Choosing a college in Ohio doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Ohio are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Ohio , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 12 four-year Ohio Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $23,653, reflecting a 3.70% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 12 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 11 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
Youngstown State University ranks as the least expensive public Ohio colleges. With tuition and fees at just $10,286, Youngstown State University offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Shawnee State University at$16,032 and Cleveland State University at$18,502 both consistently recognized among the Ohio Public Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Ohio Public Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 84.59%, and the average SAT score is 1,149, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | Youngstown State University Youngstown, OHPublic, 4-year | $10,286 ($9,926) $169 | $7,028 ($6,848) $233 | 84.45% | 12,204 | 1,120 | 50.00% | 20 to 1 |
| 2 - | Shawnee State University Portsmouth, OHPublic, 4-year | $16,032 ($9,448) $125 | $21,221 ($11,600) $2,259 | - | 3,231 | - | 48.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 3 1 | Cleveland State University Cleveland, OHPublic, 4-year | $18,502 ($12,982) $529 | $21,107 ($11,297) $2,286 | 91.30% | 14,074 | - | 51.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 4 1 | Wright State University-Main Campus Dayton, OHPublic, 4-year | $20,691 ($10,991) $659 | $25,759 ($15,771) $1,045 | 96.33% | 10,603 | - | 42.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 5 2 | University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OHPublic, 4-year | $20,815 ($13,135) $3,576 | $15,885 ($10,125) $714 | 59.67% | 13,332 | 1,040 | 52.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 6 1 | University of Toledo Toledo, OHPublic, 4-year | $21,517 ($12,157) $415 | $29,426 ($17,605) $573 | 92.02% | 14,358 | 1,200 | 57.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 7 1 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublic, 4-year | $21,575 ($12,920) $695 | $23,352 ($12,483) - | 86.34% | 26,374 | 1,120 | 64.00% | 20 to 1 |
| 8 - | Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublic, 4-year | $21,900 ($13,912) $522 | $16,283 ($10,291) - | 80.96% | 17,594 | 1,110 | 64.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 9 - | Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, OHPublic, 4-year | $24,838 ($14,158) $724 | $17,712 ($9,720) - | 84.99% | 26,323 | 1,190 | 65.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 10 - | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublic, 4-year | $28,697 ($13,363) $457 | $26,674 ($14,902) - | 85.29% | 45,026 | 1,260 | 75.00% | 19 to 1 |
| Average | $20,485 ($12,299) | $20,445 ($12,064) | 84.59% | 18,312 | 1,149 | 56.80% | 17 to 1 |