22 Best Universities & Colleges in Ohio for International Students

List of Top Universities & Colleges in Ohio for International Students

Ohio offers a variety of options for higher education to international students. It includes more than 50 four-year private colleges and universities, 23 two-year community and technical colleges, and 14 four-year public universities with 24 branch campuses.

Here's a list of top universities in Ohio for international students:

1. Ohio State University
2. Case Western Reserve University
3. University of Cincinnati
4. Ohio University
5. Kent State University
6. Miami University
7. Bowling Green State University
8. Wright State University
9. University of Dayton
10. University of Akron
11. Xavier University
12. Cleveland State University
13. University of Toledo
14. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
15. Ashland University
16. Ohio Dominican University
17. Tiffin University
18. Otterbein University
19. Franciscan University of Steubenville
20. Marietta College
21. Ursuline College
22. Muskingum University

Let’s explore the critical insights about them without any delay!

1. Ohio State University

Founded in 1870, Ohio State University is regarded as a "Public Ivy" and ranks at the top of Ohio’s universities, serving nearly 57,500 students. It offers a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs and is home to the renowned Wexner Medical Center. Known for its cutting-edge research, Ohio State offers more than 1,000 student organizations, providing ample opportunities for extracurricular involvement.

2. Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University, established in 1826, is a prestigious private research university in Cleveland. With a placement rate of over 93%, it’s renowned for engineering, medicine, and law programs. It has a close association with the Cleveland Clinic, offering students unmatched opportunities in healthcare and research collaborations.

3. The University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati, with over 300 majors and 100 certificate programs, is one of Ohio's largest and oldest institutions, founded in 1819. Known for its contributions to scientific and medical advancements, it attracts students with co-op programs that integrate classroom learning with professional work experience, making it a prime choice for practical education.

4. Ohio University

Ohio University is one of the famous colleges in Ohio as it is known for its internship programs with world-class companies and quality education. An impressive selection of more than 250 programs of study is available at each of Ohio University's nine undergraduate colleges. There are students from over 100 countries, making it one of the most suitable universities in Ohio for international students.

5. Kent State University

As of fall 2020, Kent State University is home to 21,621 undergraduate students. With seven regional campuses spread out across the state, Kent State University is situated in northeastern Ohio, about 40 miles south of Cleveland. It is one of the renowned universities in Ohio for Speech Pathology and Audiology, Health and Human Services, and College of Business Administration.

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6. Miami University

Founded in 1809, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, is recognized for its focus on undergraduate teaching, with a 91% retention rate among first-year students. It offers more than 120 undergraduate and over 60 graduate programs. Known for its strong liberal arts education, it consistently ranks among the best public universities in the U.S.

7. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University, located in northwestern Ohio, was established in 1910 and offers over 200 undergraduate programs. It is particularly known for its business programs. With a strong emphasis on applied research and community engagement, BGSU provides students with practical learning experiences and a high placement rate post-graduation.

8. Wright State University

Wright State University, established in 1967, is associated with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, offering students unique opportunities in aerospace research. Known for its innovative medical, engineering, and business programs, the university serves over 12,000 students and offers strong career services with a focus on employment readiness.

9. University of Dayton

The University of Dayton, a private Catholic university founded in 1850, is known for its research in engineering and sustainability. It offers more than 80 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs, including a standout MBA. With a placement rate of over 90%, it provides strong support for student career paths, especially through its cooperative education programs.

10. University of Akron

The University of Akron is known for its Polymer Science and Engineering programs, which are some of the best in the world. Founded in 1870, the university serves approximately 17,000 students across 200 undergraduate and graduate programs. With a strong focus on innovation and applied research, it is a top choice for students pursuing careers in STEM fields.

11. Xavier University

Xavier University, a private Jesuit institution founded in 1831, offers more than 90 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs. Known for its focus on liberal arts education, it maintains a 78% acceptance rate and emphasizes service and leadership. With strong community ties, Xavier provides numerous opportunities for internships and career placements.

12. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University, established in 1964, offers over 175 academic programs, including renowned business and law schools. Associated with the Cleveland Metropolitan area, it provides numerous co-op and internship opportunities, particularly through partnerships with leading companies in Northeast Ohio. It’s known for accessible education and research initiatives.

13. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo, founded in 1872, offers over 230 undergraduate and graduate programs. It is highly regarded for its programs in engineering, medicine, and law, and boasts a 95% job placement rate for its engineering graduates. Known for its strong research focus, the university serves over 20,000 students across multiple campuses.

14. Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a private Christian university established in 1968, is known for its small class sizes and personalized education. It offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on liberal arts. The university is also recognized for its strong community values and emphasis on leadership development.

15. Ashland University

Ashland University, founded in 1878, is well-regarded for its MBA and education programs. Offering more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, it emphasizes personalized attention with small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships. The university’s strong alumni network aids in high placement rates for graduates. 

16. Ohio Dominican University

Ohio Dominican University, established in 1911, is a small Catholic university in Columbus, offering personalized education with a strong focus on business, education, and healthcare. It offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, with standout courses in MBA and B.Sc., fostering a close-knit academic community.

17. Tiffin University

Tiffin University, founded in 1888, is known for its flexible online and on-campus programs in business, criminal justice, and liberal arts. With a focus on professional studies, it offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, providing students with personalized education and practical experiences to enhance their career prospects.

18. Otterbein University

Otterbein University, located in Westerville, Ohio, is a private university established in 1847. Known for its liberal arts programs, it offers over 70 majors across various disciplines. Otterbein has a student-centered approach, emphasizing community engagement and experiential learning. Its strong nursing, education, and business management programs are highly regarded, and the university has a placement rate of around 91%, ensuring its graduates are well-prepared for professional success.

19. Franciscan University of Steubenville

Founded in 1946, the Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private Catholic university that focuses on religious studies, theology, and liberal arts. The university has a strong emphasis on faith-based education and offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. It has a close-knit campus community and is associated with various religious organizations, making it one of the top choices for students pursuing theological and pastoral studies.

20. Marietta College

Marietta College is a private liberal arts institution established in 1835, known for its petroleum engineering and geology programs. Located in southeast Ohio, it offers more than 50 majors and a range of postgraduate programs. With small class sizes and a focus on hands-on learning, the university ensures personalized attention to its students. Marietta boasts a placement rate of over 95%, especially in the energy sector.

21. Ursuline College

Founded in 1871, Ursuline College is one of the oldest women’s colleges in the U.S., though it admits both men and women today. Known for its strong programs in nursing, education, and social work, it focuses on professional development and community service. The college’s commitment to providing personalized education results in small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, ensuring a close-knit academic environment.

22. Muskingum University

Muskingum University, established in 1837, is a private liberal arts university located in New Concord, Ohio. The university is known for its commitment to inclusive excellence and provides over 60 undergraduate majors along with a number of graduate programs. It has a strong tradition in business, education, and the sciences. Muskingum’s long history and small class sizes create a supportive academic environment that is well-regarded in the region.

This was the end of our list of colleges and universities in Ohio. Nonetheless, there are more state universities in Ohio providing quality education and career options. If you need guidance in planning your study in Ohio, you can subscribe to Yocket premium for a smooth admission process to one of the top colleges in Ohio.