Home / College in Ohio / Private 4-Year

Have a question? Let us know.

OHIO'S PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

A commitment to public service is pervasive throughout Ohio’s independent colleges and universities, and is a consequence of their diverse histories and their emphasis on value-based education. Located in every region of the state, Ohio’s independent institutions include research universities, traditional liberal arts colleges, comprehensive universities, single-purpose institutions, religiously affiliated colleges, and a historically black university.

As missions vary, so do the learning environments at Ohio's private universities. Some independent colleges are primarily residential; others have no dormitories. Some independent institutions were formed out of the wilderness; others were created to meet the needs of their 20th century urban communities. Regardless of their histories and locations, independent institutions have enhanced the quality of life of the communities in which they are located and the quality of life in Ohio.

Visit The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO) for more information on Ohio's private universities.

ANTIOCH UNIVERSITY MIDWEST

Antioch University Midwest, established in 1988, offers adults interested in furthering their education a range of graduate and undergraduate programs that are responsive to emerging societal needs.

ART ACADEMY OF CINCINNATI

ART ACADEMY OF CINCINNATI

The Art Academy of Cincinnati, an independent college of art and design, is a community of professionals dedicated to inspiring individuals through personalized education toward their growth as creative visual artists.

ASHLAND UNIVERSITY

ASHLAND UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1878, Ashland University is a mid-sized, comprehensive private institution conveniently located only a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Situated on a beautiful 135-acre campus, Ashland University affords close proximity to the big city while offering the advantages of an intimate campus experience in a small town setting.

BALDWIN-WALLACE COLLEGE

BALDWIN-WALLACE COLLEGE

Baldwin-Wallace College is a private, liberal arts based Methodist-related college offering bachelor's and master's degrees, certificates and professional education programs located in Berea, Ohio.

BLUFFTON UNIVERSITY

BLUFFTON UNIVERSITY

Home to a multifaceted student body of more than 1,100, Bluffton is situated on 65 acres of lush, wooded grounds that line the banks of the Little Riley Creek in the village of Bluffton, Ohio.

CAPITAL UNIVERSITY

CAPITAL UNIVERSITY

The Capital University main campus is located in Bexley, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. Capital is the oldest university in Central Ohio, founded in 1830, and one of the oldest and largest Lutheran-affiliated universities in North America.

CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSTY

CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSTY

Case Western Reserve University offers a wealth of resources and opportunities to students seeking a unique undergraduate experience. Our mid-sized urban campus is located within Cleveland's University Circle, a concentration of nearly 50 cultural, medical, educational and social service institutions in one square mile.

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

Home to 3,200 Christian students, Cedarville is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist university of arts, sciences, professional, and graduate programs. Cedarville is located in southwestern Ohio on a beautiful 400-acre campus.

COLLEGE OF MOUNT ST. JOSEPH

COLLEGE OF MOUNT ST. JOSEPH

The College of Mount St. Joseph is a Catholic college of 2,300 students that provides students with a liberal arts and professional education. Founded in 1920 by the Sisters of Charity as Southwestern Ohio's first Catholic college for women, today the Mount is a coeducational institution nationally recognized for quality and value and for serving the needs of all its students including adult and graduate students.

DEFIANCE COLLEGE

DEFIANCE COLLEGE

Defiance College, located in Defiance, Ohio, USA, is an independent, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the United Church of Christ. The campus includes eighteen buildings and access to the 200-acre Thoreau Wildlife Sanctuary.

DENISON UNIVERSITY

DENISON UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1831, Denison University is private, coeducational, and residential college of liberal arts and sciences. Denison University is located in Granville, Ohio, approximately 30 miles east of Columbus.

FRANCISCAN UNIVERSITY OF STEUBENVILLE

FRANCISCAN UNIVERSITY OF STEUBENVILLE

Franciscan University of Steubenville is a Catholic institution located in Steubenville, Ohio, 40 miles west of Pittsburgh. The school offers five associate degree programs, 36 bachelor degree majors (seven pre-professional programs), 34 minors, and seven graduate degree programs.

FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1902, Franklin University is the third-largest private university in Ohio. Classes are taught at five Midwest locations in Ohio and Indiana, as well as online. The university was founded to serve the needs of adult students, and has since grown to become Central Ohio's foremost educator of working adults.

GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGE OF NURSING

GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGE OF NURSING

Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science is a private, not-for-profit institution of higher education located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The College serves the tri-state region of Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana, and is a subsidiary of TriHealth, Inc. and Good Samaritan Hospital.

HEIDELBERG UNIVERSITY

HEIDELBERG UNIVERSITY

Heidelberg University, located in Tiffin, Ohio was established in 1850 by the German Reformed Church (now United Church of Christ), and offers 36 undergraduate courses of study, 4 graduate programs, 16 minors, and 13 pre-professional programs.

HIRAM COLLEGE

HIRAM COLLEGE

Hiram College is a private liberal arts college located in Hiram, Ohio. Hiram specializes in the education of undergraduate students, though the college does have a small graduate program. Hiram confers the following degrees: BA, BSN (nursing), MA (interdisciplinary studies).

JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY

JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY

John Carroll University is a private, co-educational Jesuit Catholic university in University Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. The university is organized into two schools: the College of Arts and Sciences and the Boler School of Business, each defining its own academic programs at the graduate and undergraduate level under the auspices of the Academic Vice President.

KENYON COLLEGE

KENYON COLLEGE

Kenyon College is a private liberal arts college in Gambier, Ohio, founded in 1824 by Bishop Philander Chase of The Episcopal Church, in parallel with the Bexley Hall seminary, and is the oldest private college in Ohio.

KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS

KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS

Kettering College of Medical Arts, occupying a suburban campus near Dayton in southwest Ohio, is a coeducational college owned by the Kettering Medical Center and chartered by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

LAKE ERIE COLLEGE

LAKE ERIE COLLEGE

Steeped in Tradition for over 150 years, Lake Erie College has fostered and enriched over 10,000 men and women in pursuit of a time-honored, well-rounded liberal arts education. The College offers 33 undergraduate degrees as well as graduate programs leading to the M.B.A. and M.Ed. degrees.

LOURDES COLLEGE

Lourdes is grounded in the Franciscan values of learning, reverence and service, and is known for its quality academic programs and the personalized attention afforded to our students. Situated on 113 wooded acres in Sylvania, Ohio, Lourdes also offers many community outreach programs.

MALONE UNIVERSITY

MALONE UNIVERSITY

Malone's Christian liberal arts approach is widely recognized today as producing exceptional graduates prepared for all aspects of life. Malone enjoys a unique relationship with its affiliated denomination, the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region and the community. Faculty, staff and students represent approximately 40 denominations. This diversity provides for a greater understanding of the breadth and depth of Christian thought.

MARIETTA COLLEGE

MARIETTA COLLEGE

Private, coeducational, nonsectarian, undergraduate, residential, contemporary liberal arts founded in 1835. One of America’s 37 "Revolutionary Colleges," institutions with origins reaching back to the 18th century. Originally founded as the Muskingum Academy in 1797.

MERCY COLLEGE OF NORTHWEST OHIO

MERCY COLLEGE OF NORTHWEST OHIO

Mercy College is a Catholic college in the tradition of the Religious Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of Charity of Montreal (Grey Nuns). Mercy College is sponsored by Mercy and Catholic Healthcare Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most respected healthcare systems. As a student at Mercy College you will prepare for your chosen profession under the guidance of some of the most experienced healthcare educators in this area of the country.

MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE OF NURSING

MOUNT CARMEL COLLEGE OF NURSING

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a private, Catholic institution on the campus of Mount Carmel West hospital just west of downtown Columbus, Ohio. A provider of nursing education for more than a century, our baccalaureate program is among the largest in the state of Ohio.

MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

Mount Vernon Nazarene University, established by the Church of the Nazarene, opened its doors in 1968 and serves the denomination’s East Central Region. The University offers liberal arts, professional, and graduate education at its main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio as well as at multiple regional campuses.

MUSKINGUM UNIVERSITY

MUSKINGUM UNIVERSITY

Since its founding in 1837, Muskingum has been a community of learners - people learning from and with other people. Muskingum's mission is to educate the "whole person" - intellectually, spiritually, socially and physically - and it does so by meeting students where they are on the educational continuum, and by helping these students to progress to their maximum potential.

NOTRE DAME COLLEGE

NOTRE DAME COLLEGE

The Sisters of Notre Dame founded Notre Dame College in 1922 as a Catholic, four-year liberal arts institution for women. Over the years, Notre Dame always embraced the challenge of adapting to the changing needs of its students and has seen many changes. In 2001, NDC admitted men paving the way for continuous growth of the College through the addition of both new programs and athletics. Since then, enrollment has risen to a record high of almost 2,000 students.

OBERLIN COLLEGE

OBERLIN COLLEGE

Oberlin is a four-year, highly selective liberal arts college and conservatory of music. Founded in 1833 by a Presbyterian minister and a missionary, it holds a distinguished place among American colleges and universities. It was the first college to grant bachelor's degrees to women in a coeducational environment and, historically, was a leader in the education of African Americans. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission.

OHIO COLLEGE OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE

OHIO COLLEGE OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE

The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM) is one of eight accredited podiatry schools in the United States and is a private, not-for profit, four-year graduate level medical college, granting the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine's mission is to educate students to be highly competent doctors of podiatric medicine who will excel in residency training. Founded in 1916, OCPM has graduated over 5,000 podiatrists who have made outstanding contributions to the field and study of podiatric medicine.

OHIO DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY

OHIO DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY

Ohio Dominican University is a private four-year liberal arts institution, founded in 1911 in the Catholic and Dominican traditions. The main campus spans over 72 acres in North Central neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. The university has just over 3,100 students and offers undergraduate degrees in over 50 majors as well as six graduate degree programs. Ohio Dominican uses a student-centered approach, with a commitment to quality teaching and learning and a number of academic programs of distinction.

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY

Ohio Northern is a private, comprehensive University, comprising five colleges (Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Law, and Pharmacy) that blend liberal and professional education. Talented, motivated students engage in abundant activities in and out of the classroom and graduate with an education that provides one of the highest returns on investment in the nation.

OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Chartered in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan is a highly selective, coeducational, residential, privately supported liberal arts college located 20 minutes north of Columbus in Delaware, Ohio, a vibrant community of 31,000 and seat of one of the fastest-growing counties in the country.

OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY

OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY

Otterbein University is a private, four-year liberal arts college in Westerville, Ohio. The university was founded in 1847 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. As a result of a division and two mergers involving the Church, the University has since 1968 been associated with the United Methodist Church. In 2010, Otterbein College changed its name to Otterbein University to reflect the increasing array of graduate and undergraduate programs offered.

THE CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ART

THE CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ART

The Cleveland Institute of Art is an independent college of art and design committed to leadership and vision in all forms of visual arts education. Students are encouraged to explore their vision and develop their skills through an interdisciplinary curriculum.

THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER

THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER

The College of Wooster is a private liberal arts college primarily known for its 'Independent Study' program. It has roughly 2,000 students and is located in Wooster, Ohio. Founded in 1866 by the Presbyterian church as the University of Wooster, it was from its creation a co-educational institution.

THE COLUMBUS COLLEGE OR ART AND DESIGN

THE COLUMBUS COLLEGE OR ART AND DESIGN

Columbus College of Art & Design prepares tomorrow's creative leaders for professional careers. With a history of commitment to fundamentals and quality, CCAD advances a distinct, challenging, and inclusive learning culture that supports individual development in art, design, and the humanities.

THE UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY

The University of Findlay is a private university located in the city of Findlay in Hancock County, Ohio, United States. It was affiliated with the Churches of God, General Conference, and offers more than 65 areas of undergraduate study.

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1888, Tiffin University is proud to offer a personal and practical education for motivated, professionally focused students who want real-world experiences and results. Tiffin is a private, coeducational university located in Tiffin, Ohio, on a small but growing campus that offers students a safe, friendly place to pursue their dreams.

UNION INSTITUTE & UNIVERSITY

UNION INSTITUTE & UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1964, Union Institute & University is an accredited, private, not-for-profit, national university that offers personalized undergraduate, masters, and doctoral programs designed for the lifelong learner.

UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

The University of Dayton is a private Roman Catholic university operated by the Society of Mary located in Dayton, Ohio. The full-time undergraduate student enrollment is around 7,500, and total student enrollment is about 11,000.

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION

The University of Mount Union offers a liberal arts education grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The University affirms the importance of reason, open inquiry, living faith, and individual worth. Mount Union's mission is to prepare students for meaningful work, fulfilling lives, and responsible citizenship.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN OHIO

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN OHIO

In 2010 the University of Northwestern Ohio celebrated its 90th anniversary. Founded in 1920, it is a private, not-for-profit institution. The University of Northwestern Ohio is a co-educational institution authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents to grant masters degrees, baccalaureate degrees, and associate degrees.

UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE

UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE

The University's contemporary 190 acre campus is located in Rio Grande, Ohio, nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of the Southeastern region of the state offering students the safety associated with a small town. The Rio Grande campus is an oasis of learning, innovation, and technology in the region. The University of Rio Grande offers a range of courses and majors and is known in the region for its Education and Nursing programs.

URBANA UNIVERSITY

URBANA UNIVERSITY

Urbana University was founded in 1850. The founding of the University was laid in part by John Chapman, better known as "Johnny Appleseed". Urbana University was the second institution in Ohio to admit women.

URSULINE COLLEGE

URSULINE COLLEGE

Founded by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland in 1871, Ursuline was the first women's college in Ohio and one of the first in the United States. Though Ursuline College is organized as a non-profit with its own independent Board of Trustees, the institution maintains close ties to its founding religious congregation, the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland.

WALSH UNIVERSITY

WALSH UNIVERSITY

Walsh University is a private non-profit, 4-year, Roman Catholic university in North Canton, Ohio. It was founded in 1960 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, initially as a liberal arts college. Walsh College became Walsh University in 1993. The University offers more than 50 majors, and five graduate programs including a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY

WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY

Wilberforce University is a unique institution located in a state rich in America's private college tradition. Founded prior to the end of slavery in 1856, it is the nation's oldest, private African-American university. For 156 years WU has, through sheer force of will, provided young African-American students with a solid educational experience.

WILMINGTON COLLEGE

WILMINGTON COLLEGE

Wilmington College is an independent, co-educational, four-year, career-oriented, liberal arts college. Founded in 1870 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Wilmington, Ohio, the College is within an hour's drive of Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus, three of Ohio's major cities.

WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY

WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY

Wittenberg University is a nationally ranked Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts college located in Springfield, Ohio. For 165 years Wittenberg has been a leader in pushing the boundaries of the liberal arts, attracting students with adventurous spirits and developing alumni who change the world.

XAVIER UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1831, Xavier University is a Jesuit, Catholic university in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its three colleges offer 83 undergraduate majors, 52 minors and 11 graduate programs to 7,019 total students, including 4,368 undergraduates. The University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation and one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities nationwide.

Please read the complete CollegeAdvantage Offering Statement and Participation Agreement booklet before investing or sending money.