Top Universities in Ohio for Students in 2025: Courses, Rankings & Tuition Fees
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Thinking about studying in Ohio? You’re in for a smart move! From the best research universities like Ohio State to hidden gems like Bowling Green State, Ohio is packed with diverse academic choices, top-notch faculty, and vibrant student life. Whether you’re eyeing a career in engineering, health, arts, or business, this state offers quality education, affordable tuition, and loads of opportunities to grow—both inside and outside the classroom. Let’s explore the best universities in Ohio that could be your perfect fit in 2025!
Top Universities in Ohio for Students
Ohio State University
Ohio State University (OSU), located in Columbus—the capital and largest city in Ohio—is one of the top public research universities in the U.S. Founded in 1870, OSU has grown into an academic giants with more than 60,000 students, making it one of the largest single-campus universities in the country. It’s a member of the Big Ten Conference and holds R1 status, which marks it as a leader in advanced research and innovation.
OSU offers more than 200 undergraduate majors and over 300 graduate and professional programs, covering fields like engineering, business, public affairs, health sciences, and agriculture. It also boasts one of the best medical centers in the Midwest. The university has over 500,000 living alumni and attracts students from all 50 U.S. states and 100+ countries. Following are the key details of Ohio State University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Columbus, Ohio |
| Established | 1870 |
| University Type | Public Research University (R1), Big Ten Member |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #140 |
| U.S. News National Ranking (2024) | #43 |
| Campus Size | 1,665 acres (main campus); 16 regional locations statewide |
| Total Enrollment | ~61,677 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~46,123 |
| Graduate & Professional Students | ~15,554 |
| International Students | ~6,500 from 100+ countries |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 18:1 |
| Number of Academic Programs | 200+ undergraduate majors; 300+ graduate/professional programs |
| Top Colleges | College of Engineering, Fisher College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Medicine, John Glenn College of Public Affairs |
| Popular Majors | Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science, Psychology, Public Health, Finance, Agriculture |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | ~$12,485 per year |
| Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | ~$36,722 per year |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 1260–1420 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 27–32 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~53% |
| Average Starting Salary (UG Graduates) | ~$54,000 |
| Alumni Network | 580,000+ living alumni worldwide |
| Student Organizations | 1,400+ clubs and student groups |
| Official Website | www.osu.edu |
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), located in the culturally rich University Circle of Cleveland, is a highly respected private research university known for academic excellence, hands-on learning, and real-world impact. Although it was officially formed in 1967, its roots go back to 1826—making it one of Ohio’s most historically significant institutions. CWRU consistently ranks among the top private universities in the U.S. and is globally recognized for its strengths in engineering, medicine, nursing, law, and science.
CWRU might be smaller in size compared to big public universities, but it offers enormous opportunities. With a tight student-to-faculty ratio, students enjoy personal attention, strong research mentorship, and early access to lab experiences and clinical placements. The university is located next to leading institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, making it a great choice for students interested in health and STEM careers. Following are the key details of Case Western Reserve University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Established | 1967 (legacy dating back to 1826) |
| University Type | Private Research University (R1) |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #258 |
| U.S. News National Ranking (2024) | #53 |
| Times Higher Ed (2024) | #126 in U.S., #168 globally |
| Campus Size | 267 acres, located in Cleveland’s University Circle |
| Total Enrollment | ~12,000 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~5,300 |
| Graduate & Professional Students | ~6,700 |
| International Students | ~15% of student population (from 90+ countries) |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of Degree Programs | 100+ undergraduate and 120+ graduate/professional programs |
| Top Schools | Case School of Engineering, School of Medicine, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Weatherhead School of Management |
| Popular Majors | Biomedical Engineering, Nursing, Computer Science, Pre-Med, Mechanical Engineering, Law |
| Annual Tuition & Fees | ~$63,000 |
| Average Financial Aid Package | ~$45,000 |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 1390–1530 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 31–35 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~27% |
| Average Starting Salary | ~$65,000 |
| Research Strengths | Biomedical research, robotics, artificial intelligence, healthcare policy, materials science |
| Annual Research Funding | ~$400 million+ |
| Alumni Network | 120,000+ alumni across 100+ countries |
| Notable Alumni | Craig Newmark (founder of Craigslist), Peter Tippett (creator of Norton Antivirus), Julie Gerberding (former CDC director) |
| Official Website | www.case.edu |
Ohio University
Ohio University (OU), located in the charming town of Athens, is the first public university chartered in the state of Ohio—and one of the oldest in the U.S., founded in 1804. With a student body of around 21,000 and more than 250 academic programs, OU strikes a great balance between personalized learning and diverse opportunities. The university is especially known for its standout programs in journalism, communication, business, and health sciences.
