Ohio University named the best value public university for fifth consecutive year

For the fifth consecutive year, Ohio University has been named the best value public university in the state of Ohio in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings cementing its position among the nation's top institutions. In addition to being the best value in the state, the rankings also placed OHIO among the top 30 best value public universities in the nation (26th overall).  The University also had many academic programs rise significantly in rankings and cracked the top 100 at 97th for overall top public schools.

“It’s a privilege to be acknowledged by U.S. News and World Report for our efforts in delivering a high-quality education at an accessible price,” said President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “Our primary focus is on student success, and we are dedicated to offering the financial assistance and resources necessary for our students to excel academically and reach their career aspirations. We look forward to continuing to create initiatives and programs that provide our students with an outstanding and accessible education.”

In addition to being named the best value for a public institution in the state of Ohio and being ranked 97th overall for best value in the nation, Ohio University ranked 179th overall out of more than 430 universities across the country

The ranking for best value specifically considers the ratio of quality to price, the percentage of full-time undergraduates receiving need-based scholarships or grants, the percentage of need-based aid recipients awarded scholarships or grants, and the average discount covered by those scholarships or grants.

In recent years, OHIO has implemented multiple initiatives to ensure affordability and student success including the OHIO Guarantee+ program, which provides a fixed cost of tuition, housing, and dining fees locked for 12 consecutive semesters. The Guarantee+ goes further than locking rates, however; it also delivers an individualized graduation plan for each student that ensures students graduate on time and on plan, or the University will make it right.

Additionally, at the start of President Gonzalez’s tenure, she implemented the President’s Opportunity Promise which increases higher education access for qualifying Pell-eligible students in Athens County, and all contiguous Ohio counties, to attend Ohio University tuition-free. 

Several undergraduate programs rose significantly in U.S. News and World Report’s rankings, with the undergraduate Psychology program in the College of Arts and Sciences rising 35 spots to 146th in the nation and second best in the state of Ohio out of public institutions and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program rising 34 spots to 149th nationally.

OHIO’s Nursing program in the College of Health Sciences and Professions, which offers innovative and accessible programs including online RN to BSN , online MSN and online DNP degrees, as well as traditional on-campus BSN programs on several of Ohio University campuses, has received numerous other accolades including earning the top spot for public universities in Ohio by nursing.org, and ranking number 3 among both public and private, as well as ranking 18 in the best colleges for nursing according to Niche.com.

In addition, OHIO’s undergraduate Economics program in the College of Arts and Sciences also rose 20 spots in the rankings to 161st in the nation. 

Other individual academic programs that received noteworthy recognitions in the latest U.S. News rankings include:

• OHIO’s undergraduate Business program in the College of Business, renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and world-class faculty, was named 176th.
• The Russ College of Engineering and Technology also earned recognition for its innovative engineering programs, ranking 139th in best undergraduate engineering programs and being ranked 193rd and third in the state out of public universities for undergraduate Computer Science.

“Being recognized as the best value in the state underscores OHIO’s commitment to academic excellence and affordable education. This achievement highlights the contributions of our dedicated faculty and staff who help our students achieve their potential,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Donald Leo. 

Beyond academics, OHIO was also recognized for its commitment to helping veterans and active-duty service members achieve academic success by being ranked 124 in best college for veterans. The University has also been designated among the first in the nation as a Collegiate Purple Star campus.

Recently, it was announced that Ohio University once again saw a significant increase in total enrollment this fall, climbing more than 1,300 students to 29,625 for a 4.6 percent gain. Not only did the University see growth across its main campus, regional campuses and medical school, but OHIO’s retention rate was the highest it’s been in more than 20 years.