15 Cheapest Universities in Ohio for International Students

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In Ohio, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Ohio, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 56 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Ohio, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Ohio for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Ohio ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Central State University 8,996 USD 73%
Youngstown State University 10,800 USD 68%
Wilberforce University 12,100 USD 64%
University of Cincinnati 13,200 USD - 29,000 USD 60%
University of Northwestern Ohio 13,800 USD - 14,400 USD 58%
University of Akron 15,500 USD 53%
Shawnee State University 15,700 USD 53%
Franklin University 15,800 USD 52%
Antioch University 16,100 USD 51%
Cleveland State University 17,900 USD 46%
Bowling Green State University 17,900 USD 46%
University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College 19,400 USD 41%
Wright State University 19,800 USD 40%
University of Toledo 20,200 USD 39%
Kent State University 20,800 USD 37%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 32,700 USD for universities in Ohio.

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1. Central State University

Part of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), the Central State University was founded in 1887 that currently offers over 30 bachelor’s degree programs and graduate programs. These programs are available in its four college buildings. Services on various student life activities are also covered by the university, such as career services, counseling services, disability services, and Greek affairs services.

2. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University (YSU) provides some of the best future-oriented study programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It also offers degree programs that can be obtained online. As a public institution, YSU is determined to develop the talents and skills of its students by providing high-quality education, training, and internships, as well as organizing social events that would be beneficial in building network connections.

3. Wilberforce University

Wilberforce University is a private university located in Wilberforce, Ohio. It was founded in 1856 for African-American students and is the nation’s oldest private HBCU. Over 25 academic majors are available at the university, including business, communication, engineering sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. There are also dual degree programs in architecture and aerospace.

4. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is one of the largest universities in Ohio and is renowned for its teaching methods that mix research with real-life learning experiences outside the campus. It offers over 400 degree programs on five local and regional campuses. Besides having high-quality education and innovative research projects, this university is also prominent in the field of sports, with multiple national titles and top-notch facilities.

5. University of Northwestern Ohio

The University of Northwestern Ohio focuses on providing education for the entrepreneurs and business owners of the future. It is divided into five colleges that mostly offer undergraduate degrees, among which there are 8 bachelor’s programs. Its education model encompasses the development of talent and the support of student projects within a multidisciplinary curriculum. In order to enhance the training experience, the institution has partnerships with local businesses and organizations with which they offer job opportunities and internships.

6. University of Akron

The University of Akron is a STEM-focused institution with a strong emphasis on engineering and advanced materials industries. The university is highly competent, thanks to the support of its state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories. Over the years, the university aims to continue its legacy and to produce more intellectual professionals in the academe.

7. Shawnee State University

Shawnee State University, a public university in Portsmouth, Ohio, has over 70 undergraduate, associate, and graduate programs. Nursing, Business, Administration, Sociology, Biology, and Psychology are the most popular majors. The mission and vision of the university are to become a best-value university offering a diverse range of high-quality programs and to prepare today’s students to succeed in their future careers.

8. Franklin University

Franklin University is a private institution that has been in the education industry since 1902. It was primarily established to educate adult learners who wish to obtain a degree. Today, the university offers online study programs to accommodate busy students and working professionals. Additionally, its main campus in Ohio provides on-site programs for students who prefer the traditional learning approach.

9. Antioch University

Antioch University has a lot of campuses in the country, signifying its advanced edge in the academic field. The university is popular among medical students who want to experience intensive supervision and training. It also has strong relations with hospitals and industries around the globe to intensify the students’ learning experience.

10. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University (CSU) is a public university that thrives in giving top-tier academic programs to its students. This flourishing university continues to develop and improve its education system. CSU’s quality of education and training has prepared its students to become competent professionals in their chosen careers. It has also established partnerships with prominent companies and universities to give its students numerous opportunities and relevant network connections.

11. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University started as a small institution for training future teachers. Today, it is now equipped with research facilities in education, business, arts, and health, among others. The university also hosts an extensive student life program by partaking in various international research organizations and academic exchanges.

12. University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College

One of Ohio’s most vibrant student communities is within the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College campuses. These two institutions, both public and private, are considered to be one-of-a-kind in the education system in the country. The university aims to provide top-quality education to diverse students and learners. It currently offers professional certifications and degree programs at all levels.

13. Wright State University

With two campuses in Ohio, Wright State University offers more than 300 degree programs. Besides the academic buildings, this university has multiple science and art centers like the Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures, an art gallery, the Women’s center, and the Neuroscience Engineering Collaboration Building. The university also has great athletic facilities, not only for the 15 university sports teams but also for student recreation, which include a climbing gym, racquetball courts, and multiple outdoor fields.

14. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo (UToledo) offers countless opportunities for its current and prospective students. It has more than 250 study programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with some of its academic programs offered online. UToledo ensures that all its students will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills. In doing so, all its interdisciplinary programs are lectured by highly qualified educators and experts.

15. Kent State University

Kent State University is a prominent public university in Ohio. It started as a teacher-training college before transforming into a world-class institution with eight regional campuses. The university’s regional campuses scattered across Ohio, New York City, and Italy allow students residing away from Kent to experience prestigious training and education from Kent State University. As one of the state’s largest institutions, hundreds of programs and courses are up for grabs yearly.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Ohio for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Ohio ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Xavier University 5,400 USD - 13,200 USD 62%
Air Force Institute of Technology 5,640 USD 60%
Youngstown State University 6,674 USD 53%
Otterbein University 6,960 USD - 7,200 USD 51%
Bluffton University 7,425 USD - 9,375 USD 47%
University of Findlay 7,425 USD - 14,300 USD 47%
Cedarville University 7,470 USD - 20,000 USD 47%
Ohio Dominican University 8,100 USD - 9,450 USD 43%
Lourdes University 8,250 USD - 12,900 USD 42%
Hiram College 8,265 USD 41%
Muskingum University 8,625 USD - 13,500 USD 39%
John Carroll University 8,850 USD - 15,500 USD 37%
Franklin University 8,970 USD - 10,100 USD 36%
Ashland University 9,000 USD - 36,400 USD 36%
Northeast Ohio Medical University 9,394 USD - 9,840 USD 33%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 14,000 USD for universities in Ohio.

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1. Xavier University

Xavier University is one of the oldest Catholic universities in the country. It primarily offers degree programs in humanities and arts. Over the years, it has expanded and now provides more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Xavier University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,400 USD to 13,125 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Air Force Institute of Technology

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Air Force Institute of Technology. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Air Force Institute of Technology is 5,640 USD.

Air Force Institute of Technology is a specialized school in Dayton, Ohio that only offers Graduate and Continuing Professional education. Founded in 1919, the school fosters up to 40000 students in two schools which are the Civilian Institution Programs, and the Graduate School of Engineering and Management. The school’s mission is to create and improve air, space, and cyber force-related education.

3. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University (YSU) provides some of the best future-oriented study programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It also offers degree programs that can be obtained online. As a public institution, YSU is determined to develop the talents and skills of its students by providing high-quality education, training, and internships, as well as organizing social events that would be beneficial in building network connections.

The tuition fee at Youngstown State University for incoming international master’s students is 6,674 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Otterbein University

Another affordable university to consider in Ohio is Otterbein University.

Otterbein University is an institution centered on the liberal arts. More than 3,000 students worldwide are welcomed into its location in Westerville, Ohio. It is a Protestant institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Undergrad students choose from 70+ majors, while graduate program selection is limited. Otterbein is ranked 401st in the US by Times Higher Education.

The tuition fee in Otterbein University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,960 USD.

5. Bluffton University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Bluffton University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 7,425 USD yearly.

