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 46 four-year Ohio Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $35,959, reflecting a 3.62% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 46 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 41 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
Franklin University ranks as the least expensive Ohio colleges. With tuition and fees at just $9,577, Franklin 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 Youngstown State University at$10,286 and Union Institute & University at$14,330 both consistently recognized among the Ohio Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Ohio Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 78.30%, and the average SAT score is 1,120, 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 - | Franklin University Columbus, OHPrivate, 4-year | $9,577 - | $12,090 $30 | - | 9,457 | - | 11.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 2 - | 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 |
| 3 - | Union Institute & University Cincinnati, OHPrivate, 4-year | $14,330 - | $17,270 - | - | 787 | - | 50.00% | 6 to 1 |
| 4 - | 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 |
| 5 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 |
| 6 1 | Ohio Christian University Circleville, OHPrivate, 4-year | $19,190 $1,200 | $12,531 $703 | 37.97% | 1,431 | - | 34.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 7 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 |
| 8 3 | 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 |
| 9 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 |
| 10 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 |
| Average | $17,252 ($11,651) | $18,567 ($12,247) | 78.30% | 10,585 | 1,120 | 45.90% | 16 to 1 |