2026 Best Value Education Schools in Ohio

1

Cuyahoga Community College District
Cleveland, OH

Our analysis ranked Cuyahoga Community College District the best value for a degree in education in Ohio. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. Education graduates carry a median of $11,564 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Cuyahoga Community College District generally make around $30,880. That is a strong return on a $11,564 median debt.

2

Sinclair Community College
Dayton, OH

Students looking for strong value in education will find it at Sinclair Community College, which ranked #2. Sinclair Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Dayton. Students from in state pay about $3,675 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,129 to complete the education program here. Early-career education graduates make about $24,950. Set against $12,129 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Blue Ash, OH

University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a large public school located in the suburb of Blue Ash. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,904. Typical student debt for education graduates is $21,616. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College generally make around $29,867. Set against $21,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
Cincinnati, OH

A rank of #4 makes Cincinnati State Technical And Community College one of the best values for education. Located in the city of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Students borrow a median of $20,710 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of Cincinnati State Technical And Community College earn a median of $30,102 early in their careers. Set against $20,710 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

University Of Cincinnati Clermont College
Batavia, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Cincinnati Clermont College earned it the #5 place for education. Set in the suburb of Batavia, University Of Cincinnati Clermont College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,639, while out-of-state students pay about $13,871. Education graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Clermont College generally make around $29,867. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt.

6

Stark State College
North Canton, OH

Stark State College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the suburb of North Canton, Stark State College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. Typical student debt for education graduates is $15,957. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Stark State College generally make around $42,724. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

University Of Akron Wayne College
Orrville, OH

University Of Akron Wayne College came in at #7 for value in education this year. Set in the rural area of Orrville, University Of Akron Wayne College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,723, while out-of-state students pay about $15,403. Education graduates carry a median of $21,669 in student loans. Early-career education graduates make about $36,776. Set against $21,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

8

Owens Community College
Perrysburg, OH

Owens Community College landed the #8 spot for education value this year. Set in the suburb of Perrysburg, Owens Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,870 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Typical student debt for education graduates is $15,250. Early-career education graduates make about $22,645. That is a strong return on a $15,250 median debt.

9

Washington State Community College
Marietta, OH

Washington State Community College came in at #9 for value in education this year. Located in the town of Marietta, Washington State Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,128, while out-of-state students pay about $4,152. Education graduates carry a median of $16,291 in student loans. Education graduates of Washington State Community College earn a median of $45,305 early in their careers. Set against $16,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Ohio State University Marion Campus
Marion, OH

Ohio State University Marion Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Ohio State University Marion Campus is a small public school located in the town of Marion. Students from in state pay about $9,488 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,266. Students borrow a median of $24,216 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of Ohio State University Marion Campus earn a median of $36,485 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,216 median debt.

11

Ohio State University Lima Campus
Lima, OH

Ohio State University Lima Campus came in at #11 for value in education this year. Located in the rural area of Lima, Ohio State University Lima Campus is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,488, with out-of-state students paying around $36,266. Education graduates carry a median of $24,216 in student loans. Education graduates of Ohio State University Lima Campus earn a median of $36,486 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,216 median debt.

12

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University placed #12 among the best values for education. Set in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $27,417 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of Youngstown State University earn a median of $34,398 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,417 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

13

Kent State University At Tuscarawas
New Philadelphia, OH

Kent State University At Tuscarawas earned the #13 position for value in education this year. Set in the town of New Philadelphia, Kent State University At Tuscarawas is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,211, with out-of-state students paying around $17,969. Typical student debt for education graduates is $21,637. Education graduates of Kent State University At Tuscarawas earn a median of $25,808 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,637 median debt.

14

Hocking College
Nelsonville, OH

Hocking College came in at #14 for value in education this year. Set in the rural area of Nelsonville, Hocking College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,646 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,290. Education graduates carry a median of $16,535 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Hocking College generally make around $37,713. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Ohio State University Newark Campus
Newark, OH

Ohio State University Newark Campus placed #15 among the best values for education. Located in the suburb of Newark, Ohio State University Newark Campus is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,488, while out-of-state students pay about $36,266. Typical student debt for education graduates is $24,216. Education graduates of Ohio State University Newark Campus earn a median of $36,486 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

16

Wright State University Main Campus
Dayton, OH

Wright State University Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Education graduates carry a median of $26,120 in student loans. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Wright State University Main Campus generally make around $42,787. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

17

Kent State University At Salem
Salem, OH

Kent State University At Salem placed #17 among the best values for education. Located in the rural area of Salem, Kent State University At Salem is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,211 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,969. Education graduates carry a median of $21,637 in student loans. Education graduates of Kent State University At Salem earn a median of $25,808 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18

University Of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $26,835 to complete the education program here. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from University Of Akron Main Campus generally make around $39,623. Set against $26,835 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.

19

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University placed #19 among the best values for education. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Typical student debt for education graduates is $26,950. Education graduates of Cleveland State University earn a median of $49,008 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cleveland State University admits about 91% of applicants.

20

Bluffton University
Bluffton, OH

Bluffton University placed #20 among the best values for education. Set in the rural area of Bluffton, Bluffton University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,362 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for education graduates is $29,000. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Bluffton University generally make around $41,821. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.

21

College Of Mount St Joseph
Cincinnati, OH

College Of Mount St Joseph placed #21 among the best values for education. College Of Mount St Joseph is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Cincinnati. Students from in state pay about $38,150 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,343 to complete the education program here. Early-career education graduates make about $43,888. Set against $28,343 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Mount St Joseph admits about 59% of applicants.

22

Wright State University Lake Campus
Celina, OH

Wright State University Lake Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the rural area of Celina, Wright State University Lake Campus is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,372, with out-of-state students paying around $17,072. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the education program here. Education graduates of Wright State University Lake Campus earn a median of $36,332 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

23

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value education schools. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical student debt for education graduates is $23,973. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $47,922. Set against $23,973 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

24

Bowling Green State University Firelands
Huron, OH

Bowling Green State University Firelands earned the #24 position for value in education this year. Bowling Green State University Firelands is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Huron. In-state tuition and fees average $6,131, compared with $14,119 for out-of-state students. Education graduates carry a median of $13,090 in student loans. Education graduates of Bowling Green State University Firelands earn a median of $45,610 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,090 median debt.

25

University Of Toledo
Toledo, OH

University Of Toledo landed the #25 spot for education value this year. Set in the city of Toledo, University Of Toledo is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for education graduates is $22,837. Soon after graduation, education degree recipients from University Of Toledo generally make around $43,669. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.