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Small Colleges in Ohio

50 schools in Ohio. See our methodology.

Ohio's small college market defies conventional wisdom about size and value. Mount Carmel College of Nursing proves that specialized institutions can deliver strong returns, with graduates earning $75,103 annually from a school of just 573 students. The state's 136 small colleges span an impressive earnings range from $30,389 to $80,928, reflecting Ohio's varied economy from healthcare powerhouses like Cleveland Clinic to manufacturing giants like Honda. Kettering College stands out with its unique positioning in Dayton's aerospace corridor, charging students a net price of just $15,156 while maintaining selective 34% admissions. These schools align closely with Ohio's job market priorities, particularly in nursing and healthcare where multiple specialized colleges feed directly into the state's medical systems. Graduation rates vary dramatically from 41% to 87%, often correlating with program focus rather than overall institutional resources. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant helps make these options accessible, though net prices still range from $7,423 to $39,184. What emerges is a system where small scale enables targeted career preparation, with nursing schools like Good Samaritan achieving 75% graduation rates while maintaining open enrollment policies. Ohio's small colleges serve as direct pipelines to the state's key industries, offering students clear pathways to careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and emerging technology sectors that drive the regional economy.
50
Schools
$16,378
Avg. Net Price
$49,957
Avg. Earnings
49.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Ohio

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 543 $15,156 65.0% 34.4%
2 573 $12,939 70.9% 63.4%
3 2,386 $25,727 74.2% 54.4%
4 455 $22,626 75.0% 75.0%
5 44 $18,284 85.7%
6 1,753 $29,383 86.8% 34.3%
7 2,398 $38,111 80.1% 22.0%
8 670 $29,150 54.8%
9 762 $19,462 60.0% 71.1%
10 402 $20,237 67.4% 56.2%
11 982 $15,709 44.6% 46.2%
12 431 $17,769 41.2%
13 165 $21,181 71.1%
14 2,572 $20,609 54.2%
15 264 $25,439 71.4%
16 232 $21,873 51.9% 55.1%
17 182 $13,775 62.5%
18 1,037 $13,696 46.7%
19 717 $7,423 53.0%
20 2,950 $39,184 79.5% 34.9%
21 2,302 $14,814 30.9%
22 149 $17,180 66.7%
23 2,775 $23,987 77.1% 66.7%
24 3,815 $25,022 74.3% 64.9%
25 842 $11,800 25.7%
26 2,626 $11,310 37.3%
27 1,502 $11,480 37.1%
28 84 $8,173 47.1%
29 2,606 $9,457 24.6%
30 2,300 $15,389 43.0%
31 218 45.0% 50.0%
32 871 $13,824 24.5%
33 520 $19,881 55.6%
34 285 $3,138 50.0% 63.8%
35 24 $28,674 50.0%
36 54 $6,740 40.0%
37 1,545 $8,851 32.9%
38 2,025 $13,346 21.6%
39 484 $5,919 38.5%
40 656 $12,458 18.1%
41 1,294 $20,004 61.7% 72.5%
42 1,502 $8,503 31.5%
43 1,187 $4,304 34.2%
44 2,250 $21,994 60.6% 71.8%
45 1,120 $11,691 36.1%
46 305 $4,503 20.0%
47 1,127 $11,593 28.2%
48 1,002 $8,913 32.1%
49 461 $5,328 19.3%
50 726 $16,512 14.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio's small colleges different from larger universities?

Small colleges in Ohio focus heavily on career preparation, with nursing schools comprising many top performers. Mount Carmel College of Nursing achieves $75,103 graduate earnings with just 573 students, while Kettering College serves 543 students with targeted programs. These institutions often maintain direct relationships with major Ohio employers like Cleveland Clinic and Honda.

How much do small colleges in Ohio typically cost?

Net prices range from $7,423 to $39,184 across Ohio's 136 small colleges. Kettering College offers strong value at $15,156 net cost, while Denison University represents the premium end at $38,111. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant helps reduce costs for eligible students, making specialized programs more accessible.

Is admission competitive at Ohio's small colleges?

Acceptance rates span from 22% to 75%, with selectivity varying by program type. Denison University accepts just 22% of applicants, while Good Samaritan College of Nursing admits 75%. Healthcare-focused schools often balance accessibility with program requirements, creating moderate selectivity around 50-60% acceptance rates.

Does program specialization affect graduation rates?

Graduation rates range from 41% to 87%, with specialized programs often outperforming general education institutions. International College of Broadcasting achieves 86% completion with just 44 students, while nursing schools average around 65-75%. Career-focused programs typically show higher completion rates than broad liberal arts offerings.

What career outcomes can students expect?

Graduate earnings range from $30,389 to $80,928, reflecting Ohio's varied economy. Ohio Northern University leads at $80,928 annually, while nursing programs consistently produce $65,000-75,000 earners. Healthcare specializations dominate high-earning outcomes, aligning with Ohio's major medical systems and research hospitals.

Where are Ohio's top-performing small colleges located?

Leading institutions spread across Ohio's major metropolitan areas. Cincinnati hosts three nursing colleges, Columbus features Mount Carmel, and Kettering serves Dayton's aerospace industry. Rural locations like Gambier (Kenyon) and Ada (Ohio Northern) offer different advantages, with 86.8% and 74.2% graduation rates respectively.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.