Ohio is home to a variety of top-ranked colleges, from massive research universities to liberal arts colleges, each offering unique experiences in academics, sports, and campus life. This list delves into the best colleges the state has to offer, examining their strengths in everything from academics to student life. Whether a student is looking for a well-rounded sports scene or a quiet college town, all these Ohio colleges provide an environment and experience where students can thrive. I will give my opinion on Ohio’s top 10 colleges, exploring what makes each place stand out and how they contribute to the education system in Ohio.
- Bowling Green State University (BGSU) – Bowling Green
Bowling Green State University is a prominent public institution located in the college town of Bowling Green. Known for its vibrant community atmosphere, BGSU is particularly acclaimed for its education, business, and music programs, drawing students from across the state. The university has a history of producing skilled educators and is an expected choice for those pursuing careers in teaching and music education. BGSU offers over 200 undergraduate majors and programs, supporting students with a dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. Sports are integral but not the focus of the campus life, with a strong Division I presence in sports like football and hockey. The spirited support for BGSU Falcons, particularly the ice hockey team, brings students together, creating a very cool atmosphere within the community. BGSU’s campus is a blend of traditional and modern architecture, providing a beautiful backdrop to make a community style town.
- Ohio University – Athens
Ohio University, located in the well-known college town of Athens, is Ohio’s oldest public university (1804) and exemplifies its rich tradition of academic excellence. Known for its journalism, communications, and business programs, Ohio University has a reputation for producing media and business professionals who excel in their fields after graduation. The university places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with many students participating in internships and co-op programs that connect them to real-world experiences early in their academic careers. Ohio University is home to Division I athletic teams, with a passionate fan base that gathers for football and especially basketball games. This college is situated right in the middle of Athens along the Hocking river. OU is also a dynamic place where students can enjoy both academics and parties. Their annual Halloween Block party coming up and is an anticpated event for students.
- Denison University – Granville
Denison University, a small liberal arts college in Granville, offers a highly personalized educational experience with a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. Known for its hard academic programs in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, Denison emphasizes close mentorship and a strong community. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research projects and creative endeavors, supported by the college’s dedicated and close-knit faculty. Denison’s athletic programs, in Division III, are taken seriously, particularly in swimming and lacrosse, where they have built two strong programs. The campus itself is located on a beautiful hilltop, offering stunning views especially in the fall. Denison’s strong commitment to academics creates a strong pool of kids ready to learn. Although Denison mainly focuses on academics, Greek life proves to be a great option for incoming students.
- Kenyon College – Gambier
Kenyon College, located in the small town of Gambier, is a liberal arts college renowned for its academics, particularly in English and Social Sciences. Known for its old gothic architecture, Kenyon offers an inspiring setting where students are encouraged to pursue their passions. The college’s small size allows for individualized attention from professors and fosters bonds among students, creating a supportive and engaged campus community. Kenyon’s athletic teams compete in Division III, with strong performances in sports like swimming and cross-country. Campus life is mainly focused on student-led clubs and organizations that tend to bring the student body closer together. Despite its rural setting, Kenyon maintains a global outlook, encouraging students to explore diverse perspectives and engage in discussions that challenge their assumptions.
- University of Dayton (UD) – Dayton
The University of Dayton, a private Catholic University in Dayton, is widely recognized for its strong academic programs in engineering and business. Founded on Marianist principles, UD emphasizes community service and leadership, aiming to produce graduates who are both professionally skilled and great all-around people. The university’s athletic programs are competitive in Division I, with a particular emphasis on basketball, where the Dayton Flyers have bad numerous March Madness runs. The UD campus proves to be a strong community, with students, faculty, and alumni keeping in touch year to year at its alumni events. Its service-oriented culture is evident in events like the annual Christmas on Campus, which invites local children to join the holiday celebrations, demonstrating UD’s commitment to community engagement and service. In a sit down with a former alumnus I asked what his favorite part about the university was and he said, “Definitely the people I met, I formed many connections with men I still talk to this day, sort of like Elder.” UD also provides a strong student body that loves to have a great time on the weekend.
- Oberlin College – Oberlin
Oberlin College is a private liberal arts college known for its love of music and performing. Home to the renowned Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the college attracts students interested in music and performance. Oberlin places a strong emphasis on social activities, encouraging students to engage in political and social issues both on and off campus. The campus is lively, with a rich culture of music, arts, and intellectual debate, and the college’s long-standing commitment to diversity is evident in its student body and faculty. While Oberlin’s athletic teams compete in Division III, the college is best known for its academics and world-class music performances and exhibitions that are open to the public.
- Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) – Cleveland
Case Western Reserve University is a highly rated (51st rated college in the US) mid-sized research institution located in Cleveland’s University Circle, known for its academic programs in fields such as biomedical engineering, law, and medicine. CWRU is highly regarded for its research output and attracts students interested in careers in science, technology, and healthcare. The campus is modern, with cutting-edge facilities that support student research and innovation. Athletics play a smaller role at Case Western, which competes in Division III, but the school’s commitment to academic excellence and research innovation makes it a powerhouse. The surrounding University Circle area also provides students with access to Cleveland’s cultural institutions, such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and Severance Hall.
- Miami University – Oxford
Miami University, often referred to as a “Public Ivy,” is known for its campus and high academic standards. With strengths in fields such as business, Miami offers great programs that set students up for the rest of their lives. Its campus in Oxford features new and old architecture and a close-knit community that fosters lifelong friendships and school spirit. Miami’s athletic teams, especially in ice hockey, enjoy significant support from students and alumni, adding to the university’s pride. Known for producing successful professionals, Miami’s commitment to a strong educational foundation and business school makes it a top choice for students in Ohio and beyond. Greek life also thrives and has some great roots at Miami University.
- University of Cincinnati (UC) – Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a leading public research university, particularly known for its architecture, engineering, and business programs. UC’s school-work model, giving students valuable work experience while still in school has become a practical part of its academic offerings. Located in the heart of Cincinnati, UC’s campus is modern and urban, with facilities that support a large, diverse student body. UC’s sports teams, particularly in basketball and football, are a great extension to the school. The Bearcats’ games are widely attended especially after the shift to the Big 12 conference. The university has a strong commitment to career readiness. Although it’s not in the best location, the urban location allows students to take advantage of numerous internship and networking opportunities near and within Clifton.
- Ohio State University (OSU) – Columbus
Ohio State University is a top-tier public research university located in the state capital, Columbus. Known for its comprehensive academic offerings, Ohio State excels in fields such as engineering, business, and sciences, and it ranks among the nation’s top public universities. OSU’s sports teams, particularly its football program, have a vital history, and the Buckeyes’ games are major events that draw fans from across the state. There most known team has proven to be football. This powerhouse in the Big 10 has many great years to come. On the other hand, basketball not so much. The campus is expansive and vibrant, with over 1,300 student organizations that allow students to explore interests and make connections. Ohio State’s large student body and strong alumni network contribute to a unique campus culture, making it a top destination for students in and out of state.
