2026 Best Value Graduate Degrees Schools in Ohio
Looking for the best-value Graduate Degrees degree programs in Ohio? We have ranked 273 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree analyzed 39 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Ohio
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Ashland University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Graduate Degrees degree schools in Ohio. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $24,536. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. That is a strong return on a $24,536 median debt. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Ashland University
Youngstown State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in Ohio. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
You'll get strong value at Cedarville University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Cedarville, OH, Cedarville University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,150. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $22,110. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,443. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cedarville University
You'll get strong value at Baldwin Wallace College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. Students borrow a median of $27,307 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,122 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baldwin Wallace College has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Baldwin Wallace College
Muskingum University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Graduate Degrees ranking in Ohio. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Concord, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $31,701. Muskingum University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,932 in debt. Muskingum University alumni report median earnings of $48,440 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,932 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Muskingum University report
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for value in Ohio this year. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $24,546. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $25,449 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Xavier University placed #8 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Ohio. Located in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Xavier University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,614 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,873 ten years after entry. Set against $26,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Xavier University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Xavier University
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $22,053. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,053 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Ohio Dominican University landed the #10 spot for value in Ohio this year. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,720. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $28,166. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,748 ten years after entry. Set against $28,166 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ohio Dominican University report
Mount Vernon Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mount Vernon, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,193. Mount Vernon Nazarene University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,602 in debt. Mount Vernon Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $49,555 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Otterbein University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Westerville, OH, Otterbein University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,548 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,282. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,313 ten years after entry. Set against $25,282 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Otterbein University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Otterbein University
Miami University Oxford ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $24,177. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,177 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full Miami University Oxford report
Shawnee State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Shawnee State University is a public school based in Portsmouth, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,448 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,032. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,233. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,596 ten years after entry. Set against $25,233 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Shawnee State University profile
Cleveland State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Cleveland State University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $26,336 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,131. That is a strong return on a $26,336 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Cleveland State University
Malone University placed #16 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Ohio. Set in Canton, OH, Malone University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,160 in tuition and fees. The median Graduate Degrees program debt is $27,956. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,956 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Malone University report
John Carroll University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in University Heights, OH. Students from in state pay about $50,500 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,131 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,860. Set against $26,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. John Carroll University has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full John Carroll University profile
The University Of Findlay placed #18 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Ohio. The University Of Findlay is a private not-for-profit school based in Findlay, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,164. The University Of Findlay Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,759 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,996. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Findlay report
University Of Dayton ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,140. University Of Dayton Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,537 ten years after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Dayton admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about University Of Dayton
Franciscan University Of Steubenville ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,100. Graduates carry a median of $25,029 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,030. That is a strong return on a $25,029 median debt. Franciscan University Of Steubenville admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full Franciscan University Of Steubenville report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Graduates carry a median of $23,530 in student loans. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Walsh University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in North Canton, OH, Walsh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $33,030 in tuition and fees. Walsh University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $28,064 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,764 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,064 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Walsh University profile
Kent State University At Kent landed the #23 spot for value in Ohio this year. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Kent State University At Kent report
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $25,347 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
College Of Mount St Joseph offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $38,150. Students borrow a median of $28,273 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,509 ten years after entry. Set against $28,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Mount St Joseph has an acceptance rate of 59%. Read the full report on College Of Mount St Joseph
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graduate Degrees Degree Schools in Ohio
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Capital University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbus, OH, Capital University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,234. Capital University Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $28,269 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,143. That is a strong return on a $28,269 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Capital University
Wright State University Main Campus ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Set in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $25,836. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,500. Set against $25,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Wright State University Main Campus
Tiffin University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tiffin, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $34,790. Students borrow a median of $30,977 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,942 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about Tiffin University
Devry University Ohio ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Based in Columbus, OH, Devry University Ohio is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,008. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $43,860. Devry University Ohio alumni report median earnings of $45,987 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Devry University Ohio
University Of Toledo landed the #30 spot for value in Ohio this year. Set in Toledo, OH, University Of Toledo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,157, while out-of-state students pay about $21,517. University Of Toledo Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $24,923 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,632 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Toledo admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full University Of Toledo report
Lourdes College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Lourdes College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sylvania, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,370. Lourdes College Graduate Degrees students take on a median of $29,668 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,150. That is a strong return on a $29,668 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on Lourdes College
Notre Dame College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Notre Dame College is a private not-for-profit school based in Cleveland, OH. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $29,397. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,737 ten years after entry. Set against $29,397 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Notre Dame College profile
Ohio Northern University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ada, OH. Students from in state pay about $39,600 in tuition and fees. Typical Graduate Degrees student debt is $26,661. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,928. That is a strong return on a $26,661 median debt. Ohio Northern University admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about Ohio Northern University
Ursuline College placed #35 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Ohio. Located in Pepper Pike, OH, Ursuline College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,990. Graduates carry a median of $35,000 in student loans. Ursuline College alumni report median earnings of $56,878 a decade after entry. Set against $35,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Ursuline College profile
University Of Mount Union offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Alliance, OH, University Of Mount Union is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,600. Graduates carry a median of $26,988 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,217 ten years out. Set against $26,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Mount Union
Oberlin College landed the #37 spot for value in Ohio this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Oberlin, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,366. Students borrow a median of $24,759 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,343 ten years after entry. Set against $24,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 34%. Read the full report on Oberlin College
Antioch University Midwest landed the #38 spot for value in Ohio this year. Based in Yellow Springs, OH, Antioch University Midwest is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,073. Students borrow a median of $33,752 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,541 ten years after entry. Set against $33,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Antioch University Midwest
Case Western Reserve University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cleveland, OH. Students from in state pay about $66,608 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,106 to complete their Graduate Degrees program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,989. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Case Western Reserve University
Gods Bible School And College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Get the full Gods Bible School And College report
Aveda Fredrics Institute Cincinnati ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graduate Degrees schools. Get the full Aveda Fredrics Institute Cincinnati report
Fortis College Cincinnati placed #41 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Ohio. Read the full report on Fortis College Cincinnati
Hamrick School
Hamrick School offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read more about Hamrick School
Lorain County Joint Vocational School District landed the #43 spot for value in Ohio this year. Get the full Lorain County Joint Vocational School District report
Ohio University Chillicothe Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Ohio University Chillicothe Campus report
Ross Medical Education Center Ontario landed the #45 spot for value in Ohio this year. Read the full report on Ross Medical Education Center Ontario
Tri Rivers Career Center placed #46 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Ohio. Get the full Tri Rivers Career Center report
Willoughby Eastlake School Of Practical Nursing placed #47 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Ohio. More on Willoughby Eastlake School Of Practical Nursing
Academia Medical Institute placed #48 among the best-value Graduate Degrees schools in Ohio. See the full Academia Medical Institute profile
Columbus College Of Art And Design came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Columbus College Of Art And Design
Northwest State Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. See the full Northwest State Community College profile
More Graduate Degrees Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 39 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 273 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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