About our students
You don't have to be a statistics major to see how these numbers tell the story of the ONU educational experience.
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90% Of students rated their educational experience "excellent" or "good"
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21 Average class size
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100% Of ONU students receive merit-aid
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6 The number of continents where you can study abroad
Recognition of Excellence
When you put as much time, effort and care into students as we do, people take notice. ONU continues to be ranked among the best universities for offering an exceptional educational experience and an outstanding return on investment. While the criteria differ, the common denominator is the recognition of the value and relevancy of an Ohio Northern degree. Click on the publications below to reveal how they rank Ohio Northern University.
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ONU is the #1 college in the Midwest in the new 2026 U.S. News and World Report rankings. On the publication’s 2026 Best Regional Colleges Midwest list, ONU is ranked #1 overall. We also ranked #1 in Best Value Schools and #1 for Best College for Veterans in the ratings.
U.S. News and World Reports ranks our undergraduate engineering program #14 in the nation (non doctorate) and #1 in Ohio.
Our civil engineering program is #11 in the country and our electrical engineering program is ranked #15.
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One of nation’s top schools in The Princeton Review’s annual college guide, The Best 389 Colleges: 2026 Edition.
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The Wall Street Journal ranks ONU as the #1 school in Ohio for value and salary impact in its 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S.
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Ranked by Forbes in its "America's Top Colleges"
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ONU is ranked No. 1 in Ohio on this site’s "Best College in Each State for Getting a Job." And we're No. 3 nationally!
2025-26 Enrollment by College
Arts & Sciences 1,307Business Administration 352
Engineering 749
Pharmacy 487
Law 245
Graduate Outcomes
At ONU, we are proud of our outstanding placement rates, year after year. Our graduates land incredible jobs and get accepted into top-notch graduate schools right out of the gate.
Campus life by the numbers
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200 Student clubs and organizations
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19 Different residence halls
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25 NCAA Division III varsity sports
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82% Students involved in student organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
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Founded in 1871 in Ada, Ohio, Ohio Northern University (ONU) is an independent, comprehensive university that combines the personal feel of a small college with the opportunities of a major institution. With over 50 academic programs spanning five distinct colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Law—ONU is recognized nationally for academic quality and outstanding return on investment.
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At ONU, learning is personal. The average class size is 21 students, and the university maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Classes are taught by dedicated faculty members—never teaching assistants—ensuring students build direct, professional relationships and receive hands-on mentorship throughout their college journey.
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ONU is home to a vibrant, tight-knit community of over 3,100 undergraduate and graduate students. Our student body represents 50 U.S. states and 15 countries, creating a diverse learning environment on a safe, 342-acre residential campus in Ada, Ohio.
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Ohio Northern is committed to making a private college education affordable. Over 98% of undergraduate students receive financial assistance, with an average financial aid award of approximately $32,500 per year. Every applicant is automatically considered for generous merit scholarships upon submitting their application.
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ONU is located in Ada, Ohio, a safe, welcoming college town that offers a classic Midwestern campus experience. Our 342-acre campus features modern academic facilities, updated residences, and state-of-the-art labs, providing students with a focused, distraction-free environment just a short drive from major metropolitan areas like Columbus and Dayton.