ONU ranks #31 nationally, #1 in Ohio for Best Value among all public and private universities

MEDIA RELEASE__ Ohio Northern University (ONU) has been named one of the nation’s top 100 private universities, landing at #99 overall in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Private Colleges rankings.

Additionally, ONU earned the #31 spot nationally and #1 in the state of Ohio for Best Value Schools, a measure evaluating academic quality relative to net cost.

This year’s standings mark a significant milestone as ONU transitioned into the National Universities category following years of stellar performance in the Regional Universities list. This reclassification reflects ONU’s expanding academic profile and growing national footprint. Continuing to perform strongly on this broader national stage places ONU alongside the country’s premier public and private institutions.

“ONU delivers an affordable, top-tier academic experience that prepares students for outstanding careers and lifelong success,” said ONU President Melissa J. Baumann, Ph.D. “As our national reputation grows, competing and thriving on this bigger, national stage is a clear validation of the quality of our faculty and academic programs and of our exceptional student outcomes and experience.”

ONU’s undergraduate engineering program also receives high marks from U.S. News, ranking #13 (tied) nationally among undergraduate engineering programs without a doctorate program.

Long considered a benchmark of high education quality, U.S. News & World Report evaluates colleges and universities using rigorous data points focused on graduation rates, social mobility, faculty resources, and post-graduate success. It provides prospective students and families with a trusted guide for college decision making.