Best Universities in Ohio

By | October 20, 2024

1. Ohio State University (OSU)

Overview

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Founded in 1870, Ohio State University (OSU) is a public research university and the flagship institution of the state. Known for its strong programs in business, engineering, medicine, and law, OSU is a national leader in research and innovation. The Fisher College of Business and the College of Engineering are particularly renowned. OSU’s athletic programs, particularly football, are a central part of campus life.

Quick Facts

  • U.S. News Ranking: #43 National Universities
  • Number of Students: About 61,000
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Average SAT Score: 1250-1460

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

  • Buckeyes Athletics
  • Student Government
  • Greek life
  • OSU Marching Band
  • Research and innovation clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Jesse Owens – Olympic gold medalist
  2. Simone Biles – Olympic gymnast (attended briefly)
  3. Jack Nicklaus – Golf legend
  4. John Kasich – Former Governor of Ohio
  5. Les Wexner – Founder of L Brands

Top Employers

  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Nationwide Insurance
  • Cardinal Health
  • OhioHealth
  • Procter & Gamble

2. Case Western Reserve University

Overview

Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Founded in 1826, Case Western Reserve University is a private research university known for its world-class programs in engineering, medicine, and law. The university’s Case School of Engineering and the School of Medicine are particularly prestigious. Case Western is a leader in research, with significant contributions in biomedical engineering, nursing, and law.

Quick Facts

  • U.S. News Ranking: #44 National Universities
  • Number of Students: About 11,000
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 30%
  • Average SAT Score: 1360-1490

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

  • Spartans Athletics
  • Greek life
  • Research and innovation programs
  • Student government
  • Engineering clubs and competitions

Famous Alumni

  1. Paul Buchheit – Creator of Gmail
  2. Craig Newmark – Founder of Craigslist
  3. Peter B. Lewis – Former Chairman of Progressive Insurance
  4. Julie Gerberding – Former CDC Director
  5. Don Shula – NFL Hall of Fame coach

Top Employers

  • Cleveland Clinic
  • GE Healthcare
  • Parker Hannifin
  • KeyBank
  • Sherwin-Williams

3. Miami University

Overview

Location: Oxford, Ohio
Founded in 1809, Miami University is a public research university known for its strong liberal arts education. Miami is particularly well-regarded for its undergraduate teaching and programs in business, education, and engineering. The Farmer School of Business is one of the top business schools in the country. Miami University’s picturesque campus and commitment to undergraduate teaching make it one of the best public universities in Ohio.

Quick Facts

  • U.S. News Ranking: #105 National Universities
  • Number of Students: About 19,000
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Average SAT Score: 1220-1400

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

  • RedHawks Athletics
  • Greek life
  • Study abroad programs
  • Miami University Student Government
  • Business and entrepreneurship clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Benjamin Harrison – 23rd U.S. President
  2. Paul Ryan – Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
  3. Bo Schembechler – Legendary Michigan football coach
  4. Rita Dove – Pulitzer Prize-winning poet
  5. Patti LaBelle – Singer and actress

Top Employers

  • Procter & Gamble
  • Deloitte
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • General Electric

4. University of Cincinnati

Overview

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati (UC) is a public research university known for its programs in engineering, architecture, and health sciences. UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) is one of the best design schools in the country, and the College of Medicine is highly regarded for its contributions to research and medical education. UC is also known for its co-op program, which integrates work experience with academic studies.

Quick Facts

  • U.S. News Ranking: #151 National Universities
  • Number of Students: About 46,000
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Average SAT Score: 1120-1330

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

  • Bearcats Athletics
  • Greek life
  • Co-op and internship programs
  • UC Student Government
  • Research and innovation organizations

Famous Alumni

  1. William Howard Taft – 27th U.S. President
  2. Oscar Robertson – NBA Hall of Famer
  3. Sarah Jessica Parker – Actress
  4. George Clooney – Actor and filmmaker
  5. Carmen Electra – Actress and model

Top Employers

  • Procter & Gamble
  • General Electric
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
  • Kroger

5. Oberlin College

Overview

Location: Oberlin, Ohio
Founded in 1833, Oberlin College is a private liberal arts college with a reputation for academic rigor and social activism. Oberlin is known for its strong programs in the humanities, arts, and sciences, and its Conservatory of Music is one of the best in the world. Oberlin was one of the first colleges to admit women and African Americans, and it has a long history of commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Quick Facts

  • U.S. News Ranking: #39 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: About 2,800
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 34%
  • Average SAT Score: 1290-1480

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

  • Oberlin College Athletics
  • Oberlin Student Cooperative Association
  • Arts and theater groups
  • Environmental sustainability clubs
  • Music and performance ensembles

Famous Alumni

  1. Avery Brooks – Actor
  2. Ed Helms – Actor (The Office)
  3. William Goldman – Screenwriter and author
  4. Liz Phair – Singer-songwriter
  5. John Heisman – Namesake of the Heisman Trophy

Top Employers

  • Google
  • Oberlin College
  • Teach for America
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Progressive Insurance

6. Denison University

Overview

Location: Granville, Ohio
Founded in 1831, Denison University is a private liberal arts college known for its small class sizes and personalized education. Denison offers strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, with a focus on experiential learning and leadership development. The college fosters a close-knit community and encourages students to engage in global issues and interdisciplinary studies.

