Private Colleges in Ohio: A Complete List
If you’re considering earning a private higher education in the Midwest, Ohio’s vibrant academic landscape might be the perfect fit for you. Private colleges in Ohio offer specialized programs, close-knit communities, and personalized educational experiences.
Additionally, the best private colleges in Ohio are known for fostering critical thinking and preparing graduates for successful careers.
Whether you’re seeking a liberal arts education or research-centric STEM training, the Buckeye State has a private college to meet your academic and career goals.
5 Popular Ohio Private Colleges
Ohio is home to multiple standout private institutions. We’ve highlighted five popular colleges for you to consider based on factors like number of applicants and overall academic reputation.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and is updated for 2022.
1. Oberlin College
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $62,024
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Total Student Enrollment: 2,992
Oberlin College is one of Ohio’s premier private institutions with a rich history of progressive education and cultural diversity.
In addition to being the first college to admit both women and Black students, the school boasts a top-ranked music conservatory while leaning on an interdisciplinary liberal arts education.
Oberlin is a top option in Ohio if you’re seeking an institution dedicated to social justice while providing a well-rounded education.
2. Case Western Reserve University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $61,584
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- Total Student Enrollment: 12,201
Established in 1896 in Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University ranks among Ohio’s top private colleges for its strong focus on research and innovation.
Renowned for its standout medical and engineering programs, this private research university emphasizes hands-on learning and cutting-edge research. Case Western attracts students passionate about everything from STEM to medicine.
3. Kenyon College
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $66,490
- Acceptance Rate: 34%
- Total Student Enrollment: 1,885
Founded in 1824, Kenyon College is recognized for its strong liberal arts tradition. Based in rural Ohio, Kenyon boasts a close-knit community, emphasizes critical thinking and writing, and often appeals to students seeking a small, intellectually engaging environment.
This small private college is known as a haven for aspiring artists, writers, and scholars — counting three former Supreme Court Justices and a U.S. President among its alums.
4. University of Dayton
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $46,170
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Total Student Enrollment: 11,674
The University of Dayton is a top-tier Catholic private college in Ohio with a commitment to experiential learning and service.
UD is consistently recognized for its engineering and business programs and emphasis on hands-on training and community engagement. The university’s Marianist values promote social responsibility, attracting students who seek a comprehensive education while positively impacting society.
5. Denison University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $60,000
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Total Student Enrollment: 2,416
Established in 1831 in rural Granville, Denison University is a private liberal arts school known for its strong academics and dedication to intellectual exploration.
Denison’s emphasis on global engagement, diverse perspectives, and close faculty mentorship appeals to students seeking a well-rounded education and a supportive community. Some of the school’s most popular majors include economics, biology, and communications.
List of All Private Colleges in Ohio
Here is a complete list of all four-year private universities in Ohio. Use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
All data comes from NCES.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland University | 4,174 | $20,342 | 72% | 4,565 |
| Baldwin Wallace University | 3,220 | $28,705 | 77% | 4,229 |
| Bluffton University | 745 | $21,247 | 96% | 1,105 |
| Capital University | 2,617 | $24,439 | 72% | 4,370 |
| Case Western Reserve University | 12,201 | $38,279 | 27% | 38,701 |
| Cedarville University | 4,960 | $25,462 | 65% | 5,435 |
| Cleveland Institute of Art | 584 | $33,395 | 70% | 693 |
| Columbus College of Art and Design | 972 | $29,238 | 91% | 776 |
| Denison University | 2,416 | $38,267 | 22% | 12,220 |
| Franciscan University of Steubenville | 3,656 | $25,310 | 67% | 2,456 |
| Franklin University | 8,044 | $18,989 | 100% | NA |
| Heidelberg University | 1,086 | $20,053 | 71% | 1,801 |
| Hiram College | 1,018 | $19,384 | 93% | 1,896 |
| John Carroll University | 2,922 | $30,496 | 82% | 4,310 |
| Kenyon College | 1,885 | $43,044 | 34% | 8,116 |
| Kettering College | 832 | $16,398 | 34% | 587 |
| Lake Erie College | 906 | $22,678 | 54% | 1,085 |
| Lourdes University | 1,136 | $22,634 | 60% | 1,082 |
| Malone University | 1,199 | $21,571 | 78% | 1,395 |
| Marietta College | 1,198 | $22,895 | 83% | 2,467 |
| Mount Carmel College of Nursing | 766 | $15,006 | 63% | 82 |
