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Most Popular Schools in Ohio

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2023 Most Popular Schools in Ohio

272 Schools Ranked
$40,565 Average Earnings
$23,586 Avg Student Debt

A student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

The Most Popular Schools in Ohio ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 272 schools in Ohio to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

16,838 Total Awards
$49,871 Average Earnings
$22,340 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Ohio State University - Main Campus to be the most popular school for students in Ohio. This large public school is located in Columbus, Ohio, and it awarded 16,838 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,340 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $272, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Ohio State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,871 during the early year of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Ohio State University - Main Campus

11,947 Total Awards
$49,016 Average Earnings
$24,329 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of Cincinnati - Main Campus helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Ohio. UC is a large public school situated in Cincinnati, Ohio. It awarded 11,947 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,329 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $285, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,016 during the early years of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Report

10,380 Total Awards
$45,584 Average Earnings
$22,883 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 272 schools in Ohio that were part of this year’s ranking, Ohio University - Athens Campus landed the # 3 spot on the list. Ohio University - Athens Campus is a large public school located in Athens, Ohio that handed out 10,380 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,883 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $344. Once they receive their degree, OHIO Athens graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,584 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

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9,757 Total Awards
$32,938 Average Earnings
$15,593 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Sinclair Community College is a great place for students. Sinclair Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Dayton, Ohio. It awarded 9,757 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,593 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Sinclair Community College graduates make an average of $32,938 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 39% were women.

Read full report on Sinclair Community College

7,013 Total Awards
$38,945 Average Earnings
$26,694 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 272 schools in Ohio that were part of this year’s ranking, Kent State University at Kent landed the # 5 spot on the list. Located in Kent, Ohio, the large public school awarded 7,013 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Kent State accumulate an average of $26,694 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $281, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Kent State graduates make an average of $38,945 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Full Kent State University at Kent Report

5,964 Total Awards
$43,521 Average Earnings
$23,653 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Miami University - Oxford did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This fairly large public school is located in Oxford, Ohio, and it awarded 5,964 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Miami University - Oxford accumulate an average of $23,653 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $490.After graduating from Miami University - Oxford, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,521 during the early years of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Miami University - Oxford

5,856 Total Awards
$19,473 Avg Student Debt

Columbus State Community College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Columbus, Ohio, the large public school awarded 5,856 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,473 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

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#8

University of Toledo

Toledo, Ohio
4,929 Total Awards
$47,227 Average Earnings
$25,655 Avg Student Debt

University of Toledo came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Ohio ranking. University of Toledo is located in Toledo, Ohio and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,929 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from University of Toledo accumulate an average of $25,655 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $205 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, University of Toledo graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,227 during the early year of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Toledo Report

4,492 Total Awards
$40,036 Average Earnings
$24,940 Avg Student Debt

Bowling Green State University - Main Campus came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Ohio ranking. BGSU is located in Bowling Green, Ohio and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,492 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,940 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $323, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, BGSU graduates make an average of $40,036 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

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4,371 Total Awards
$38,886 Average Earnings
$17,069 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Cuyahoga Community College District did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Cleveland, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 4,371 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Cuyahoga Community College District accumulate an average of $17,069 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Cuyahoga Community College District graduates make an average of $38,886 annually. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

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4,248 Total Awards
$43,222 Average Earnings
$26,706 Avg Student Debt

University of Akron Main Campus ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Ohio list. Located in Akron, Ohio, the fairly large public school awarded 4,248 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,706 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $277, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from University of Akron Main Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,222 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Full University of Akron Main Campus Report

#12

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, Ohio
4,155 Total Awards
$44,241 Average Earnings
$28,394 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Cleveland State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Cleveland State University is located in Cleveland, Ohio and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,155 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Cleveland State University accumulate an average of $28,394 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $158, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Cleveland State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,241 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on Cleveland State University

#13

Eastern Gateway Community College

Steubenville, Ohio
3,930 Total Awards
$40,112 Average Earnings
$18,095 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Gateway Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #13 on the list. Steubenville, Ohio is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 3,930 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,095 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Eastern Gateway Community College graduates make an average of $40,112 annually. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Eastern Gateway Community College

3,885 Total Awards
$62,001 Average Earnings
$22,022 Avg Student Debt

Case Western Reserve University ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Ohio list. Case Western Reserve University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Cleveland, Ohio that handed out 3,885 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,022 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $458, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Case Western, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $62,001 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

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#15

University of Dayton

Dayton, Ohio
3,510 Total Awards
$51,595 Average Earnings
$21,966 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, University of Dayton did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. UDayton is located in Dayton, Ohio and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,510 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $21,966 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $549.After graduating from UDayton, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,595 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Full University of Dayton Report

