Best Colleges in Ohio

Ohio is a Midwestern state with hot, humid summers and cool winters. As the “Birthplace of Aviation,” the Buckeye State has five international airports and also claims Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on the moon, as a native from Wapakoneta. Colleges in Ohio are evenly split between private not-for-profit and public institutions. Ohio University was the first college established in the state, and is the ninth oldest institution in the continental US. The most selective in Ohio is Kenyon College. Ohio’s key economic industries are advanced energy and environmental technologies, aerospace and aviation, along with agriculture and food processing. Top attractions include the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cedar Point Amusement Park, and Hocking Hills State Park.

How Were the Top Schools in Ohio Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

Explore the Best Universities in Ohio with Appily!

Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.

College placeholder image

Kent State University at Stark is the largest regional campus in the Kent State system and the only public university in Stark County, Ohio. Kent State Stark offers degrees in over 25 subjects as well as the opportunity to begin courses in more than...

“…

I am learning TONS of stuff that I thought I already knew. I'll be ready for Jeopardy! very soon!!!!!!!

” – Shelley from Kensington, OH
College placeholder image

Founded as part of the late 19th century Holiness Movement, God’s Bible School and College is a Christian school of ministry in Cincinnati. Operating with a Bible-based curriculum, God’s Bible School confers five bachelor’s degrees in theological...

College placeholder image

Originally founded to serve the educational needs of a large group of returning World War II veterans, Ohio University Eastern is a regional campus in the OU system. OUE grants 13 bachelor’s and two associate degree programs entirely on campus as...

Ohio State University-Newark Campus

Ohio State University-Newark Campus is a satellite campus of Ohio State University based in Licking County, OH. It is a public land- and sea-grant university. Liberal arts and humanities, social work and youth services, and psychology are favored...

“…

I enjoy being at the school but I always feel as though I am not at the school nearly enough!

” – Amanda from Reynoldsburg, OH
Central State University

Founded in 1887, Central State University is a 4-year public school in western Ohio and an Historically Black College and University. A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Central State hosts colleges of Education, Engineering, Business...

“…

Central State University is a great HBCU for African American Students. As the only HBCU in Ohio it provides students with with a rich learning experience. The professors go out their way to make sure students comprehend classroom material.

” – Armond
College placeholder image

Kent State University at Tuscarawas is a regional campus in the Kent State system located in eastern Ohio. The Tuscarawas campus offers 11 bachelor’s degree and 17 associate degree programs and its Veterinary Technology major is one of seven such...

“…

Teachers and Staff are absolutely amazing!

” – Tuscarawas County
College placeholder image

Established in 1946, Ohio University in Zanesville is a public, 4-year institution located in Muskingum County and is one of seven Ohio University campuses and centers. OU Zanesville offers five associate degree programs, 13 bachelor’s degree...

Ohio State University-Lima Campus

Ohio State Lima is a regional campus of The Ohio State University in the northwest part of the state. The Lima campus is home to twelve bachelor’s degree programs and also provides the opportunity for students to begin coursework in over 200 other...

“…

The instructors here are all amazing. They truly wanted each student to be successful. I learned proper study techniques and became better prepared for college.

” – Kristyn from Venedocia, OH
College placeholder image

Established in 1954, Kent State University at Trumbull is a public, 4-year institution located on a 438-acre campus in Warren, Ohio. While Trumbull offers over 20 undergraduate degree programs and a Master of Public Health program, students at...

College placeholder image

Originally founded at the local high school, Kent State University Geauga is a regional campus of Kent State in northeast Ohio. The Geauga campus offers nine bachelor’s degree programs as well as the opportunity to begin classes in 282 other Kent...

College placeholder image

Located in eastern Ohio, Kent State University at Salem is a regional campus in the Kent State system. Kent State Salem partners with its sister regional campus at East Liverpool to offer 12 bachelor’s degree programs. The Salem campus consists of a...

“…

There are some great professors that are very knowledgeable and will help you when you need it.

” – D from OH
College placeholder image

Ohio University Lancaster is a regional campus in the OU system located southeast of Columbus. OUL offers 12 bachelor’s degree programs on campus including Sport and Lifestyle Studies and Middle Childhood Education as well as the option to begin...

“…

I think the small class size is a great learning environment. I believe student will succeed in a room where they can speak one on one with their professor. The academic, as well as, athletic programs are very strong and are a great place for...

” – Mason from Pickerington, OH
College placeholder image

Mercy College of Ohio is a private Catholic institution of health sciences. Mercy offers degrees in health science, five bachelor’s and four associate’s options, inviting outstanding students to join one of three honor societies. The Office of Campus...

“…

The teachers are great and are really willing to help. There are free tutors available, and they even have a therapy dog and free counseling services. The teachers really want you to succeed, but they do challenge you.

” – Jessica from Toledo, OH
College placeholder image

Kent State University at Ashtabula is a public, 4-year institution located in Ohio. Kent State Ashtabula offers over 20 bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs, along with four certificate programs in Business Management, Computer Forensics...

College placeholder image

With campus on the banks of the Ohio River, Kent State University at East Liverpool is an eastern Ohio-based regional campus in the Kent State system. Housed in a former women’s residence, the East Liverpool campus hosts six Kent State bachelor’s...

College placeholder image

Notre Dame College is a Catholic liberal arts school dedicated to teaching students in the Sisters of Notre Dame tradition. NDC is based in South Euclid, Ohio, and houses the tolerance outreach center, the Abrahamic Center, which promotes interfaith...

“…

Notre Dame offers a very personal educational experience with lots of free support.

” – Jaimie from Galloway, OH
College placeholder image

Sharing a campus with northeast Ohio’s largest hospital and employer, the Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a health care professions training academy. Aultman is home to a nursing school featuring a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a...

College placeholder image

Ohio University-Chillicothe is the original regional campus in the OU system and the first regional campus in the state. Ohio Chillicothe is home to more than 20 academic programs and foundational courses for degrees offered at other OU campuses. For...

College placeholder image

Just a few blocks from the Ohio River, Ohio University-Southern Campus is a regional campus in the OU system. OU Southern offers 30 degree and certificate programs available entirely on campus as well as the opportunity to begin classes in other OU...

“…

I am learning a lot in all of my classes so far, but I would have to say that the classes that I've learned the most in were General Psychology 101 and Math 102. The instructors made sure that EVERY student understood a topic before they progressed...

” – Brittany from Ironton, OH
Miami University-Hamilton

Miami University Hamilton is Miami of Ohio’s regional campus in the northern end of the greater Cincinnati area. Hamilton students have the option of completing a bachelor’s degree on campus in 12 academic departments or taking courses in over 100...

“…

The professors are awesome on this campus they really know their subjects and are very helpful. Also, there is a large student base on this campus full of tutors and the friendliest people who will certainly help you if you have a problem. Not only...

” – Sheree from Hamilton, OH