Modern society has become increasingly connected with technology and scientific developments, with everything from medicine to smart cars produced by STEM degree program graduates. Many of these in-demand career paths require at least a bachelor's degree, which has led to students trying to find the best colleges near them for STEM bachelor's degree programs.
Ohio students have access to some of the best STEM colleges near the top of national rankings and provide high-quality STEM education. There are multiple ways to evaluate these schools to determine if they are a good fit for you.
Top STEM Colleges in Ohio
Picking the best STEM college should always be about choosing the one best for you. There are several factors that you need to consider when looking to begin a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics degree.
Start by looking at which schools offer the degree program you are after. Just because a school has diverse STEM offerings doesn't mean they will offer the degrees you're after. Some STEM schools put priority on their engineering programs, while others cater more to biology, biomedical sciences, and other life sciences.
Once you've identified the schools you want to apply to, look at their admissions process and criteria. Factors like acceptance rate and admissions requirements, like standardized test scores, will help you narrow down the schools and programs that will give you the best chance to succeed.
Admissions are only the start of your college experience. Consider factors like graduation rates, student services, and other elements of a degree journey.
Once you've thoroughly evaluated all of these factors, you'll be able to figure out which technology or engineering college in Ohio is the best choice for you and your goals.
Case Western Reserve University (Case)
Case Western Reserve University is a small school in Cleveland, but it is also one of the top biomedical engineering colleges in the country. Case Western has a 68% graduation rate, and 55% of graduates complete STEM programs, primarily in various engineering disciplines.
In addition to single-degree programs, Case Western offers several dual-degree programs that allow students to earn an undergraduate and master's degree concurrently.
Ohio State University (OSU)
Ohio State University is a public university with a 53% acceptance rate and a 69% graduation rate. Students at OSU's main campus in Columbus can access hands-on research projects in medicine, artificial intelligence development, manufacturing, and smart mobility.
Ohio State's engineering program is considered one of the best in the nation, and it offers undergrad programs to doctoral degrees.
University of Dayton
The University of Dayton has a 74% acceptance rate and a 66% graduation rate. The University of Dayton has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 40% of all classes have fewer than 20 students, which allows students to have more personalized learning experiences.
Engineering disciplines are the top STEM programs at Dayton, but students also earn degrees in biology and health sciences.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a public university with an acceptance rate of 86%. Cincy students can access various hands-on research opportunities and real-world learning experiences, like internships. The University of Cincinnati School of Engineering teaches disciplines like aerospace, computer science, and electrical engineering degrees.
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University offers several STEM-related degrees, with some of the most popular being medical laboratory sciences, biology, and mechanical engineering. This public university has an 85% acceptance rate. CSU students have access to participate in several research opportunities both on-campus and with partner organizations.
Miami University
Miami University is located in Oxford, OH; it has an 88% acceptance rate and a 73% graduation rate. Students can select from STEM degree programs like botany, chemistry, clinical engineering, and more. Miami also offers extensive financial aid programs to qualifying students, including full tuition coverage for some students through the Miami Access Initiative.
Wright State University
Wright State University is a public university located in Dayton. The school has a 95% acceptance rate for its undergraduate programs. Students can enroll in programs like electrical engineering, earth sciences, microbiology, and immunology. The programs at Wright State range from bachelor's degrees to doctoral degrees.
University of Akron
The University of Akron has small class sizes, with 52% of all classes having fewer than 20 students. The school has an overall acceptance rate of 83%. The primary STEM courses at the University of Akron include mechanical and chemical engineering, but the school has many diverse offerings through its College of Engineering and Polymer Science.
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University offers biology, aeronautics, aerospace, and other engineering programs. Bowling Green has a 79% acceptance rate and a 47% graduation rate. STEM students at BGSU can take advantage of domestic and international research opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Ohio Northern University
Ohio Northern University is located in Ada, OH, and is considered one of the top-ranking schools in the region. The school has a 54% acceptance rate and a 55% graduation rate.
ONU has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Engineering is the most popular degree type at Ohio Northern and 25% of all graduates completed an engineering program.
FAQs About the Best STEM Colleges in Ohio
There are many great STEM programs in Ohio, but some will be better for individual students than others. Prospective STEM students have many common questions about the top engineering schools in the state, as well as what programs are most affordable.
How Many STEM Schools Are There in Ohio?
There are over 70 STEM-specific schools in Ohio, including engineering and medical schools. In addition to these STEM-focused universities, many liberal arts colleges offer STEM degrees.
What Are the Best Engineering Schools in Ohio?
The best engineering schools in Ohio include Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Dayton according to independent third-party reviewers, such as U.S. News & World Report. These top rankings are based on factors like research opportunities, graduation rates, diversity of programs offered, and quality of instructors.
Are There Free or Affordable STEM Programs in Ohio?
Some schools offer financial aid programs that can cover full tuition for qualifying students. Schools like Miami University have the Miami Access Initiative that covers full tuition and fee costs for eligible students. Other colleges have similar programs that award grants and scholarships based on financial need and merit to make their STEM programs affordable.
