Ohio's public university system is one of the most extensive in the United States, offering everything from the massive research enterprise of Ohio State University to the personalized experience at Shawnee State. In-state tuition at Ohio's public universities typically ranges from $8,000 to $12,000 per year, making them an affordable pathway to a quality education. However, students seeking an even more personalized experience may want to consider private liberal arts colleges like Wittenberg University, which often offer financial aid packages that make their net cost comparable to public institutions.
| University | City | Founded | Enrollment | In-State Tuition | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | Columbus | 1870 | 61,000+ | ~$11,900 | Big Ten |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | 1819 | 47,000+ | ~$12,400 | Big 12 |
| Ohio University | Athens | 1804 | 28,000+ | ~$12,800 | MAC |
| Miami University | Oxford | 1809 | 24,000+ | ~$16,400 | MAC |
| Kent State University | Kent | 1910 | 35,000+ | ~$11,400 | MAC |
| University of Akron | Akron | 1870 | 19,000+ | ~$11,200 | MAC |
| Bowling Green State | Bowling Green | 1910 | 17,000+ | ~$11,600 | MAC |
| University of Toledo | Toledo | 1872 | 19,000+ | ~$11,000 | MAC |
| Wright State University | Fairborn | 1967 | 13,000+ | ~$9,800 | Horizon League |
| Cleveland State University | Cleveland | 1964 | 15,000+ | ~$10,800 | Horizon League |
| Youngstown State | Youngstown | 1908 | 12,000+ | ~$9,300 | Horizon League |
| Shawnee State University | Portsmouth | 1986 | 3,500+ | ~$8,400 | Mid-South (NAIA) |
| Central State University | Wilberforce | 1887 | 5,000+ | ~$7,600 | SIAC (DII) |
| NEOMED | Rootstown | 1973 | 1,400+ | Varies | N/A |
Explore Each Institution
OSU
Columbus • 61,000+ students
Ohio State University
Ohio's flagship — a massive research powerhouse with nearly every program imaginable and one of the nation's most passionate athletic fan bases.
UC
Cincinnati • 47,000+ students
University of Cincinnati
The pioneer of cooperative education, with standout programs in design, engineering, music, and medicine.
OU
Athens • 28,000+ students
Ohio University
Ohio's oldest public university in a quintessential college town, known for journalism, communication, and engineering.
MU
Oxford • 24,000+ students
Miami University
The "Public Ivy" — one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation with rigorous academics and the top-ranked Farmer School of Business.
KSU
Kent • 35,000+ students
Kent State University
A nationally ranked fashion program, strong nursing and journalism, and a growing research profile.
UA
Akron • 19,000+ students
University of Akron
World-renowned for polymer science and a strong engineering program in the heart of northeast Ohio.
BGSU
Bowling Green • 17,000+ students
Bowling Green State University
Strong education and business programs in a welcoming, traditional college-town environment.
UT
Toledo • 19,000+ students
University of Toledo
Strong engineering, pharmacy, and medicine programs with a large, modern campus.
WSU
Fairborn • 13,000+ students
Wright State University
Named for the Wright Brothers, with strong engineering, health sciences, and close ties to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
CSU
Cleveland • 15,000+ students
Cleveland State University
An urban research university in downtown Cleveland with strong engineering, health, and business programs.
YSU
Youngstown • 12,000+ students
Youngstown State University
An affordable, career-focused university with excellent STEM and engineering programs.
SSU
Portsmouth • 3,500+ students
Shawnee State University
Ohio's youngest public university with nationally recognized gaming/simulation programs.
CSU
Wilberforce • 5,000+ students
Central State University
Ohio's only public HBCU, with a proud tradition and strong programs in education, business, and STEM.
NEOMED
Rootstown • 1,400+ students
Northeast Ohio Medical University
A specialized public medical university focused on graduate and professional health education.
Looking for a More Personal Experience?
While Ohio's public universities offer great value, students seeking smaller class sizes and personalized mentoring should consider private colleges like Wittenberg University. With generous financial aid, many private colleges are cost-competitive with public institutions while offering a dramatically different educational experience.