2026 Best Value Value Schools in Ohio

1

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Leading the list is Youngstown State University, our #1 best value for value in Ohio. Youngstown State University is a large public school located in the city of Youngstown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Value graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Youngstown State University generally make around $49,025. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

2

University Of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH

A rank of #2 makes University Of Akron Main Campus one of the best values for value. Set in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Akron Main Campus generally make around $49,045. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants.

3

Wright State University Main Campus
Dayton, OH

Wright State University Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Wright State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Dayton. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $25,836 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Wright State University Main Campus generally make around $49,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants.

4

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kent State University At Kent earned it the #4 place for value. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $44,776. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants.

5

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio University Main Campus earned it the #5 place for value. Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Athens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Value graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Value graduates of Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of $49,736 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

6

Franklin University
Columbus, OH

Franklin University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Columbus, Franklin University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,577. Typical student debt for value graduates is $35,890. Value graduates of Franklin University earn a median of $57,471 early in their careers. Set against $35,890 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.