Ohio Colleges Summary

Ohio offers a wealth of diverse options when it comes to higher education. The Buckeye State has more than 130 colleges, universities and adult education programs that serve nearly 600,000 students each year.

There are 14 public universities in Ohio with 24 branches located across the state. Notable institutions include Bowling Green State University, University of Cincinnati and Kent State University. The Ohio State University System has five campuses, including its flagship location in Columbus, which was founded in 1870.

For those who prefer to start their educational journey at a two-year school, the Ohio Association of Community Colleges has 23 campuses that offer a wide range of programs at the associate degree level.

More than 70 independent nonprofit Ohio colleges and another 19 for-profit colleges and universities are also based in the state. Additionally, several colleges based in other states also have regional campuses in Ohio, such as Northern Kentucky University and Indiana University-East.

Education Initiatives in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Higher Education has many initiatives in place to help students at colleges in Ohio reach their educational goals. These include three-year bachelor's degree plans and the Ohio Articulation and Transfer Policy, which facilitates easy transfer among postsecondary institutions in the state.

Online Education in Ohio

Distance learners in the state can use OhioLearns, an online portal for learning options at Ohio colleges. Ohio also is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement so students in the state can pursue online education from colleges located outside of Ohio.

For more information about postsecondary education in the state, visit the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Sources:

  • Ohio's Campuses, Ohio Department of Higher Education, https://www.ohiohighered.org/campuses
  • Quick Facts, Ohio State University, http://undergrad.osu.edu/majors-and-academics/quick-facts
  • Statistical Summary, The Ohio State University, https://www.osu.edu/osutoday/stuinfo.php#enroll
Education Institutes in Ohio
Total Number of Educational Institutes
303
Total Enrollment in all institutes
661,245
Number of Public Educational Institutes
109
Number of Private For-Profit Institutes
108
Number of Private Non-Profit Institutes
85
Graduation Rate
16.89%
Total Graduates With Bachelors Degree
39,624
On Campus and Online Programs in Ohio
Number of Institutes Offering on-campus programs
6
Number of Institutes Offering on-line programs
31
Number of Institutes Offering both
266

Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/