3,167 Total Awards
$43,588 Average Earnings
$26,865 Avg Student Debt

Wright State University - Main Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #16 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Dayton, Ohio, and it awarded 3,167 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,865 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $124, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Wright State University - Main Campus graduates make an average of $43,588 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Read full report on Wright State University - Main Campus

#17

MyComputerCareer - Westerville

Westerville, Ohio
2,839 Total Awards
$38,708 Average Earnings
$17,337 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, MyComputerCareer - Westerville did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This small private for-profit school is located in Westerville, Ohio, and it awarded 2,839 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from MyComputerCareer - Westerville accumulate an average of $17,337 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $157, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, MyComputerCareer - Westerville graduates make an average of $38,708 annually. Around 16% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on MyComputerCareer - Westerville

#18

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, Ohio
2,596 Total Awards
$41,955 Average Earnings
$28,827 Avg Student Debt

Youngstown State University landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Youngstown State University is a public institution located in Youngstown, Ohio. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,596 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,827 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $160.After graduating from Youngstown State University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,955 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

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2,308 Total Awards
$37,783 Average Earnings
$20,649 Avg Student Debt

Lorain County Community College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Elyria, Ohio, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,308 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,649 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from LCCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,783 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

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#20

Xavier University

Cincinnati, Ohio
2,125 Total Awards
$49,232 Average Earnings
$24,737 Avg Student Debt

Xavier University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #20 on the list. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and it awarded 2,125 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,737 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $589, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Xavier, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,232 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Xavier University Report

#21

Stark State College

North Canton, Ohio
2,049 Total Awards
$34,701 Average Earnings
$20,948 Avg Student Debt

Stark State College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Stark State College is a fairly large public school located in North Canton, Ohio that handed out 2,049 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,948 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Stark State College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,701 during the early years of their career. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Stark State College Report

#22

Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio
1,846 Total Awards
$47,081 Average Earnings
$36,125 Avg Student Debt

Franklin University ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Ohio list. Located in Columbus, Ohio, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 1,846 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Franklin University accumulate an average of $36,125 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Franklin University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,081 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Franklin University Report

#23

Owens Community College

Perrysburg, Ohio
1,847 Total Awards
$36,221 Average Earnings
$22,602 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Owens Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Owens State Community College is located in Perrysburg, Ohio and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,847 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Owens State Community College accumulate an average of $22,602 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Owens State Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,221 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Read full report on Owens Community College

#24

Ashland University

Ashland, Ohio
1,402 Total Awards
$41,635 Average Earnings
$24,861 Avg Student Debt

Ashland University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Ashland is a private not-for-profit institution located in Ashland, Ohio. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,402 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Ashland accumulate an average of $24,861 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $301 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Ashland graduates make an average of $41,635 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Full Ashland University Report

1,294 Total Awards
$38,838 Average Earnings
$23,268 Avg Student Debt

University of Northwestern Ohio came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Ohio ranking. Located in Lima, Ohio, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 1,294 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from University of Northwestern Ohio accumulate an average of $23,268 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $258, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, University of Northwestern Ohio graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,838 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 14% were women.

Full University of Northwestern Ohio Report

Not only did these schools make the top 41 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Clark State Community College

Springfield, Ohio
#28

Lakeland Community College

Kirtland, Ohio
#30

John Carroll University

University Heights, Ohio
#31

The University of Findlay

Findlay, Ohio
#32

Cedarville University

Cedarville, Ohio
#33

Hondros College of Nursing

Westerville, Ohio
#35

Capital University

Columbus, Ohio
#39

Oberlin College

Oberlin, Ohio
#40

Walsh University

North Canton, Ohio
#41

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, Ohio

Most Popular Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular schools ranking:

Rank School Location
42 Otterbein University Westerville, OH
43 Tiffin University Tiffin, OH
44 Central Ohio Technical College Newark, OH
45 Ohio State University - Newark Campus Newark, OH
46 Ohio Christian University Circleville, OH
47 Apollo Career Center Lima, OH
48 Mount Vernon Nazarene University Mount Vernon, OH
49 Butler Tech - D Russel Lee Career Center Hamilton, OH
50 Denison University Granville, OH
51 Ohio Northern University Ada, OH
52 Air Force Institute of Technology - Graduate School of Engineering & Management Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
53 James A Rhodes State College Lima, OH
54 University of Mount Union Alliance, OH
55 Mount St. Joseph University Cincinnati, OH

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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