| Mount St. Joseph University | 2,027 | $17,506 | 54% | 2,127 |
| Mount Vernon Nazarene University | 1,941 | $23,391 | 85% | 1,070 |
| Muskingum University | 2,117 | $19,682 | 86% | 2,690 |
| Notre Dame College | 1,444 | $20,151 | 79% | 3,116 |
| Oberlin College | 2,992 | $46,462 | 35% | 11,066 |
| Ohio Christian University | 1,600 | $20,490 | 100% | NA |
| Ohio Dominican University | 1,276 | $21,881 | 52% | 2,186 |
| Ohio Northern University | 3,015 | $27,398 | 54% | 6,625 |
| Ohio Wesleyan University | 1,410 | $27,311 | 52% | 5,324 |
| Otterbein University | 2,458 | $22,661 | 84% | 3,762 |
| The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences | 866 | $18,370 | 71% | 380 |
| The College of Wooster | 1,967 | $28,976 | 56% | 7,251 |
| Tiffin University | 3,044 | $25,636 | 83% | 4,195 |
| University of Dayton | 11,674 | $30,590 | 74% | 18,864 |
| University of Findlay | 4,869 | $24,069 | 86% | 3,609 |
| University of Mount Union | 2,130 | $23,259 | 76% | 3,521 |
| Ursuline College | 950 | $14,502 | 85% | 610 |
| Walsh University | 2,309 | $20,032 | 73% | 2,659 |
| Wilberforce University | 656 | $14,070 | 45% | 4,100 |
| Wilmington College | 1,046 | $24,528 | 88% | 1,963 |
| Wittenberg University | 1,299 | $22,912 | 94% | 2,998 |
| Xavier University | 6,114 | $31,619 | 85% | 14,836 |
Featured Online Programs
How Much Do Private Colleges in Ohio Cost?
The cost of attending a private college in Ohio varies, with institutions offering tuition more or less affordable than the national average for private schools.
According to recent NCES data, the average tuition and fees from private colleges in Ohio are about $35,000, while the national average is approximately $33,000.
When seeking the best private college in Ohio for you, be sure to consider cost alongside other factors. Though private colleges tend to carry a hefty price tag, they also tend to offer generous financial aid packages.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (in-state) | $10,049 |
| Public 4-Year (out-of-state) | $26,213 |
| Private 4-Year | $35,352 |
| Public 2-Year (in-state) | $4,416 |
| Public 2-Year (out-of-state) | $7,888 |
10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Ohio
Ohio is home to many high-earning job opportunities across numerous industries.
Some of the highest-earning professions in the Buckeye State include healthcare roles such as psychiatrists, general practitioners, and nurse anesthetists. Additionally, various tech and business roles fill out the list of high-paying jobs in Ohio.
Attending a private college can equip students with rigorous academic training, critical thinking skills, and practical experiences vital for success in top-paying fields.
| Job | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrists | $204,000 |
| Family and General Practitioners | $178,000 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $175,000 |
| Pediatricians | $162,000 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $134,000 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $133,000 |
| Marketing Managers | $133,000 |
| Financial Managers | $124,000 |
| Sales Managers | $122,000 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $120,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Colleges in Ohio
How many private universities are in Ohio?
Ohio is home to 43 private four-year nonprofit institutions offering diverse academic programs and student services.
Dozens of private schools dot the state map, and these colleges play a significant role in the state’s higher education landscape, ensuring a broad spectrum of learning opportunities and enriching educational experiences.
What is the No. 1 private university in Ohio?
Owing to its rich history and dedication to STEM and healthcare research, Case Western Reserve University is a top-ranked private school in Ohio.
Case Western serves over 12,000 students and emphasizes cutting-edge research and hands-on learning opportunities.
What is the cheapest private university in Ohio?
The cost of your private school education in Ohio can vary dramatically between schools. That said, private colleges in Ohio, like Wilberforce University and Ursuline College, have a low average annual net price of $14,070 and $14,502, respectively, according to the latest NCES data.
Pursuing scholarships can help cover the cost of your education.
What is the biggest private university in Ohio?
With more than 10,000 students, the University of Dayton and Case Western Reserve University are two of the largest private universities in the Buckeye State.
If you’re interested in schools with larger student populations, be sure to check out Ohio public colleges like Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati.
Explore More College Resources
Best Colleges in Ohio
Considering going to college in Ohio? Discover the best colleges in Ohio, plus the cost of college and admission rates of each school.
Updated October 3, 2023
Community Colleges in Ohio: All 70+ Schools
The 75 community colleges in Ohio feature on-campus and online programs. Learn more about how these schools can help you advance your career.
Updated October 12, 2023
Best Online Colleges in Ohio of 2025
The best online colleges in Ohio can prepare you for a career at an affordable price. Learn more about the best online degrees in Ohio.
Updated November 6, 2024