Quick Facts

  • U.S. News Ranking: #42 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: About 2,300
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 28%
  • Average SAT Score: 1250-1420

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

  • Denison Big Red Athletics
  • The Denisonian (student newspaper)
  • Greek life
  • Environmental sustainability programs
  • Leadership and service groups

Famous Alumni

  1. Michael Eisner – Former CEO of Disney
  2. Steve Carell – Actor and comedian
  3. Hal Holbrook – Actor
  4. Jennifer Garner – Actress
  5. Woody Hayes – Legendary Ohio State football coach

Top Employers

  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Denison University
  • PwC
  • Nationwide Insurance
  • Deloitte

7. Kenyon College

Overview

Location: Gambier, Ohio
Founded in 1824, Kenyon College is a private liberal arts college renowned for its literary tradition and strong programs in the humanities. Kenyon is known for its creative writing program, which is one of the best in the country, and its close-knit academic community. The college’s picturesque campus and focus on intellectual curiosity make it one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation.

Quick Facts

  • U.S. News Ranking: #30 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: About 1,700
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 37%
  • Average SAT Score: 1340-1510

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

  • Kenyon Lords and Ladies Athletics
  • Kenyon Review (literary magazine)
  • Greek life
  • Environmental and sustainability clubs
  • Performing arts and theater groups

Famous Alumni

  1. Paul Newman – Actor
  2. Allison Janney – Actress
  3. Jonathan Winters – Comedian
  4. Josh Radnor – Actor (How I Met Your Mother)
  5. John Green – Author (The Fault in Our Stars)

Top Employers

  • Kenyon College
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Google
  • Teach for America
  • Nationwide Insurance

8. The College of Wooster

Overview

Location: Wooster, Ohio
Founded in 1866, The College of Wooster is a private liberal arts college known for its emphasis on undergraduate research. Wooster’s Independent Study program allows students to work closely with faculty on a year-long research project, culminating in a senior thesis. The college is also known for its strong programs in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.

Quick Facts

  • U.S. News Ranking: #69 National Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Number of Students: About 2,000
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Average SAT Score: 1170-1370

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

  • Fighting Scots Athletics
  • Greek life
  • Student government
  • Independent Study program
  • Volunteer and service clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Arthur Holly Compton – Nobel Prize-winning physicist
  2. Duncan Jones – Film director
  3. Mark Murphy – President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers
  4. Daniel J. Boorstin – Pulitzer Prize-winning historian
  5. Calvin Bryce Hoover – Economist

Top Employers

  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Procter & Gamble
  • PwC
  • The College of Wooster

9. Xavier University

Overview

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Founded in 1831, Xavier University is a private Jesuit university known for its programs in business, education, and the social sciences. The Williams College of Business is highly respected, particularly for its MBA and undergraduate business programs. Xavier’s emphasis on ethics, service, and leadership development aligns with its Jesuit mission of fostering personal and professional growth.

Quick Facts

  • U.S. News Ranking: #166 National Universities
  • Number of Students: About 6,500
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Average SAT Score: 1080-1270

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

  • Musketeers Athletics
  • Student government
  • Xavier Newswire (student newspaper)
  • Greek life
  • Business and entrepreneurship clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. John Boehner – Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
  2. Ken Blackwell – Former Ohio Secretary of State
  3. David West – NBA player
  4. Joe Gerhardstein – Former CEO of Cintas
  5. Nicholas A. Lopardo – CEO of State Street Global Advisors

Top Employers

  • Procter & Gamble
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • Deloitte
  • General Electric
  • Mercy Health

10. Ohio University

Overview

Location: Athens, Ohio
Founded in 1804, Ohio University is a public research university known for its programs in journalism, business, and health sciences. The Scripps School of Journalism is one of the top journalism schools in the country, and the College of Business is highly respected for its undergraduate and MBA programs. Ohio University’s campus, set in the Appalachian foothills, provides a picturesque environment for learning.

Quick Facts

  • U.S. News Ranking: #176 National Universities
  • Number of Students: About 30,000
  • Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Average SAT Score: 1050-1240

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

  • Bobcats Athletics
  • WOUB Public Media
  • Greek life
  • Ohio University Student Senate
  • Performing arts and music programs

Famous Alumni

  1. Matt Lauer – Former Today show host
  2. Arsenio Hall – Comedian and talk show host
  3. Paul Newman – Actor (attended briefly)
  4. Clarence Page – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
  5. Maya Lin – Architect and designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Top Employers

  • OhioHealth
  • Nationwide Insurance
  • Procter & Gamble
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Cleveland Clinic