Bluffton University ensures that all students feel they are being taken care of by giving them the best training possible. Its educational curriculum enables students to discover their passions and create lasting relationships in society. The institution has significantly strengthened its internationalization in recent years.

6. University of Findlay

Located in one of the biggest cities in Ohio, Findlay University offers 86 undergraduate programs and 11 master’s degree programs, but its most popular programs include equestrian studies and health-related studies. It’s divided into six colleges that have modern facilities and unique buildings, like the Mazza Museum, which is dedicated to children’s illustration. Since this is a Christian university, it has multiple religious-related degree programs and student organizations.

7. Cedarville University

Established in 1887, Cedarville University champions in providing top-quality education to its student body. As a Baptist college, proper education is foremost the goal of the university while at the same time instilling its Christian values to cultivate a pool of responsible individuals. The university offers various academic disciplines, including first-rate education in religious and theology studies. Additionally, some of its educational programs popular among students are nursing, management, mechanical engineering, psychology, and education.

8. Ohio Dominican University

As a Catholic liberal arts university, Ohio Dominican University directed its educational mission by the Dominican slogan: to contemplate truth and share the fruits of this contemplation with others. Ohio Dominican enlightens individuals devoted to intellectual, spiritual, and professional development, which grow into lifelong learners, helping others in a global community. In turn, these students become virtuous and effective leaders grounded in the search for truth, justice, and peace.

9. Lourdes University

Lourdes University is a private Franciscan university located in Sylvania, Ohio, United States. It was founded in the 1950s and is a fledgling university with a not-so-long history and is sponsored by the Saint Francisco Convent of Sylvania. Students at Lourdes University take liberal arts courses that can be applied to professional research. It is also classified as a master’s university according to the Carnegie Higher Education Institute classification, and students have the option of several pre-professional programs or graduate degrees in addition to their bachelor’s degrees.

10. Hiram College

Hiram College is a unique higher educational institution that only offers one graduate-level program, the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Despite only having one graduate-level program, there are many undergraduate programs for students to choose from, and the total student population averages around 1000 students per enrollment. The school was founded in 1850 and is located in Portage County, Ohio. The academy may be small in number, but the longevity it has is a testament to its importance and relevance in the field of education.

11. Muskingum University

Muskingum University offers exceptional degree programs, primarily in liberal arts. The university is known for igniting students’ success through rigorous training and a practical curriculum. Muskingum University continues to serve the state with remarkable research discoveries and academic excellence.

12. John Carroll University

John Carroll University was founded in 1886 as a men’s college by the Jesuits. Also, John Carroll University consists of two schools: the College of Arts and Sciences and the Boler College of Business. The most popular majors have Unified Marketing Communications and Education, Political Science, Biology, and Psychology. The university also operates exchange student programs in Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

13. Franklin University

Franklin University is a private institution that has been in the education industry since 1902. It was primarily established to educate adult learners who wish to obtain a degree. Today, the university offers online study programs to accommodate busy students and working professionals. Additionally, its main campus in Ohio provides on-site programs for students who prefer the traditional learning approach.

14. Ashland University

Ashland University is a Christian institution in Ohio, and they offer several programs for undergraduate and graduate students. They take pride in having a rich and diverse student community as they place a high value on every individual. They also aim to be a nationally recognized private university in the following years.

15. Northeast Ohio Medical University

Northeast Ohio Medical University is dedicated to improving the health, economy, and quality of life in Northeast Ohio via medicine, pharmacy, and health sciences education. Its students and practitioners at all levels gain new knowledge by analyzing biomedical, community health, and behavioral sciences. The university is at the forefront of the region’s social service and fitness education.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Ohio?

Applying to cheap universities in Ohio requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Ohio?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Ohio. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Ohio is the Antioch University, which offers Applied Studies, Applied Arts and Media, and Addiction Studies to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Air Force Institute of Technology offers Master of Laws, Acquisition Professional Development, and Acquisition and Program Management.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Ohio, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Ohio as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Ohio for international students was helpful!