2026 Best Value Value Schools in Ohio

1

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Our analysis ranked Ohio State University Main Campus the best value for a degree in value in Ohio. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $21,887 in student loans. Value graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $50,294 early in their careers. Set against $21,887 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

2

Wright State University Main Campus
Dayton, OH

A rank of #2 makes Wright State University Main Campus one of the best values for value. Located in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,836 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $47,732. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants.

3

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,336 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Cleveland State University earn a median of $45,470 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,336 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Toledo
Toledo, OH

Students looking for strong value in value will find it at University Of Toledo, which ranked #4. University Of Toledo is a large public school located in the city of Toledo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,157, while out-of-state students pay about $21,517. Typical student debt for value graduates is $24,923. Value graduates of University Of Toledo earn a median of $52,675 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Toledo admits about 92% of applicants.

5

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

A rank of #5 makes Kent State University At Kent one of the best values for value. Set in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Typical student debt for value graduates is $25,174. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Kent State University At Kent generally make around $66,131. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants.

6

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #6 for value in value this year. Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Athens. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of $55,481 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

7

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus earned the #7 position for value in value this year. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Value graduates carry a median of $25,449 in student loans. Value graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $37,119 early in their careers. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

8

Franklin University
Columbus, OH

Franklin University earned the #8 position for value in value this year. Set in the city of Columbus, Franklin University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,577. Typical student debt for value graduates is $35,890. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Franklin University generally make around $63,922. Set against $35,890 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical student debt for value graduates is $23,530. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus generally make around $58,659. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.

10

Miami University Oxford
Oxford, OH

Miami University Oxford placed #10 among the best values for value. Miami University Oxford is a large public school located in the town of Oxford. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Value graduates carry a median of $25,731 in student loans. Value graduates of Miami University Oxford earn a median of $45,278 early in their careers. Set against $25,731 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.