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Suburban Colleges in Ohio

50 schools in Ohio. See our methodology.

Denison University stands apart from Ohio's suburban college market with an 80.1% graduation rate that nearly doubles the state average, while charging a net price of $38,111 that reflects its selective 22% acceptance rate. The contrast tells Ohio's educational story: specialized nursing and technical programs like Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati produce graduates earning $61,480, while regional campuses of major universities offer accessible pathways into Ohio's healthcare and manufacturing economy. Kent State's main campus serves 19,134 students with an 88% acceptance rate, demonstrating how suburban settings support both intimate liberal arts education and large-scale public university operations. Ohio's manufacturing giants like Honda and healthcare leaders including Cleveland Clinic create steady demand for graduates across all price points, from ETI Technical College's $13,775 programs to Denison's premium liberal arts experience. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant helps bridge affordability gaps, particularly relevant when comparing Miami University-Hamilton's $13,346 cost against its main campus premiums. Regional campuses of Ohio State and Cincinnati offer big university credentials at community college prices, with UC-Clermont delivering $54,810 median earnings for just $9,457 in annual costs.
50
Schools
$19,262
Avg. Net Price
$44,262
Avg. Earnings
45.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Ohio

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Small 2,398 $38,111 80.1%
2 Suburb-Large 670 $29,150 54.8%
3 Suburb-Large 402 $20,237 67.4%
4 Suburb-Midsize 165 $21,181 71.1%
5 Suburb-Small 2,572 $20,609 54.2%
6 Suburb-Large 264 $25,439 71.4%
7 Suburb-Large 182 $13,775 62.5%
8 Suburb-Small 2,302 $14,814 30.9%
9 Suburb-Large 2,626 $11,310 37.3%
10 Suburb-Large 2,606 $9,457 24.6%
11 Suburb-Small 871 $13,824 24.5%
12 Suburb-Large 19,134 $19,614 65.5%
13 Suburb-Large 520 $19,881 55.6%
14 Suburb-Small 24 $28,674 50.0%
15 Suburb-Large 2,025 $13,346 21.6%
16 Suburb-Large 1,294 $20,004 61.7%
17 Suburb-Midsize 5,394 $4,598 32.7%
18 Suburb-Midsize 461 $5,328 19.3%
19 Suburb-Large 2,228 $28,617 76.5%
20 Suburb-Large 1,100 $16,135 54.7%
21 Suburb-Large 2,775 $27,654 68.6%
22 Suburb-Large 4,184 $10,202 31.6%
23 Suburb-Large 4,104 $9,219 15.1%
24 Suburb-Large 133 $22,254 48.4%
25 Suburb-Large 489 $26,023 42.6%
26 Suburb-Large 403 $23,813 40.8%
27 Suburb-Large 460 $24,335 41.9%
28 Suburb-Large 2,055 $22,140 68.9%
29 Suburb-Large 1,709 $23,585 65.5%
30 Suburb-Large 3,143 $7,557 23.1%
31 Suburb-Large 1,450 $21,619 61.7%
32 Suburb-Small 1,549 $10,075 24.2%
33 Suburb-Large 98 $20,743 41.2%
34 Suburb-Large 761 $27,674 32.3%
35 Suburb-Large 6,330 $15,216 45.9%
36 Suburb-Large 5,803 $6,693 22.7%
37 Suburb-Large 678 $21,296 41.9%
38 Suburb-Large 668 $21,596 38.1%
39 Suburb-Large 630 $18,027 53.2%
40 Suburb-Large 522 $14,325 20.7%
41 Suburb-Large 1,049 $20,477 36.6%
42 Suburb-Large 787 $30,096 52.6%
43 Suburb-Midsize 14
44 Suburb-Large 344 $32,097 46.5%
45 Suburb-Large 1,273 $26,304 42.3%
46 Suburb-Large 378 $20,320 21.2%
47 Suburb-Large 84
48 Suburb-Large 65
49 Suburb-Large 57 $8,603 53.3%
50 Suburb-Large 101

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate gap between Ohio's suburban colleges?

Graduation rates span from 19.3% to 80.1% based primarily on institutional mission and student preparation. Denison University's 80% rate reflects its selective admissions and residential liberal arts model, while regional campuses like Miami-Hamilton at 21.6% serve more part-time students juggling work commitments. Technical colleges average 60-70% completion rates.

How do nursing programs perform compared to other suburban Ohio colleges?

Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati graduates earn $61,480 with a 54.8% graduation rate, reflecting strong job market demand but rigorous academic requirements. Nursing programs typically show higher earnings potential than general education tracks, with Ohio's healthcare sector including Cleveland Clinic driving consistent employment opportunities for qualified graduates.

Is attending a regional campus worth the cost savings?

Regional campuses offer significant value with Ohio State-Newark costing $14,814 while delivering $60,409 median earnings. UC-Clermont provides strong return at $9,457 annual cost for $54,810 earnings potential. These campuses serve students who need flexibility while accessing major university resources and employer recognition.

What technical college opportunities exist in suburban Ohio?

ETI Technical College charges just $13,775 with 62.5% graduation rate, while University of Northwestern Ohio serves 2,572 students in Lima with programs aligned to Ohio's automotive and manufacturing sectors. Professional Skills Institute achieves 67.4% completion rates, demonstrating that focused technical training produces reliable workforce outcomes.

Where do Kent State's suburban campuses fit academically?

Kent State at Stark enrolls 2,626 students with 37.3% graduation rate at $11,310 cost, while the main Kent campus serves 19,134 students with 65.5% graduation rate. The branch campuses provide accessible entry points to four-year degrees, often serving working adults and first-generation college students in manufacturing regions.

How does Ohio's job market influence suburban college outcomes?

Ohio's healthcare, manufacturing, and emerging tech sectors drive strong employment outcomes, with graduates earning $30,389 to $67,753 depending on program focus. Companies like Honda and Cleveland Clinic actively recruit from regional programs. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant helps students access training for these growing industries.

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