Ohio University named the best value public university in the state of Ohio for fourth consecutive year in latest U.S. News and World Report rankings

For the fourth 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 College Rankings, cementing its position among the nation's top institutions. The University also earned accolades for its academic excellence and commitment to student success.

“It is an honor to be recognized for the work we are doing to provide our students with a high-quality educational experience at an affordable cost,” President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said. “Student success is our top priority, and we are committed to providing our students with the financial support and resources needed to achieve academic excellence and realize their professional goals.”

OHIO rises in multiple rankings

U.S. News and World Report not only ranked Ohio University as the best value public university in the state – it also placed OHIO among the top 30 best value public universities in the nation (26th overall). Additionally, the University moved up four spots from 182 to 178 for top national universities and cracked the top 100 at 96 for overall top public schools.

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.

Academic rankings success

Many of the University's individual academic programs also received noteworthy recognitions in the latest U.S. News rankings:

• OHIO’s undergraduate Business program in the College of Business, renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and world-class faculty, moved up five spots from 164 to 159.
• The Russ College of Engineering and Technology also earned recognition for its innovative engineering programs, ranking 135 in best undergraduate engineering program and moving up two spots from 194 to 192 for undergraduate Computer Science.
• 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, ranked at 183 in undergraduate nursing programs.
• For the first time. OHIO’s undergraduate Psychology program in the College of Arts and Sciences was ranked within the top 200 schools at 181. Its Economics program was also ranked at 181 for best undergraduate economics programs.

“OHIO’s commitment to academic excellence, research and student success is apparent in these rankings and is a testament to the outstanding work our faculty, staff and students are doing every day,” Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs said. “We are grateful to be recognized for creating an academic environment that is helping to launch tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.”

Beyond academics, OHIO was also recognized for its commitment to helping veterans and active-duty service members achieve academic success by being ranked 123 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 enrolled its largest first-year student cohort on the Athens Campus in the University’s 219-year history and posted a record average high school GPA.