2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Ohio
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Ohio? This list ranks 273 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated 87 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Ohio
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Sinclair Community College to be the best-value Science & Tech school in Ohio. Located in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,558 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Sinclair Community College
A rank of #2 makes Lakeland Community College one of the best values in Ohio. Based in Kirtland, OH, Lakeland Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,872, while out-of-state students pay about $9,235. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $19,857. Lakeland Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,612 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Lakeland Community College profile
A rank of #3 makes James A Rhodes State College one of the best values in Ohio. Based in Lima, OH, James A Rhodes State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, compared with $9,120 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,070 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,855. Set against $17,070 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full James A Rhodes State College report
Cuyahoga Community College District came in at #4 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Ohio. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,636. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,654. Set against $14,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuyahoga Community College District report
Out of the 87 schools in Ohio in this year's value ranking, Eastern Gateway Community College landed the #5 spot. Eastern Gateway Community College is a public school based in Steubenville, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,225, while out-of-state students pay about $6,071. Eastern Gateway Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,642 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,127 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,642 median debt. Get the full Eastern Gateway Community College report
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College landed the #6 spot for value in Ohio this year. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,517, while out-of-state students pay about $10,044. Graduates carry a median of $17,730 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,137 ten years out. Set against $17,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Clark State Community College landed the #7 spot for value in Ohio this year. Set in Springfield, OH, Clark State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,393, with out-of-state students paying around $8,049. The median Science & Tech program debt is $20,740. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,584. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Clark State Community College
Edison State Community College placed #8 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Ohio. Edison State Community College is a public school based in Piqua, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,499, with out-of-state students paying around $8,346. Edison State Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $15,406 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,360 ten years after entry. Set against $15,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Edison State Community College
Lorain County Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Elyria, OH, Lorain County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,265, while out-of-state students pay about $8,860. The median Science & Tech program debt is $17,611. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,837. That is a strong return on a $17,611 median debt. More on Lorain County Community College
Miami University Hamilton ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Hamilton, OH, Miami University Hamilton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,012, compared with $18,811 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,763 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. Set against $23,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Miami University Hamilton
University Of Cincinnati Clermont College placed #11 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Ohio. This public school is set in Batavia, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,639, compared with $13,871 for out-of-state students. University Of Cincinnati Clermont College Science & Tech students take on a median of $19,525 in debt. University Of Cincinnati Clermont College alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Set against $19,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Clermont College
Stark State College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,790, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $17,349. Median earnings reach $34,661 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,349 median debt. See the full Stark State College profile
Miami University Middletown ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Middletown, OH, Miami University Middletown is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,012, compared with $18,811 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,575. Miami University Middletown alumni report median earnings of $55,076 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,575 median debt. Get the full Miami University Middletown report
Washington State Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Marietta, OH, Washington State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,128, while out-of-state students pay about $4,152. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,291. Median earnings reach $37,988 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,291 median debt. See the full Washington State Community College profile
Northwest State Community College landed the #15 spot for value in Ohio this year. Located in Archbold, OH, Northwest State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,698, while out-of-state students pay about $9,170. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,565. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,004. Set against $11,565 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northwest State Community College
Owens Community College landed the #16 spot for value in Ohio this year. Located in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,870, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. The median Science & Tech program debt is $19,383. Owens Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,275 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,383 median debt. More on Owens Community College
Central Ohio Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in Ohio this year. Based in Newark, OH, Central Ohio Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,256, with out-of-state students paying around $8,016. Students borrow a median of $16,779 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,168 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,779 median debt. Read more about Central Ohio Technical College
University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Blue Ash, OH, University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, with out-of-state students paying around $15,904. Students borrow a median of $19,408 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Set against $19,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College profile
Marion Technical College placed #19 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Ohio. Marion Technical College is a public school based in Marion, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,595, compared with $11,225 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,828. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,495. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Marion Technical College
Southern State Community College landed the #20 spot for value in Ohio this year. Based in Hillsboro, OH, Southern State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,912, with out-of-state students paying around $10,818. Graduates carry a median of $15,282 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,463 ten years after entry. Set against $15,282 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southern State Community College
Zane State College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Zane State College is a public school based in Zanesville, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,006, compared with $11,766 for out-of-state students. Zane State College Science & Tech students take on a median of $9,405 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,006. That is a strong return on a $9,405 median debt. Get the full Zane State College report
Belmont College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in St Clairsville, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,698, while out-of-state students pay about $7,200. Belmont College Science & Tech students take on a median of $20,524 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,329 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,524 median debt. Get the full Belmont College report
