About Ohio Northern University
Students pay an average net price of $25,727 after aid, well below the sticker price of $52,200. Graduates earn a median of $80,928 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The math works because ONU specializes in high-paying fields where demand stays strong.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. About 87.5% of students return for sophomore year, suggesting they find what they're looking for in this Methodist-affiliated environment. With 682 athletes competing in 25 Division III sports, nearly 30% of students play varsity athletics while maintaining the 74% six-year graduation rate. The Polar Bears nickname fits a campus where serious students tackle demanding programs without the distractions of a big city.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 78.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 74.2%
- Retention Rate
- 87.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,928
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,064 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,680 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,623 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,995 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,629 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Bachelor | $51,482 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $50,563 |
Campus Life
With 682 student-athletes competing in 25 Division III sports, the Polar Bears dominate weekend entertainment. Students pack games and embrace school traditions that date back to 1871. The town-fringe setting means students create their own fun through campus organizations and Greek life. Most social activity revolves around residence halls since 87.5% of freshmen return each year, building strong campus community. Lima offers more dining and entertainment options 30 minutes away, while Columbus provides big-city experiences two hours south. Snow-covered winters foster indoor bonding, while warmer months bring outdoor activities around Ada's small-town charm.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,930 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1871
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–34°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 25.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 55.4%
- Women
- 44.6%
- White
- 80.0%
- Black
- 2.9%
- Hispanic
- 4.3%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 81.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.0%
Location
- Address
- Ada, Ohio 45810-1599
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,928
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,284
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $59,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Ohio Northern University?
Ohio Northern University accepts 54% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1250. The school draws primarily from Ohio, with 82% of students coming from in-state. Students typically need solid academic credentials to gain admission to this Methodist-affiliated university.
How much does Ohio Northern University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Ohio Northern University is $25,727, lower than the sticker price of $52,200. About 30% of students receive institutional grants averaging $24,235. The school keeps costs manageable for a private university, with graduates carrying a median debt of $27,000.
What is Ohio Northern University known for academically?
Ohio Northern University is well-known for its pharmacy and engineering programs, which contribute to strong career outcomes. The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. With 25 varsity sports and 682 student-athletes, ONU balances rigorous academics with Division III athletics in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Ohio Northern University?
Ohio Northern University graduates achieve a 97% employment rate with median earnings of $80,928 ten years after graduation. The strong career outcomes reflect the university's focus on practical fields like pharmacy and engineering. Graduates typically make monthly loan payments of $286, manageable given their earning potential.
Where is Ohio Northern University located and what is campus life like?
Ohio Northern University sits in Ada, Ohio, a small college town that creates a tight-knit community atmosphere. The campus houses 1,930 students in residence halls, fostering close relationships among the 2,386 total enrollment. The Polar Bears compete in 25 sports, creating school spirit in this intimate setting.
Does Ohio Northern University have any famous alumni?
Ohio Northern University counts NFL coach Jim Harbaugh and former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner III among its notable graduates. The university's 87% retention rate suggests students appreciate the close-knit environment that has produced successful leaders. Founded in 1871, ONU has built a strong network of alumni across various fields.
