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WE ARE NORTHERN

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#1 in Ohio, #2 in the Midwest

New Wall Street Journal and U.S. News & World Report rankings list Ohio Northern University as a top college for providing an exceptional and affordable education. ONU is ranked No. 2 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Colleges Midwest list for 2024, making it No. 1 in Ohio, and places highly in other key categories, including 3rd (first in Ohio) in regional Best Value Schools. The WSJ/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. ranks ONU No. 33 in the nation and No. 1 in Ohio for “salary impact.”
  • Wall Street Journal Ranking
  • U.S. News and World Report's Ranking
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 96 - 2023

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
  • $27,800 Average financial aid award
See all facts and figures

Internship and Co-Op Spotlight

Ohio Northern offers students an opportunity to grow and develop as a person—both in and out of the classroom. Experiential learning through internships and co-ops is an important part of our distinctive ONU education. Our students had some amazing experiences this summer. Learn more about their journeys!

News Article Image - ONU alumnus hosts Colorado-based computer engineering internships

ONU alumnus hosts Colorado-based computer engineering internships

The students received hands-on experiences working in mobile app authentication technology.

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News Article Image - Engineering students reach for the stars with SpaceX and NASA internships

Engineering students reach for the stars with SpaceX and NASA internships

Two engineering students spent their summers working on projects that support space exploration.

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News Article Image - Cancer research the focus of internship at top federal laboratory

Cancer research the focus of internship at top federal laboratory

Mariano, a fifth-year pharmacy major double majoring in biology, spent her summer as a radioisotope research intern

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News

News Article Image - Construction industry leader Kokosing, Inc. names Ohio Northern University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Construction industry leader Kokosing, Inc. names Ohio Northern University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Fredericktown, Ohio-based Kokosing, Inc. is a renowned, family-owned company with strong connections to the University.

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News Article Image - James and Janet Pry establish a scholarship to attract top students to ONU Law

James and Janet Pry establish a scholarship to attract top students to ONU Law

They are determined to leave the world a little better than they found it.

Learn More
News Article Image - ‘Together We ROAR’ ONU Homecoming Weekend ’23 to be celebrated Oct. 27-28

‘Together We ROAR’ ONU Homecoming Weekend ’23 to be celebrated Oct. 27-28

Longtime University supporters and alumni David and Melinda (Durbin) Hileman will serve as Homecoming Parade grand marshals.

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News Article Image - ONU alumnus hosts Colorado-based computer engineering internships

ONU alumnus hosts Colorado-based computer engineering internships

The students received hands-on experiences working in mobile app authentication technology.

Learn More
News Article Image - Celebrating ONU grandparents

Celebrating ONU grandparents

ONU students share Polar Bear Pride with their grandparents.

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News Article Image - ‘Fall Brawl,’ annual esports rivalry between ONU and UMU, to be held this weekend

‘Fall Brawl,’ annual esports rivalry between ONU and UMU, to be held this weekend

Fall Brawl will resume the rivalry with the University of Mount Union. Games will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday.

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News Article Image - U.S. News & World Report’s ’24 rankings name ONU best college in Ohio, second in Midwest

U.S. News & World Report’s ’24 rankings name ONU best college in Ohio, second in Midwest

The rankings assess academic quality. A total of 370 schools were ranked in the Best Regional Colleges Midwest category.

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News Article Image - Representation of women in STEM fields leads to scholarship creation

Representation of women in STEM fields leads to scholarship creation

A former Ohio Northern dual athlete and current university trustee, Reichelderfer continues to supp the success of ONU students.

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News Article Image - ONU student-athlete Abi Akamine resumes studies after surviving Lahaina fire

ONU student-athlete Abi Akamine resumes studies after surviving Lahaina fire

The Akamine family was forced to flee their home as flames approached from Maui's Upcountry region.

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News Article Image - ONU Men’s Lacrosse team to observe 9/11 anniversary with annual stair climb

ONU Men’s Lacrosse team to observe 9/11 anniversary with annual stair climb

Team members will climb the same number of stairs it took for first responders to reach victims trapped at the top of the Twin Towers.

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News Article Image - Wall Street Journal ranks Ohio Northern University No. 1 in Ohio for boosting graduate salaries

Wall Street Journal ranks Ohio Northern University No. 1 in Ohio for boosting graduate salaries

The WSJ also ranks ONU at No. 96 overall in the country and second in the Buckeye State.

Learn More
News Article Image - ONU alumnus creates three funds to support ONU students and ONU Marching Band

ONU alumnus creates three funds to support ONU students and ONU Marching Band

Spinner recently honored his late wife and their shared connection to ONU

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full background for campaign

Learn. Serve. Dream. Believe. – Forward Together

Ohio Northern launches campaign – Forward Together. ONU's $100 million campaign will build a bright and bold future for the University.

ONU is a school with a clear and certain purpose – student success. We inspire, support and drive students to go beyond what they believe they can accomplish.

This goal – student success – is what the Forward Together Campaign is all about.

We will celebrate the close of the campaign on October 13, 2023. There is still plenty of time to make your gift.
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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
Learn More
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Oct.
19

The Thanksgiving Play

By Larissa FastHorse When a troupe of really, really well-meaning theater artists attempt to put on…

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  • Oct.
    05

    Travel Abroad to Panama for Spring Break Information Session

    GEOG 2261 World Regional Geography students will…

    Read More
  • Oct.
    06

    Identifying and Responding to Juvenile Victims of Human Trafficking Training

    Sponsored by School of Social Sciences and Human…

    Read More
  • Oct.
    09

    Fall Break (No Classes)

    Fall Break, no classes will be in session.

    Read More
  • See all Events
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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