Ohio Northern University has been recognized by www.CollegesofDistinction.com for the 2023-2024 academic year. Colleges of Distinction is a resource guide and consortium that honors colleges and universities throughout the United States for educational excellence.

Colleges of Distinction’s selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to the "Four Distinctions": engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes.

To be named a College of Distinction, ONU demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education in such factors as student engagement, teaching excellence, outcomes-based learning, and community involvement. This evaluation process differs from those of popular college rankings publications, whose formulas grade institutions based on things like faculty salaries, endowment size and peer opinion.

END