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Case Western Reserve University stands out among Ohio's 22 Division III institutions with graduates earning $87,989 annually, nearly double the state's lowest earner at $48,440. This Cleveland powerhouse maintains an 87.0% graduation rate while accepting just 27.4% of applicants, reflecting the academic rigor that connects to Ohio's research-heavy economy. The state's smaller colleges offer compelling value propositions, with Mount St. Joseph University charging just $16,135 net price compared to Oberlin's $39,184. Ohio's manufacturing and healthcare sectors, anchored by employers like Honda and Cleveland Clinic, create strong job markets for graduates across disciplines. The state's college market spans from Kenyon's 1,753 students in rural Gambier to Baldwin Wallace's 2,775 enrollment in suburban Berea. Ohio College Opportunity Grant programs help make these institutions accessible, with graduation rates ranging from 36.7% to 87.0% reflecting varying student preparation and institutional support. Acceptance rates span dramatically from Denison's selective 22.0% to Hiram's open 93.1%, giving students multiple pathways into higher education.
22
Schools
$24,872
Avg. Net Price
$57,819
Avg. Earnings
65.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division III Colleges in Ohio

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 6,108 $38,909 87.0% 27.4%
2 2,386 $25,727 74.2% 54.4%
3 1,753 $29,383 86.8% 34.3%
4 2,398 $38,111 80.1% 22.0%
5 2,950 $39,184 79.5% 34.9%
6 2,775 $23,987 77.1% 66.7%
7 2,228 $28,617 76.5% 82.4%
8 1,876 $25,766 73.6% 56.3%
9 1,100 $16,135 54.7% 54.4%
10 2,775 $27,654 68.6% 77.0%
11 1,785 $22,539 64.9% 75.8%
12 2,055 $22,140 68.9% 83.7%
13 1,709 $23,585 65.5% 72.2%
14 1,450 $21,619 61.7% 52.2%
15 731 $20,088 59.1% 93.1%
16 1,035 $18,372 58.1% 82.9%
17 884 $21,662 49.8% 71.4%
18 924 $22,872 55.1% 88.1%
19 1,407 $20,204 52.7% 86.4%
20 454 $23,722 36.7% 62.9%
21 1,269 $19,470 53.8% 93.9%
22 595 $17,430 49.5% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Case Western Reserve University unique among Ohio Division III schools?

Case Western leads with $87,989 average graduate earnings and an 87.0% graduation rate while maintaining selectivity at 27.4% acceptance. The Cleveland research university connects directly to Ohio's healthcare and technology sectors, with strong ties to Cleveland Clinic and regional medical institutions that drive the state's economy.

How much do Ohio Division III colleges typically cost students?

Net prices range from $16,135 at Mount St. Joseph University to $39,184 at Oberlin College. Most schools fall between $20,000-$30,000 annually. Ohio College Opportunity Grant programs help reduce costs, making these institutions more accessible than many out-of-state alternatives while providing quality education.

Is there a connection between acceptance rates and graduate success at these schools?

Schools with lower acceptance rates generally show higher earnings and graduation rates. Denison accepts 22.0% of applicants and graduates earn $67,753, while Hiram accepts 93.1% with graduates earning $54,311. However, several moderately selective schools like Ohio Northern achieve strong $80,928 graduate earnings with 54.4% acceptance.

Where do graduates from these colleges typically find employment in Ohio?

Ohio's healthcare systems like Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center hire many graduates, while manufacturing companies including Honda provide opportunities in engineering and business. The state's growing technology sector in Columbus and Cleveland creates demand for computer science and analytics graduates from these institutions.

What size schools dominate Ohio's Division III market?

Most Ohio Division III schools enroll between 1,000-3,000 students, with the smallest being Hiram at 731 students and largest being Case Western at 6,108. This mid-size range allows for close faculty relationships while maintaining sufficient resources and campus activities for student engagement.

How do graduation rates vary across Ohio Division III institutions?

Graduation rates span from 36.7% to 87.0%, with elite institutions like Case Western and Kenyon achieving rates above 85%. Mid-tier schools typically graduate 60-75% of students, while open-access institutions show lower completion rates. Financial aid availability and academic support programs significantly influence these outcomes.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.