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Rural Colleges in Ohio

31 schools in Ohio. See our methodology.

Kenyon College stands apart among Ohio's 31 rural institutions with an 86.8% graduation rate and $71,830 median earnings, making it the clear academic leader despite its $29,383 net price. The state's rural college market spans from this selective liberal arts school in Gambier to community colleges like North Central State, which costs just $4,304 annually. Ohio's rural schools serve 20,565 students across small towns and farming communities, with acceptance rates ranging from Kenyon's competitive 34.3% to more accessible options above 90%. These institutions connect directly to Ohio's economy through programs supporting the state's major employers like Cleveland Clinic and Honda. Community colleges particularly align with Ohio's manufacturing base, while schools like Cedarville University bridge liberal arts education with professional preparation. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant helps make these options financially viable for residents. Graduation rates vary significantly, from 10.2% to 86.8%, reflecting the different missions these schools serve in their communities.
31
Schools
$13,378
Avg. Net Price
$46,008
Avg. Earnings
34.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Ohio

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Fringe 1,753 $29,383 86.8%
2 Rural-Distant 1,037 $13,696 46.7%
3 Rural-Distant 3,815 $25,022 74.3%
4 Rural-Distant 84 $8,173 47.1%
5 Rural-Fringe 54 $6,740 40.0%
6 Rural-Fringe 1,545 $8,851 32.9%
7 Rural-Fringe 484 $5,919 38.5%
8 Rural-Fringe 656 $12,458 18.1%
9 Rural-Fringe 1,502 $8,503 31.5%
10 Rural-Fringe 1,187 $4,304 34.2%
11 Rural-Fringe 1,120 $11,691 36.1%
12 Rural-Fringe 305 $4,503 20.0%
13 Rural-Fringe 1,127 $11,593 28.2%
14 Rural-Fringe 726 $16,512 14.1%
15 Rural-Fringe 1,648 $10,679 26.8%
16 Rural-Distant 1,547 $10,964 25.9%
17 Rural-Fringe 1,648 $13,362 29.0%
18 Rural-Fringe 657 $6,133 13.7%
19 Rural-Distant 731 $20,088 59.1%
20 Rural-Fringe 1,134 $17,791 10.2%
21 Rural-Distant 795 $29,541 32.2%
22 Rural-Fringe 984 $12,603 42.5%
23 Rural-Fringe 816 $21,607 35.7%
24 Rural-Distant 1,407 $20,204 52.7%
25 Rural-Fringe 602 $7,349 16.0%
26 Rural-Distant 595 $17,430 49.5%
27 Rural-Fringe 489 $9,717 9.6%
28 Rural-Fringe 3,412 $16,544 25.6%
29 Rural-Fringe 107
30 Rural-Fringe 127 $6,602 26.3%
31 Rural-Fringe

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Kenyon College different from other rural Ohio schools?

Kenyon College graduates earn $71,830 median salaries, significantly higher than other rural Ohio institutions. With an 86.8% graduation rate and 34.3% acceptance rate, it operates as a highly selective liberal arts college among 1,753 students in Gambier, contrasting sharply with the community college model prevalent elsewhere in rural Ohio.

How affordable are Ohio's rural community colleges?

Ohio's rural community colleges range from $4,304 at North Central State College to $13,696 at Northwest State Community College. Most fall below $12,000 annually, making them accessible options. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides additional support, helping students avoid significant debt while gaining skills for Ohio's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Is it harder to graduate from rural Ohio colleges?

Graduation rates at Ohio's rural colleges span from 10.2% to 86.8%, with community colleges typically showing lower completion rates than four-year institutions. However, many rural students attend part-time while working, which affects traditional graduation metrics. Schools like Cedarville University maintain a 74.3% graduation rate, demonstrating strong completion rates are achievable.

Does attending rural Ohio colleges lead to good career outcomes?

Rural Ohio college graduates earn between $35,329 and $71,830 median salaries. Even smaller institutions like Rosedale Bible College with 84 students produce graduates earning $35,558. Many programs directly connect to Ohio's major employers, including healthcare systems like Cleveland Clinic and manufacturing companies throughout the state's rural regions.

Where do Ohio State's rural campuses fit among these options?

Ohio State's Lima and Mansfield campuses offer university education in rural settings with net costs of $12,458 and $16,512 respectively. Their graduates earn $60,409, reflecting the Ohio State degree value. However, graduation rates of 18.1% and 14.1% indicate many students transfer to complete degrees at the main Columbus campus.

What types of programs do these rural colleges emphasize?

Ohio's rural colleges focus heavily on healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture programs that serve local economies. Community colleges like Edison State and Terra State prepare students for technical careers, while schools like Cedarville University offer broader liberal arts programs. Many maintain partnerships with employers like Honda and regional healthcare systems.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.