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Celebrating Northern
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WE ARE NORTHERN

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Ohio Northern University celebrates 150 years

Celebrating 150 Years

The year 2021 marks 150 years since our founder, H.S. Lehr, established the Northwestern Ohio Normal School (our original name), and we remain as devoted as ever to developing students who are ready to immerse themselves in high-impact learning. Lehr’s vision was that our graduates would take their knowledge, skills and intellect into the world to serve the larger society. We’ve more than delivered.
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Sound investment. Lifetime of value.
Earning your degree is likely one of the biggest and most rewarding investments you’ll make during your lifetime. Think you can’t afford an Ohio Northern education? Think again. Attending ONU is comparable to a public university for many students once you figure in our generous financial aid package. ONU is committed to helping you with straightforward information and personalized assistance with the financial aid process. Learn More
Affordable cost
ONU leads in student engagement – internships, research, jobs and grad school.
Graduates enjoy superior outcomes when it comes to success and satisfaction. You can land a dream job, attend first-rate graduate schools, command excellent salaries and become entrepreneurs and leaders. A 2018 national student engagement survey shows that ONU students exceed the national average of senior students who participated in high-impact practices (HIP): learning communities, service-learning, research with faculty, internship or field experiences, study abroad, and culminating senior experiences. Learn More
Career ready
National and regional recognition.
Ohio Northern is well-known regionally and nationally for its excellent and rigorous academic programs. U.S. News & World Report ranked ONU No. 3 among Midwest regional colleges in Best Colleges 2021 and also ranked ONU fourth in the Midwest for “Best Value Schools” and among the “A+ Schools for B Students.” The Wall Street Journal named ONU one of the top-12 small colleges in the Midwest. The Princeton Review featured ONU as one of the nation’s top schools in The Best 386 Colleges: 2021 Edition. Learn More
Quality programs
Placement Rate 97

By the numbers

There are lots of things we want you to know about Ohio Northern, but here are a few to get you started.

  • 12:1 Student-faculty ratio
  • 19 Average class size
  • 50,000 Yearly volunteer and service hours by our students
  • $25,000 Average financial aid award
See all facts and figures

News

News Article Image - Omega Men

Omega Men

Students lead effort to bring a “Divine Nine” fraternity to campus. Ohio Northern University’s Affinity Commons was awash in royal…

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News Article Image - ‘Just the beginning of a journey’: ONU’s ’22 commencement speakers share insight with graduates

‘Just the beginning of a journey’: ONU’s ’22 commencement speakers share insight with graduates

Pictured from left: Lima, Ohio Mayor Sharetta Smith, Randall Myers and Jim Dicke III. What do the first woman and African American…

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News Article Image - THE PAST SPEAKS TO THE PRESENT

THE PAST SPEAKS TO THE PRESENT

ONU students explore battle sites in Western Europe as war rages in Ukraine. Not long after Russian forces invaded Ukraine, a…

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News Article Image - ONU faculty, alumni honored at Ohio Pharmacists Association’s ‘22 conference

ONU faculty, alumni honored at Ohio Pharmacists Association’s ‘22 conference

ONU faculty, alumni honored at Ohio Pharmacists Association’s ‘22 conference One Ohio Northern University faculty member and nine…

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News Article Image - ONU Athletics Complex dedicated to DiBiasios

ONU Athletics Complex dedicated to DiBiasios

In recognition of President Dan DiBiasio and First Lady Chris Burns-DiBiasio’s 11-year tenure at Ohio Northern University, and their…

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News Article Image - Inside track to success

Inside track to success

ONU’s Inside Out program prepared Christafer Suarez for his future in law enforcement. When Ohio Northern University criminal justice…

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News Article Image - Writing her own story

Writing her own story

Rebekah Lee is a crafter of stories, beginning with her own. At Ohio Northern University, she forged an exciting chapter. She majored…

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News Article Image - ONU summer camps to span subjects ranging from soccer to Cedar Point physics

ONU summer camps to span subjects ranging from soccer to Cedar Point physics

Ohio Northern University will again be offering academic, music and athletic camps for students in elementary, middle school and high…

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News Article Image - Klondikes Revealed: 2022

Klondikes Revealed: 2022

Being the Ohio Northern University mascot, Klondike, is such a closely guarded secret that not even the portrayer’s closest friends…

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News Article Image - Three soon-to-be graduates to speak at '22 ONU commencement ceremonies

Three soon-to-be graduates to speak at '22 ONU commencement ceremonies

Pictured from left: Nathan Oblizajek, Zachary Beaschler and Christopher Ellington.   Three outstanding soon-to-be graduates have been…

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News Article Image - ‘A true grind but a blessing’: ONU alumni detail their first year as nurses

‘A true grind but a blessing’: ONU alumni detail their first year as nurses

(This Q&A is part of a story package that also highlights how Ohio Northern Universy's Nursing Program has adapted during the…

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News Article Image - ONU’s Nursing Program adapting, thriving during pandemic to serve student, workforce needs

ONU’s Nursing Program adapting, thriving during pandemic to serve student, workforce needs

(This feature is part of a story package that also includes a Q&A with two Ohio Northern University Nursing Program graduates).  …

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ONU alumnus Bob Peterson of Pixar Animation Studios
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This is a place that cultivates the whole person. Here you can explore whatever you are passionate about.
Bob Peterson, BSME ’83, PIXAR Animation Studios
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Jun.
03

2022 Reunion Weekend

ONU is excited to welcome alumni back to campus for a celebratory event! Save the date and make…

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  • Jun.
    03

    2022 Reunion Weekend

    ONU is excited to welcome alumni back to campus…

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  • Jun.
    18

    Cleveland Alumni Club: Day at the Zoo!

    The ONU Cleveland Alumni Club invites you, your…

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  • Aug.
    17

    New Student Move-In

    All new students will arrive to campus.…

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STUDENT STORIES

Ohio Northern offers students an opportunity to grow and develop as a person - both in and out of the classroom. Hitting the books is job number one, followed by adventures and experiences that take students to places they never expected. Learn more about the journeys others have taken and consider what you might be able to do at ONU too!

graphic circle - decorative only Photo of Madison Hudson

Madison Hudson

ONU will fuel your purpose

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Molly Ryan

Studying in Hungary fed this Fulbright scholar’s passion for experiencing other cultures

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graphic circle - decorative only Photo of Eric Belanger

Eric Belanger

Completing a course requirement for the ONU Honors Program evolved into extensive undergraduate research that yielded presentations and a publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal

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  • See all profiles
Fall leaves decorate the campus of Ohio Northern University.

Small university, huge impact.

ONU has a rich history of academic excellence, and we’re always evolving to meet society’s ever-changing needs. We’ve most recently been recognized for teaching quality, high graduation rates, commitment to volunteer service and, most impressively, providing a high return on investment for our graduates.
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