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$23,700Tuition
816Students
36%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$39,813Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNJCAAData: 2023-24Other Protestant

About Ohio Christian University

Ohio Christian University draws students seeking faith-based education in a small-town environment. The 816-student campus sits in rural Circleville, where Christian values shape both academics and campus culture. This Protestant university has built its reputation around integrating biblical principles with practical career preparation since 1948.

Students pay an average net price of $21,607 after financial aid, though families earning under $48,000 often pay less. Graduates earn a median of $39,813 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $29,579. The monthly loan payment averages $314, making this a challenging financial proposition for many students. Only 35.7% of students complete their degree within six years, suggesting academic or financial hurdles.

The Trailblazers compete in 13 varsity sports through NJCAA athletics, with $716,440 in athletic scholarships supporting 221 student-athletes. Classes stay small with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, though the 50.5% retention rate indicates many students transfer or leave after their first year. The student body is 56.5% female and 67.4% white, with most students coming from Ohio. Housing accommodates just 230 students on the rural campus.

Academics & Faculty

Ohio Christian University focuses on integrating faith with professional preparation across its academic programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring relationships, though the 35.7% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face completing their degrees. The university emphasizes practical ministry training alongside traditional liberal arts education. Business, education, and ministry programs attract many students seeking careers that align with their Christian values. Faculty members often bring real-world experience from pastoral work and Christian organizations into their classrooms. The small class sizes allow professors to know students personally and provide individualized academic and spiritual guidance throughout their college journey.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
33.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
35.7%
Retention Rate
50.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,813
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $65,905
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $51,482
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $43,240
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Bachelor $38,649
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. Master $38,289
Religion/Religious Studies. Associate $37,568
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. Master $32,563
Religion/Religious Studies. Bachelor $32,284
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Bachelor $32,162
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $29,685

View all 53 programs →

Campus Life

Ohio Christian University sits in rural Circleville, about 30 minutes south of Columbus. Only 28% of the 816 students live on campus in residence halls that house 230 students total. Most students commute from nearby towns, creating a campus that empties out after classes end each day.

Winter means snow boots and heavy coats from December through March in central Ohio. The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio creates small class sizes where professors know your name. Chapel services anchor the week for this Protestant institution founded in 1948. The Trailblazers compete in 13 NJCAA sports with 221 total athletes earning $716,440 in athletic scholarships. Students often head to Columbus on weekends for shopping, dining, and entertainment options not available in the small college town. The campus culture revolves around faith-based activities and athletic events. Study groups form naturally given the close-knit feel, though the 50.5% retention rate suggests the rural setting and limited campus life don't work for everyone.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity
230 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1948

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–37°F
July Avg
63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
38.9"
Annual Snowfall
14.1"

Student Demographics

Ohio Christian draws students primarily from Ohio and surrounding Midwest communities, with nearly 80% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the school's Christian mission and accessible tuition model. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class families seeking faith-based education. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for smaller Christian colleges that emphasize education and ministry programs. The diverse racial composition includes significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside white students. This mix creates a community where students from different backgrounds unite around shared Christian values and career preparation.
Men
43.5%
Women
56.5%
White
67.4%
Black
17.8%
Hispanic
4.4%
Asian
0.7%
In-State Students
78.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
33.8%

Location

Ohio Christian University sits in Circleville, Ohio, about 30 miles south of Columbus. The campus serves 816 students in a rural-fringe setting that blends small-town charm with access to Ohio's capital city. Circleville is famous for its annual Pumpkin Show, one of the largest festivals in Ohio, reflecting the agricultural heritage of Pickaway County. The area offers quiet study environments and close-knit community feel typical of rural Ohio. With 78.57% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Ohio's mix of farmland and growing suburban areas. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Ohio Christian University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Circleville, Ohio 43113-9487
OCU1
OCU1

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,813
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,633
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$32,600
Loan Repayment Rate
28.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$314/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,579

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the retention rate at Ohio Christian University?

Ohio Christian University has a retention rate of 50.50%, meaning about half of first-year students return for their sophomore year. This reflects the challenges many small Christian colleges face in keeping students engaged. The university focuses on creating a close-knit community atmosphere to support student success.

How much does Ohio Christian University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Ohio Christian University is $21,607 annually. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay less, with net prices around $15,917 for middle-income families. The university offers the same tuition rate of $23,700 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Ohio Christian University?

Ohio Christian University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 816 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention and mentorship opportunities. The university emphasizes integrating faith and learning across all academic programs.

What are the graduation outcomes at Ohio Christian University?

Ohio Christian University has a 35.70% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $39,813 ten years after enrollment. About 88.8% of graduates find employment after completing their degrees. The university's Christian mission shapes career preparation and service opportunities.

Where is Ohio Christian University located and what is campus life like?

Ohio Christian University sits in Circleville, Ohio, a rural-fringe community about 30 minutes south of Columbus. On-campus housing accommodates 230 students with room and board costing $9,612 annually. The Trailblazers compete in 13 varsity sports through the NJCAA with 221 total student-athletes.

Does Ohio Christian University offer good financial aid for low-income students?

About 33.84% of Ohio Christian University students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant enrollment of low-income students. The university awards institutional grants averaging $12,560 to 14.34% of students. Monthly loan payments for graduates average $314, reflecting the school's focus on keeping education affordable for working-class families.