Tiffin University: 82.8% Acceptance Rate

82.8%Acceptance

$32,400Tuition

1,938Students

43%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,942Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Tiffin University

Tiffin University has built a reputation around practical career preparation and strong athletics programs. The Dragons compete in NCAA Division II with 20 varsity sports and award over $5.5 million in athletic scholarships annually. This private university enrolls 1,938 students in a small town setting, creating an intimate campus environment where students know each other and professors. Founded in 1888, Tiffin focuses on hands-on learning and professional development across business, criminal justice, and other career-focused programs.

Students pay an average net price of $23,758 after financial aid, making this education relatively affordable for a private university. Graduates earn a median of $35,942 ten years after graduation, though recent graduates start higher at $44,135 in their first year out. With typical debt loads of $27,000 and monthly loan payments around $286, the financial picture requires careful consideration given the earnings outcomes.

The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, with 52% identifying as white and 17% as Black students. Nearly half of students graduate within four years, while 60% return for their sophomore year. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at many small colleges, but 97% of graduates find employment after finishing their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Tiffin University is best known for its criminal justice and business programs, particularly drawing students interested in forensic science and sport management. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at many private colleges, but professors still know most students by name. The university has built a strong reputation for practical, career-focused education rather than theoretical academics. Only 44% of students graduate within four years, and the 43% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many face balancing work and studies. TU attracts students who want hands-on learning in fields like cybersecurity, accounting, and homeland security rather than a traditional liberal arts experience.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 44.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.0%
Retention Rate: 60.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,942
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Human Resources Management and Services.	Master	$55,547
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$39,369
Psychology, Other.	Master	$39,153
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other.	Bachelor	$38,871
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$30,988

View all 78 programs →

Campus Life

Tiffin sits 50 miles south of Toledo in rural northwestern Ohio, where winters bring heavy snow and temperatures that regularly dip below freezing. You'll need a solid winter coat for the long stretch from December through March. About 53% of the 1,938 students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community feel in this small college town.

The Dragons compete in 20 varsity sports with 941 total athletes, making athletics a major part of campus culture. Nearly half the student body participates in some form of organized sports. Weekend activities center around NCAA Division II games, especially football and basketball, which draw strong crowds from the 66% of students who come from Ohio. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but it also means fewer course options than larger universities. Students often head to nearby Findlay or make the hour drive to Toledo for entertainment beyond campus events. The small-town setting creates strong bonds among students, though some find the limited nightlife options restrictive after freshman year.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 1,037 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1888

Campus Safety (2023)

47 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	8	8
Stalking	9	3
Rape	6	4
Fondling	3	3
Aggravated Assault	2	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–32°F
July Avg: 63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.5"
Annual Snowfall: -1,525.5"

Student Demographics

Tiffin attracts a diverse student body that reflects Ohio's changing demographics. Two-thirds of students come from in-state, showing the university's strong regional reputation in business and criminal justice programs. The campus draws significant numbers of Black students at 17%, well above national averages for private colleges. With over 35% receiving Pell Grants, Tiffin serves many first-generation college students seeking practical career preparation. The even gender split reflects balanced enrollment across the university's business, justice studies, and liberal arts programs. Most students value hands-on learning and direct pathways to employment after graduation.

Men: 50.3%
Women: 49.7%
White: 52.2%
Black: 16.9%
Hispanic: 0.9%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 66.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.5%

Location

Tiffin University sits in the small town of Tiffin, Ohio, about 50 miles southeast of Toledo and 90 miles north of Columbus. The campus draws 66.73% of its students from within Ohio, reflecting its strong regional appeal. Tiffin itself has a population of around 17,000, creating an intimate college town atmosphere where the university's 1,938 students make up a significant portion of the community. The surrounding Seneca County is known for its agricultural heritage and small-town character, offering students a quiet environment focused on academics rather than urban distractions. The setting provides easy access to both Toledo and Columbus for internships and job opportunities. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Tiffin University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tiffin, Ohio 44883

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,942
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,664
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 23.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Tiffin University?

Tiffin University accepts 82.84% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The Dragons have built their reputation around giving students opportunities, particularly in business and criminal justice programs that connect directly to career outcomes.

How much does Tiffin University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,758 annually after aid, with the lowest-income families paying around $20,982. The monthly loan payment averages $286, reflecting the university's focus on keeping education affordable for working-class families in Ohio.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Tiffin University?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1 across the 1,938 enrolled students. Tiffin emphasizes hands-on learning and professional preparation, particularly through its well-known criminal justice and business programs that prepare students for immediate employment.

What are the graduation and employment rates at Tiffin University?

The four-year graduation rate is 44.10%, while 97.3% of graduates find employment. Tiffin's strength lies in career-focused education that gets students into the workforce quickly, with median earnings of $35,942 ten years after graduation.

Where is Tiffin University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Tiffin, Ohio, a small town setting that houses 1,037 students in on-campus facilities. With 941 total athletes competing in 20 varsity sports, the Dragons create a tight-knit community where athletics play a central role in student life.

How strong is Tiffin University's athletic program?

Tiffin awards $5,524,912 in athletic scholarships across 20 NCAA Division II sports, supporting 941 student-athletes. The Dragons compete in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference and have built a reputation as a destination for student-athletes seeking both competitive sports and career-focused academics.