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Ohio State University stands as the state's educational giant with 44,617 students and an 87.7% graduation rate, commanding the lowest acceptance rate at 52.7% among Ohio's 13 Division I institutions. The price spectrum tells an interesting story, ranging from Youngstown State's affordable $11,877 net cost to Xavier University's $32,342 premium. University of Dayton graduates earn the highest median salary at $75,537, while the state's healthcare and manufacturing sectors provide strong career pathways. Wright State opens doors widest with a 95.2% acceptance rate, creating opportunities across Ohio's economic market. The state's commitment through programs like the Ohio College Opportunity Grant helps bridge affordability gaps, while major employers including Cleveland Clinic and Honda create direct pipelines from campus to career. Miami University in Oxford delivers an 81.8% graduation rate with broad 87.9% acceptance, showing how selectivity and success don't always correlate. These institutions collectively serve over 196,000 students, feeding talent into Ohio's growing tech corridor and established industrial base.
13
Schools
$20,710
Avg. Net Price
$53,614
Avg. Earnings
64.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Ohio

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 44,617 $18,292 87.7% 52.7%
2 16,361 $27,662 81.8% 87.9%
3 8,099 $31,236 81.5% 74.1%
4 29,094 $23,156 71.5% 86.2%
5 18,456 $20,413 66.4% 86.5%
6 12,255 $20,918 62.8% 78.7%
7 19,134 $19,614 65.5% 88.0%
8 10,244 $17,460 55.6% 92.2%
9 9,077 $16,065 48.9% 85.3%
10 7,340 $11,877 52.9% 80.6%
11 4,723 $32,342 70.5% 84.5%
12 10,011 $14,981 48.2% 82.9%
13 6,330 $15,216 45.9% 95.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio State University different from other Division I schools in Ohio?

Ohio State enrolls 44,617 students, making it roughly three times larger than any other Division I school in the state. Its 52.7% acceptance rate is the most selective, yet it maintains an 87.7% graduation rate. The $18,292 net cost sits in the middle range despite its research university status.

How do graduation rates vary across Ohio Division I colleges?

Graduation rates span from Wright State's 45.9% to Ohio State's 87.7%, a 42-point difference. Miami University and University of Dayton both exceed 81%, while six schools fall below 66%. The variation often correlates with admission selectivity and institutional resources.

Is there a connection between college costs and graduate earnings in Ohio?

Xavier University charges the highest net price at $32,342 but produces graduates earning $64,873 annually. However, University of Dayton students pay slightly less at $31,236 yet earn the most at $75,537. Youngstown State costs just $11,877 with graduates earning $41,544.

Does acceptance rate predict graduation success at Ohio colleges?

Wright State accepts 95.2% of applicants but graduates only 45.9% of students. Conversely, Ohio State accepts 52.7% yet graduates 87.7%. Miami University balances both with 87.9% acceptance and 81.8% graduation, suggesting institutional support matters more than selectivity.

Where do Ohio Division I graduates find the best career opportunities?

University of Dayton leads with $75,537 median earnings, likely benefiting from aerospace and engineering connections. Xavier graduates earn $64,873, while Ohio State produces $60,409 earners. Ohio's healthcare systems, manufacturing base, and growing tech sector provide strong employment pathways statewide.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.