Skip to main content

Urban Colleges in Ohio

47 schools in Ohio. See our methodology.

Case Western Reserve University commands the highest median earnings at $87,989, reflecting Ohio's strong healthcare and research sectors where Cleveland Clinic and other medical institutions recruit heavily. The state's 47 urban colleges show remarkable cost variation, from Gods Bible School's $3,138 net price to Case Western's $38,909. Ohio State University enrolls 44,617 students while maintaining an 87.7% graduation rate, demonstrating how large public institutions can deliver results at scale. Healthcare-focused programs dominate the top performers, with nursing colleges like Mount Carmel and Good Samaritan posting graduation rates above 70%. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant helps make these urban campuses accessible, particularly important given the range of acceptance rates from Case Western's selective 27.4% to Franklin University's open enrollment approach. Manufacturing giants like Honda and emerging tech companies in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland create strong job pipelines for graduates.
47
Schools
$21,950
Avg. Net Price
$51,169
Avg. Earnings
54.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Ohio

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Large 44,617 $18,292 87.7%
2 City-Small 543 $15,156 65.0%
3 City-Large 6,108 $38,909 87.0%
4 City-Large 573 $12,939 70.9%
5 City-Large 455 $22,626 75.0%
6 City-Midsize 44 $18,284 85.7%
7 City-Large 762 $19,462 60.0%
8 City-Large 982 $15,709 44.6%
9 City-Small 232 $21,873 51.9%
10 City-Midsize 8,099 $31,236 81.5%
11 City-Large 29,094 $23,156 71.5%
12 City-Small 2,775 $23,987 77.1%
13 City-Large 218 45.0%
14 City-Large 5,111 $22,605 30.3%
15 City-Large 285 $3,138 50.0%
16 City-Midsize 12,585 $5,741 31.9%
17 City-Large 10,244 $17,460 55.6%
18 City-Large 331 $27,952 71.3%
19 City-Large 9,077 $16,065 48.9%
20 City-Large 193 $32,623 68.5%
21 City-Small 7,340 $11,877 52.9%
22 City-Large 824 $25,617 74.0%
23 City-Large 12,641 $4,538 28.6%
24 City-Large 785 $19,476 47.9%
25 City-Small 3,134 $8,615 24.7%
26 City-Small 13,293 $4,181 29.7%
27 City-Large 4,723 $32,342 70.5%
28 City-Midsize 10,011 $14,981 48.2%
29 City-Large 17,128 $7,233 25.1%
30 City-Large 374 $32,285 54.5%
31 City-Large 5,283 $7,113 20.4%
32 City-Large 336 $32,074
33 City-Large 560 $41,480 67.5%
34 City-Small 777 $22,881 51.3%
35 City-Small 189 $34,709 61.9%
36 City-Large 214 $63,922 76.9%
37 City-Large 891 $30,139 61.3%
38 City-Large 352 $25,886 41.5%
39 City-Small 1,269 $19,470 53.8%
40 City-Large 3,091 $29,682 19.4%
41 City-Large 95 $22,263 8.3%
42 City-Midsize 121 $16,023 77.9%
43 City-Large 254 $38,041 44.4%
44 City-Large 63 $8,602
45 City-Large 395 $25,171 60.7%
46 City-Large 45 27.3%
47 City-Large 29

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio's urban colleges particularly strong for healthcare careers?

Seven of the top 15 schools specialize in nursing or health sciences, with Mount Carmel College graduates earning $75,103 median salary. Ohio's major medical centers like Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center create direct career pathways. These specialized programs maintain graduation rates between 60-75%, well above the state average of 62%.

How do costs vary among Ohio's urban colleges?

Net prices span from $3,138 at Gods Bible School to $38,909 at Case Western Reserve University. Most nursing colleges fall in the $12,000-22,000 range, making healthcare education relatively affordable. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides additional aid, with 67% of students receiving some form of financial assistance across urban campuses.

Is it easier to get into large or small urban colleges in Ohio?

Large universities tend to be more selective. Ohio State accepts 52.7% of applicants while enrolling 44,617 students. Smaller specialized schools like Good Samaritan College accept 75% with just 455 students. However, Case Western proves exceptions exist, accepting only 27.4% despite its urban Cleveland location and 6,108 enrollment.

Does graduating from an Ohio urban college guarantee high earnings?

Median earnings range dramatically from $30,855 to $87,989 depending on field and school. Healthcare programs consistently produce higher earners, with nursing graduates averaging above $65,000. However, 30% of programs show earnings below $50,000, making program selection important for financial outcomes.

Where do most Ohio urban college graduates find employment?

Ohio's urban centers Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati retain 78% of graduates within state borders. Major employers include Cleveland Clinic, Honda manufacturing, and Columbus tech companies. The state's $684 billion economy provides opportunities across healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technology sectors concentrated in these urban areas.

What graduation rates can students expect at Ohio's urban colleges?

Graduation rates span 30.3% to 87.7%, with clear patterns emerging. Ohio State and Case Western both achieve 87%+ rates despite different student populations. Nursing schools consistently graduate 60-75% of students. However, schools serving working adults like Franklin University show 30.3% rates, reflecting different student needs and attendance patterns.

Related

Urban Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Ohio Cheapest Programs in Ohio

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.