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True North

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The Best Value University in Ohio and the Midwest!

Ohio Northern University offers the best value of any university in Ohio and the Midwest, according to new rankings by the Wall Street Journal and U.S. News and World Report.

We're #1 in the Buckeye State in the Best Value category in the Wall Street Journal's 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S., and ONU is a highly-rated top 100 university in its national rankings.

In U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Regional Colleges Midwest list, we're ranked #1 in the Best Value Schools category.

Discover your dreams and launch a great career, all at an unbeatable value!
  • Wall Street Journal Rankings
  • U.S. News and World Report Rankings
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Point your compass toward your dream

Adventure Awaits. Discovery Awaits. Your future awaits at Ohio Northern University –
the place to find True North!

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 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 About Distinctly ONU
Career ready
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 About Admissions & Aid
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National and regional recognition.
Ohio Northern is well-known regionally and nationally for its excellence and rigorous academic programs. 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.” Learn More About Us
Quality programs
college of distinction 2024-25

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.

  • 13:1 Student-faculty ratio
  • 21 Average class size
  • 97% Of 2024 graduates reported having a job or entered graduate school within 6 months of graduation
  • $27,800 Average financial aid award
See all facts and figures

News

News Article Image - KISS and tell, 50 years later

KISS and tell, 50 years later

ONU hasn’t forgotten the night rock ’n roll shook Ada, Ohio.

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News Article Image - Pharmacists can fill gaps in maternity care

Pharmacists can fill gaps in maternity care

ONU researchers uncover perceptions and opportunities in Ohio.

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News Article Image - Drone Day Takes Flight at ONU

Drone Day Takes Flight at ONU

Construction management, manufacturing technology, and civil engineering students learn from industry experts.

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News Article Image - ONU students hit the runway for a cause

ONU students hit the runway for a cause

Students show up to support Beatitudes.

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News Article Image - ONU receives prestigious classifications in redesigned Carnegie classification system

ONU receives prestigious classifications in redesigned Carnegie classification system

New classifications by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education reinforce the value and return on investment.

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News Article Image - ONU 2025 commencement speakers, honorary doctoral degree recipients announced

ONU 2025 commencement speakers, honorary doctoral degree recipients announced

ONU’s three commencement ceremonies will be held May 17 and 18.

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News Article Image - ONU becomes a green chemistry institution

ONU becomes a green chemistry institution

University joins a global movement to embed sustainability in science education.

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News Article Image - ONU theatre students give voice to the Ukrainian people

ONU theatre students give voice to the Ukrainian people

Worldwide Ukrainian Play Readings project takes the stage, April 26-27.

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News Article Image - Students dive into advanced manufacturing technology

Students dive into advanced manufacturing technology

Mechanical engineering students are exploring the cutting-edge systems in the new Don Wood Foundation Advanced Metal Technology Lab.

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News Article Image - Tropf to lead ONU Men’s Basketball program

Tropf to lead ONU Men’s Basketball program

Ohio Northern University’s men’s basketball program will be passing the torch to a new leader.

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News Article Image - ONU finance students lead the way in financial education for teens

ONU finance students lead the way in financial education for teens

Capstone project promotes financial literacy at local high schools.

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News Article Image - Senior capstone project helps build economy in Honduras

Senior capstone project helps build economy in Honduras

Business students learn about the interconnected global economy

Learn More
See All News
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May.
18

College of Pharmacy Commencement May 18th, 2025

The College of Pharmacy will hold commencement on May 18th, 2025 at 9:00am in the ONU Sports Center…

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  • May.
    09

    Spring Choral Concert

    Come hear the University Singers and Chamber…

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  • May.
    12

    Final Examinations Spring 2025 {full-term}

    Final Exam Week, please see final exam schedule…

    Read More
  • May.
    12

    Late Night Bingo & Breakfast - SPC

    Join Student Planning Committee on May 12th in…

    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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Ohio Northern University

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