OU is also a strong supporter of first-generation students, offering generous financial aid, advising, and career guidance. Its main campus in Athens offers a close-knit, walkable environment filled with cafés, music venues, hiking trails, and student-run events — all while maintaining a strong focus on career readiness, research, and real-world experience. Following are the key details of Ohio University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Athens, Ohio |
| Established | 1804 |
| University Type | Public Research University (R2) |
| U.S. News National Ranking (2024) | #178 |
| Campus Size | 1,850 acres |
| Total Enrollment | ~21,000 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~17,000 |
| Graduate Students | ~4,000 |
| International Students | ~800 students from 100+ countries |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 |
| Academic Programs | 250+ undergraduate majors and graduate programs |
| Top Colleges | Scripps College of Communication, College of Business, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Patton College of Education |
| Popular Majors | Journalism, Marketing, Psychology, Nursing, Sports Management, Media Arts, Communication Studies |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | ~$13,352/year |
| Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | ~$23,720/year |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 1060–1260 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 21–26 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~86% |
| Average Starting Salary (UG Graduates) | ~$42,000 |
| Student Life | 500+ student clubs, Greek life, leadership programs, student-run media |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I (Mid-American Conference), 16 varsity teams |
| Alumni Network | 280,000+ alumni in 130+ countries |
| Notable Alumni | Clarence Page (Pulitzer-winning journalist), Matt Lauer, Nancy Cartwright (voice of Bart Simpson) |
| Official Website | www.ohio.edu |
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a leading public research university located in the urban heart of Cincinnati, Ohio. Established in 1819, UC has built a reputation for being a pioneer in cooperative education (co-op)—a program that combines classroom learning with paid, hands-on work experience. With over 47,000 students and 14 colleges, UC offers a powerful combination of academics, real-world training, and community connection. Students at UC have access to more than 400-degree programs, from engineering and business to architecture, nursing, and design.
The university is particularly known for its innovation in health sciences and its strong partnerships with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and other leading medical institutions. UC also invests heavily in research, ranking among the top 50 public universities for research spending in the U.S. The 473-acre main campus is home to cutting-edge labs, a thriving arts scene, NCAA Division I athletics, and over 500 student organizations. Following are the key details of University of Cincinnati (UC):
| Category | Details |
| Location | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Established | 1819 |
| University Type | Public Research University (R1) |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #691–700 |
| U.S. News Ranking (National Universities) | #142 |
| Campus Size | 473 acres (Main Campus); part of 3-campus system |
| Total Enrollment | ~47,914 students (2024) |
| Undergraduate Students | ~32,100 |
| Graduate Students | ~15,800 |
| International Students | ~3,300 from 110+ countries |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
| Academic Programs | 400+ degree programs, including online options |
| Top Colleges | College of Engineering & Applied Science, Lindner College of Business, College of Medicine, DAAP (Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning) |
| Popular Majors | Engineering, Business, Nursing, Architecture, Health Sciences, Computer Science |
| Co-op Program | Ranked Top 5 in the U.S. (students earn ~$10,000–$12,000 per co-op rotation) |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | ~$13,176 per year |
| Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | ~$28,510 per year |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 1170–1350 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 24–30 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~85% |
| Average Starting Salary (UG Graduates) | ~$50,000 |
| Student Life | 500+ student clubs, active Greek life, cultural orgs, concerts, leadership programs |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I (Big 12 Conference), 19 varsity teams |
| Alumni Network | Over 340,000 alumni in 100+ countries |
| Notable Alumni | Neil Armstrong, Kathleen Sebelius, Sandy Koufax, ThedaCare CEO Imran Andrabi |
| Official Website | www.uc.edu |
Miami University
Miami University, located in the college town of Oxford, Ohio, is one of the oldest and most prestigious public universities in the Midwest. Founded in 1809, it’s often referred to as a “Public Ivy” — offering Ivy League–level education at public university costs. Miami is best known for its exceptional undergraduate teaching, consistently ranking among the top five nationally for this category by U.S. News & World Report (2024). While rooted in the liberal arts, it also offers high-demand programs in business, education, the sciences, and engineering.
With around 17,000 undergraduates and just 2,000 graduate students, the campus fosters small class sizes, strong student-faculty relationships, and personalized academic support. Located on a beautiful 2,100-acre campus full of Georgian-style architecture, students enjoy both a tight-knit community and access to hands-on research, study abroad, and career readiness programs. Following are the key details of Miami University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Oxford, Ohio |
| Established | 1809 |
| University Type | Public Research University (High Research Activity) |
| U.S. News National Ranking (2024) | #133 overall; #3 for Undergraduate Teaching |
| Forbes Ranking (Top Public Colleges) | #37 |
| Campus Size | 2,100 acres |
| Total Enrollment | ~18,800 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~17,000 |
| Graduate Students | ~1,800 |
| International Students | ~5% of the student body, from 70+ countries |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 13:1 |
| Academic Programs | 120+ undergraduate majors; 70+ master’s and doctoral programs |
| Top Colleges | Farmer School of Business, College of Education, Health & Society, College of Arts & Science, College of Engineering & Computing |
| Popular Majors | Business, Marketing, Psychology, Biology, Education, Political Science, Speech Pathology |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | ~$17,319 per year |
| Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | ~$38,493 per year |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 1210–1390 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 26–31 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~88% |
| Average Starting Salary (UG Graduates) | ~$51,000 |
| Student Life | 600+ clubs and organizations, active Greek life, sustainability programs, arts performances |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I – Mid-American Conference (MAC); 19 varsity teams |
| Alumni Network | 230,000+ alumni worldwide |
| Notable Alumni | Benjamin Harrison (23rd U.S. President), Paul Ryan (Former Speaker of the House), Wil Haygood (journalist and author) |
| Official Website | www.miamioh.edu |
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University (BGSU), located in the friendly town of Bowling Green in northwest Ohio, is a student-centered public university known for making a real difference. Founded in 1910, BGSU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, with standout strengths in teacher education, aviation, forensic science, business, and the arts.