Wright State University Lake Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Celina, OH, Wright State University Lake Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,372, with out-of-state students paying around $17,072. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,522. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,500 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wright State University Lake Campus
North Central State College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Mansfield, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,786, with out-of-state students paying around $11,374. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,236. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,158. That is a strong return on a $12,236 median debt. See the full North Central State College profile
Kent State University At Salem landed the #25 spot for value in Ohio this year. Set in Salem, OH, Kent State University At Salem is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,211, while out-of-state students pay about $17,969. Students borrow a median of $24,573 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,388. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kent State University At Salem
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Ohio
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Kent State University At Ashtabula came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ashtabula, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,211, with out-of-state students paying around $17,969. Kent State University At Ashtabula Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,562 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,562 median debt. See the full Kent State University At Ashtabula profile
Kent State University At Trumbull came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Warren, OH, Kent State University At Trumbull is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,211, while out-of-state students pay about $17,969. Students borrow a median of $23,435 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Kent State University At Trumbull alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Kent State University At Trumbull
Terra State Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fremont, OH, Terra State Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,748, compared with $8,544 for out-of-state students. Terra State Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,070 in debt. Terra State Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,612 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,070 median debt. Get the full Terra State Community College report
Hocking College placed #29 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Ohio. Set in Nelsonville, OH, Hocking College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $10,290. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,535. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,791. That is a strong return on a $16,535 median debt. More on Hocking College
Kent State University At Tuscarawas offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Kent State University At Tuscarawas is a public school based in New Philadelphia, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,211, compared with $17,969 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,569. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Kent State University At Tuscarawas report
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Ohio State University Mansfield Campus landed the #32 spot for value in Ohio this year. This public school is set in Mansfield, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,488, compared with $36,266 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $22,011. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $22,011 median debt. Read more about Ohio State University Mansfield Campus
Ashland University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,210. Graduates carry a median of $24,536 in student loans. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. Set against $24,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Ashland University
University Of Northwestern Ohio came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lima, OH, University Of Northwestern Ohio is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,366. Students borrow a median of $23,805 to complete their Science & Tech program here. University Of Northwestern Ohio alumni report median earnings of $50,968 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,805 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Northwestern Ohio
Ohio State University Marion Campus placed #35 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Ohio. Located in Marion, OH, Ohio State University Marion Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,488 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,266 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University Marion Campus Science & Tech students take on a median of $22,201 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Set against $22,201 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ohio State University Marion Campus
Akron Institute Of Herzing University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. The median Science & Tech program debt is $32,277. Akron Institute Of Herzing University alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on Akron Institute Of Herzing University
Ohio State University Lima Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Lima, OH, Ohio State University Lima Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,488 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,266 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,414 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ohio State University Lima Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ohio State University Lima Campus
Youngstown State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Wright State University Main Campus placed #39 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Ohio. Located in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,836. Median earnings reach $49,500 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wright State University Main Campus profile
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #42 spot for value in Ohio this year. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $25,449 in student loans. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
Ohio Christian University landed the #43 spot for value in Ohio this year. Ohio Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Circleville, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,190. Ohio Christian University Science & Tech students take on a median of $30,947 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,813. That is a strong return on a $30,947 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio Christian University report
Miami University Oxford landed the #44 spot for value in Ohio this year. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Miami University Oxford Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,177 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Miami University Oxford report
University Of Toledo offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. University Of Toledo is a public school based in Toledo, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,157 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,517. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,923. Median earnings reach $50,632 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,923 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on University Of Toledo
Kent State University At Kent came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,174. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
Shawnee State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Shawnee State University is a public school based in Portsmouth, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,448, while out-of-state students pay about $16,032. Students borrow a median of $25,233 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Shawnee State University alumni report median earnings of $39,596 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,233 median debt. Read more about Shawnee State University
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Cleveland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,336 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Cleveland State University alumni report median earnings of $52,131 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cleveland State University admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Cleveland State University profile
Devry University Ohio offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Devry University Ohio is a private for-profit school based in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,008. Graduates carry a median of $43,860 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,987 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $43,860 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Devry University Ohio profile
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 87 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 273 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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