Ohio Northern University
Ohio Northern University is a private nonprofit university in Ada, OH ranked #212 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 2,489 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 74.4%. Students most often pursue Mechanical Engineering and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 84.3% first-year retention, and 75.5% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $24,478, about $7,480 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -36.0%, roughly 121.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $62,686. That's about $18,998 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Ohio Northern University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Ohio Northern University graduates 75.5% of students within six years and keeps 84.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Ohio Northern University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $39,800 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,604 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,304 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $53,580 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 20.6% of Ohio Northern University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $18,525 to $27,710 depending on family income. Use Ohio Northern University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,605/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,710/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $62,686
- 10-Year Median Earnings $62,686
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $24,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 84.5%
- Employment Rate 95.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Ohio Northern University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Ohio Northern University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Ohio Northern University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Ohio Northern University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Ohio Northern University graduates earn $62,686 median, the -36.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 585-690
- SAT Math 590-710
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 24-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,489
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 84.3%
- Graduation Rate 75.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Ohio Northern University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Ohio Northern University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 74.4%, Ohio Northern University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 74.4% acceptance rate, Ohio Northern University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1175 and 1400 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Ohio Northern University undergraduates. Mechanical Engineering, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Accounting and Related Services draw the most students.
- Mechanical Engineering 10.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 7.1%
- Accounting and Related Services 6.8%
- Civil Engineering 5.8%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.9%
See more majors
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 4.4%
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 4.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Mechanical Engineering $88,267
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $83,544
- 3. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $77,928
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Civil Engineering $76,866
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $74,625
- 6. Computer Science $69,046
- 7. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration $66,987
- 8. Construction Management $64,311
- 9. Biology, General $61,979
- 10. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $53,697
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $136,241
- 2. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $102,329
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $85,719
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (Doctoral Degree) $70,892
- 5. Law (First Professional Degree) $55,402
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Mechanical Engineering grads earn $88,267—64% more than Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($53,697). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $136,241 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Ohio Northern University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 150 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 49 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 41 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 29 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (50 programs)▼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Civil Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Marketing
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Psychology, General
- Construction Management
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Music
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Political Science and Government
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Statistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Chemistry
- Public Health
- History
- Sociology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Literature
- Journalism
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Applied Mathematics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Security Science and Technology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Engineering, Other
- Education, General
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Data Analytics
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Law
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,489
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 55.0%
- Female Students 45.0%
- Caucasian 80.4%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 4.3%
- Black 2.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 20.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Ohio Northern University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Ohio Northern University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Ohio Northern University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ohio Northern University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 80.4% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 20.6% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Ohio Northern University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ohio Northern University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ohio Northern University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -36.0% ROI. Ranked #212 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,478 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $62,686 median earnings. With 75.5% graduating within six years and 84.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Ohio Northern University's Positioning
With a A- grade and #212 ranking, Ohio Northern University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,478 annually, Ohio Northern University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 84.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,135 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -36.0% ROI and $62,686 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,478+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Ohio Northern University ranks #212 of 1942 institutions, with 651 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 75.5% six-year graduation rate sits 13.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 84.3% first-year retention is 7.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -36.0% return on investment is 121.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $62,686 run about 43% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,478 is roughly $4,460 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 84.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 95.4% employment rate within three years sits 27.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,478 is about $4,460 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 20.6% trails the national share by 13.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Ada, OH, Ohio Northern University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It holds a #212 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support B+, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 84.3% retention and 75.5% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -36.0% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $24,478 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $53,580.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $29,102 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $24,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 20.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $62,686 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 43% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 95.4%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -36.0%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
74.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Ohio Northern University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Ada, OH 45810-1599
- Website www.onu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$203.4M