With around 17,300 students from across the U.S. and over 80 countries, BGSU creates a welcoming environment where every student feels seen and supported. The campus is large enough to provide excellent resources—like modern labs, creative arts studios, and a flight center for aviation students—but still small enough for students to build strong relationships with faculty. Following are the key details of Bowling Green State University (BGSU):
| Category | Details |
| Location | Bowling Green, Ohio |
| Established | 1910 |
| University Type | Public University |
| U.S. News Ranking (National Universities) | #249 |
| Campus Size | 1,338 acres |
| Total Enrollment | ~17,300 students |
| Undergraduate Students | ~14,000 |
| Graduate Students | ~3,300 |
| International Students | From 80+ countries |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
| Academic Programs | 200+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs |
| Top Colleges | College of Education & Human Development, Schmidthorst College of Business, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering |
| Popular Majors | Education, Business, Aviation, Psychology, Forensic Science, Visual Communication Technology, Criminal Justice |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | ~$13,935 per year |
| Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | ~$21,635 per year |
| SAT Range (Middle 50%) | 990–1200 |
| ACT Range (Middle 50%) | 20–25 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~78% |
| Average Starting Salary (UG Graduates) | ~$43,000 |
| Special Programs | Aviation program with its own airport, nationally ranked Forensic Science program, Honors College, Learning Communities |
| Student Life | 300+ student organizations, Greek life, multicultural centers, student government |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I – Mid-American Conference (MAC), 18 varsity teams |
| Alumni Network | 190,000+ alumni globally |
| Notable Alumni | Eva Marie Saint (Oscar-winning actress), Nate Thurmond (NBA Hall of Famer), Shantanu Narayen (CEO, Adobe – attended) |
| Official Website | www.bgsu.edu |
Conclusion
Ohio isn’t just about beautiful fall seasons—it’s a state full of academic promise and real-world opportunity. Whether you’re dreaming big at OSU, diving into research at Case Western, enjoying a close-knit community at Ohio University, or exploring innovation at Cincinnati and Miami, there’s something here for every kind of student. Ready to take your next big step? Make sure you also find a comfy, safe place to live during your studies. University Living can help you book verified student accommodation near all major universities in Ohio—stress-free and student-approved!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top universities in Ohio for 2025 and how are they ranked?
Ohio has some standout universities for 2025. The Ohio State University (OSU) leads the pack as a top public research university, ranked #140 globally by QS and #43 nationally by U.S. News. Case Western Reserve University is another elite choice, known for its STEM and medical programs, with a QS ranking of #258. Other strong options include the University of Cincinnati, Miami University, Ohio University, and Bowling Green State University, each offering nationally recognized programs and impressive campus experiences.
How much does it cost to study at a top university in Ohio?
Tuition fees in Ohio vary based on the university and whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. At OSU, in-state students pay around $12,485 per year, while out-of-state students pay close to $36,722. Case Western, a private university, charges about $63,000 annually but offers generous financial aid. Public universities like Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, and BGSU offer lower tuition—typically ranging from $13,000 to $24,000 depending on residency.
Which Ohio universities offer the best programs in engineering, business, and healthcare?
OSU, Case Western, and University of Cincinnati are especially strong in engineering and healthcare. Case Western is known for biomedical engineering and partnerships with Cleveland Clinic, while OSU’s College of Engineering and Wexner Medical Center are highly ranked. For business, Miami University’s Farmer School of Business and OSU’s Fisher College of Business are top choices. Health sciences are also popular at Ohio University and BGSU, especially for nursing and allied health fields.
What is the acceptance rate like at these Ohio universities?
Acceptance rates range depending on how competitive the university is. Case Western is more selective with an acceptance rate around 27%, while OSU accepts about 53% of applicants. Universities like Ohio University, Miami University, and University of Cincinnati are moderately selective, accepting between 80–88% of applicants, making them great options for students looking for quality education with a slightly easier admission process.
Do Ohio universities offer financial aid and scholarships?
Yes, all major universities in Ohio offer financial aid, merit-based scholarships, and support for international students. Case Western provides an average aid package of $45,000. Public universities like OSU, Miami, and Ohio University also offer grants, need-based aid, and special scholarships for out-of-state and first-generation students. Students are encouraged to apply early and submit FAFSA to maximize their eligibility.
