The acceptance rate for early applicants was about 36% for . So, if Case Western is your top school, you may consider applying Early Decision. However, keep in mind that the ED application is binding. That means by applying early, you commit to attending if you get an acceptance letter.

How do I choose the best college in Ohio for me?

Notice this categorization process doesn’t have anything to do with college rankings. While college rankings can be useful, they are far from the only factor you should consider when determining your best colleges in Ohio. Instead, your top colleges in Ohio should be those you’re excited to attend and where you believe you can thrive. Browsing Ohio universities ranking lists is only the beginning.

Factors for evaluating Ohio colleges and universities may include:

• Major availability. Aside from the popular majors we explored above, there are endless areas of study for you to pursue. Maybe you’re interested in design, which could then put the on your list. Do your research on the top universities in Ohio so you know if they meet your needs.
• AIɫɫ setting. Ohio colleges and universities range from urban to rural. If you’re interested in colleges in Columbus Ohio, do you mean the , or just the city? Or, what about a hugely popular college town like ?
• AIɫɫ size. Do you prefer large schools like and , or small schools like ? The opportunities of an urban college setting may support your needs, but a college size over 5,000 students may not.
• Tuition & Costs. The cost of college seems to rise every year, especially at the top colleges in Ohio and nationwide. Especially for first-generation students and those of other underrepresented groups, scholarships can be crucial to attending college. But even with scholarships, the cost may balloon beyond your expectations.

We have talked at length about the top colleges in Ohio, but have not mentioned any worst colleges in Ohio. In reality, both “best” and “worst” are entirely subjective descriptors that depend on your needs and preferences. Given how many colleges are in Ohio, though, you’re almost guaranteed to find your personal top universities in Ohio.

Best AIɫɫs in Ohio – Final Thoughts

In this article, we reviewed the best colleges in Ohio, looking at Ohio colleges and universities across the state. Then, we looked at our colleges in Ohio map and discussed both public and private top universities in Ohio. Finally, we briefly listed some Ohio universities ranking high on popular lists of college rankings by major.

If you’re still searching for colleges, we can help. Take a look at our AIɫɫ Finder series for guidance in finding your ideal college. If you’re already eyeing some of the best colleges in Ohio, we have guides for you. Check out our how to get into Ohio State University guide or our Case Western Reserve University supplemental essay guide.

Still feeling a little lost? AIɫɫAdvisor is here to help you find and get into the school that’s best for you.

This article was written by senior advisors and . Looking for more admissions support? Click  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how  can support you in the college application process.