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The 10 Cheapest Colleges in Ohio
What’s Covered:
- Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio
- Tips for Saving Money on College
- How Much Will You Pay for College?
For people living in Ohio, the educational landscape is enormous. Yet the exorbitant price tag of many colleges and universities is prohibitive for many students. Fortunately, there are numerous affordable schools nearby.
Looking to attend college in the Buckeye State? Here are 10 of the cheapest colleges in Ohio.
Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio
Below are the 10 most affordable colleges in Ohio. This list is based on published (sticker) price, not net price. Keep in mind that colleges with higher published prices may be more affordable than they appear once grants, scholarships, and other financial aid are applied.
1. Allegheny Wesleyan College
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $6,800
Location: Salem, OH
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 70
Allegheny Wesleyan is a Bible college that focuses on religious teachings, many of which originated from John Wesley and Arminianism. The college offers a Bachelor of Arts and Associate of Arts in Elementary Education, Cross-Cultural Missions, Music Education, and Religious Studies.
Learn more about Allegheny Wesleyan College and what it takes to get accepted.
2. Wright State University-Lake Campus
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $7,728/$17,428
Location: Celina, OH
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,398
At Wright State’s Lake Campus, students can easily transfer from two-year to four-year programs and take advantage of the university’s small classes, low tuition, and quality professors.
The university offers associate, bachelor’s, certificate, and master’s degree programs. Academics are just part of the experience — you’ll also find economic and technological development projects and community service opportunities.
Learn more about Wright State and what it takes to get accepted.
3. Central State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $8,058/$10,058
Location: Wilberforce, OH
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,429
A public HBCU, Central State University, was established in 1887, originally as a two-year program for teacher and industrial training. Now, the land-grant university, a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, offers a four-year curriculum. The university comprises four colleges:
- College of Engineering
- College of Science, Technology, and Agriculture
- College of Education, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
- College of Business.
Learn more about Central State University and what it takes to get accepted.
4. University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,388
Location: Blue Ash, OH
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,8007,166
Formerly Raymond Walters College, UC Blue Ash is a regional campus of the University of Cincinnati. Founded in 1967, it has the distinction of being the university’s first regional campus. The University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College prides itself on offering one of the best values in higher education with affordable tuition, quality teaching, small class sizes, personal attention, and convenient schedule options.
UC Blue Ash also provides experiential learning opportunities, such as internship programs and study abroad.
Learn more about the University of Cincinnati- Blue Ash and what it takes to get accepted.
5. Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,488/$36,266
Location: Mansfield, OH
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 849
OSU’s Mansfield Campus offers 12 bachelor’s degrees. Additionally, students can begin any of the university’s 200 undergraduate degree programs at the satellite campus and finish in Columbus. Either way, students enjoy flexible options and pathways. Thirty student organizations are housed on the campus.
Learn more about OSU Mansfield and what it takes to get accepted.
6. Ohio State University-Newark Campus
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,488/$36,266
Location: Newark, OH
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,422
Another OSU satellite campus, the Newark Campus, has evolved considerably since its inception when classes were held at Newark High School. As with the Mansfield Campus, students can begin any of the 200 degrees at Newark and complete their programs in Columbus.
Learn more about OSU Newark and what it takes to get accepted.
7. Franklin University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,577
Location: Columbus, OH
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,815
Founded in 1902, Franklin University is a private institution established to serve adult learners. Today, most students complete their degrees—offered at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels—online, though courses are also available on its Columbus campus.
One notable feature of Franklin is its coaching program. Through the program, students have the opportunity to be mentored by industry professionals, called coaches.
Learn more about Franklin University and what it takes to get accepted.
8. Shawnee State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $10,6262/$17,358
Location: Portsmouth, OH
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,982
Established in 1986, Shawnee State University is the southernmost member of the University System of Ohio. The school features open admissions and offers more than 100 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, including those in areas like:
- Early education
- Nursing
- Fitness administration
- Studio art.
The university has an Honors Program for qualified students. Additionally, it offers student and faculty exchange programs with overseas institutions in countries like Spain and Germany.
Learn more about Shawnee State and what it takes to get accepted.
9. University of Toledo
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $12,744/$22,104
Location: Toledo, OH
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,447
The University of Toledo is one of just 27 public research universities in the country to offer such a wide array of academic programs with more than 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas like:
- Arts
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Natural sciences
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
Additionally, students have access to more than 400 student organizations.
Learn more about the University of Toledo and what it takes to get accepted.
10. Bowling Green State University | BGSU
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $14,467/$22,2455
Location: Bowling Green, OH
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,014
With more than 200 undergraduate programs, BGSU is a nationally recognized public research university. Founded over a century ago as a normal school specializing in teacher education, it has since evolved into a comprehensive institution and a member of the University System of Ohio. In addition to its main campus in Bowling Green, BGSU also operates a satellite campus in Huron.
Learn more about BGSU and what it takes to get accepted.
Tips for Saving Money on College
1. Apply for schools that meet 100% of financial need.
Many top colleges and universities have committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need of all accepted students. Look into these schools when you’re building your college list, with the assurance that you will be able to cover the cost of your education.
2. Focus on in-state schools.
In-state public schools tend to be significantly more affordable than private or out-of-state public colleges and universities. The sticker price alone (not accounting for scholarships) is often much lower.
3. Look for scholarships.
Outside scholarships can greatly offset the cost of your education. Many are generous, and if you start looking early, you can secure ample funding — awards you won’t have to pay back after you graduate.
How Much Will You Pay for College?
Colleges list sticker prices, but few students end up paying this amount. Use CollegeVine’s free financial aid calculator to find out what your true estimated cost of college will be at Ohio schools and other institutions across the country.
