Rankings / By State

Best Master's Programs in Ohio

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 50 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$54,178

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

58%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$20,960

Avg. Net Price

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As we explore the best master's programs in Ohio, we're looking at schools that consistently produce graduates with strong outcomes. With an average post-graduation earning of $55,225, these institutions are shaping futures and preparing students for success in their fields.

What sets these programs apart? Key metrics like graduation rates, debt levels, and post-graduation earnings highlight how well these schools support their students. The data below reflects not just the prestige of these schools, but the tangible results they achieve, helping graduates find their footing in the workforce.

Take Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University, for example. Ohio State graduates earn an average of $60,409, with an impressive graduation rate of 88%. In contrast, Case Western boasts even higher earnings at $87,989, but comes with a significantly higher net price of $41,190 and a debt of $24,000. The differences in costs and outcomes are crucial for prospective students to consider as they navigate their options.

Key Findings

Case Western Reserve University graduates earn $87,989 on average.

Ohio State University has a graduation rate of 88%.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing has a net price of $10,420.

The average debt across these programs is $22,082.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 50

Avg. earnings at 10yr $54,178

Avg. graduation rate 58%

Avg. net price $20,960

Avg. median debt $23,086

How We Ranked

Master's programs in Ohio ranked by graduate outcomes

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Kenyon College

Gambier, OH

Graduation84%

Earnings$71,830

Net Price$38,512

View full profile →

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH

Graduation87%

Earnings$87,989

Net Price$41,190

View full profile →

The College of Wooster

Wooster, OH

Graduation74%

Earnings$59,629

Net Price$23,458

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

Kenyon College

Gambier, OH · 1,732 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in Gambier, Kenyon College offers a liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking and writing skills. With an 84% graduation rate, it reflects a strong commitment to student success, attracting those who thrive in a close-knit, intellectually stimulating environment.

31% accepted 84% graduate $71,830 earnings

Kenyon's full profile

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH · 6,437 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 87%, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland emphasizes student success and academic support. The university fosters a vibrant community with a focus on research and innovation, attracting students who are eager to engage in hands-on learning and contribute to impactful projects.

37% accepted 87% graduate $87,989 earnings

The College of Wooster

Wooster, OH · 1,730 students · Private nonprofit

At The College of Wooster, the emphasis is on experiential learning through independent research and close faculty mentorship. With a graduation rate of 74%, students benefit from a learning model that encourages critical thinking and hands-on experience, ensuring they leave well-prepared for the real world.

60% accepted 74% graduate $59,629 earnings

Ohio Northern University

Ada, OH · 2,489 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 75%, Ohio Northern University cultivates a supportive environment where students are likely to succeed. The school emphasizes personalized education, enabling students to engage deeply with their studies and prepare for their future careers.

74% accepted 75% graduate $80,928 earnings

University of Dayton

Dayton, OH · 7,682 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Dayton is a vibrant campus community with a diverse student population of nearly 7,700. Known for its commitment to experiential learning, the university encourages students to take part in internships and hands-on projects that enrich their education and employability after graduation.

65% accepted 81% graduate $75,537 earnings

University's full profile

North Central State College

Mansfield, OH · 1,273 students · Public

North Central State College offers a practical approach to higher education in Mansfield, with a focus on accessible learning and community engagement. The college serves a smaller student body of 1,273, allowing for a close-knit environment where students can thrive and receive personalized attention.

35% graduate $38,158 earnings

Denison University

Granville, OH · 2,380 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 79%, Denison University shows a strong commitment to student success. Located in Granville, Ohio, this private nonprofit school offers a tight-knit community where students can thrive academically and socially.

17% accepted 79% graduate $67,753 earnings

Denison's full profile

Central Ohio Technical College

Newark, OH · 1,941 students · Public

Central Ohio Technical College, located in Newark, serves as a gateway for students seeking practical skills and career-focused education. With a graduation rate of 27%, the college provides a range of programs that cater to the needs of local industries, targeting students who are ready to jump into the workforce quickly.

27% graduate $39,168 earnings

Central's full profile

Cedarville University

Cedarville, OH · 4,024 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 73%, Cedarville University is a solid choice for students looking for a strong Christian environment paired with academic rigor. Located in Cedarville, Ohio, this private nonprofit school emphasizes a faith-based education while preparing students for the workforce, boasting median earnings of $55,443 ten years after graduation.

65% accepted 73% graduate $55,443 earnings

Cedarville's full profile

#10

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH · 7,961 students · Public

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 84%, Youngstown State University serves a diverse group of students, including 34% who receive Pell Grants. The university is committed to giving underrepresented students access to higher education, making it a strong option for those looking for an inclusive environment that prioritizes student support.

84% accepted 52% graduate $41,544 earnings

Youngstown's full profile

#11

Walsh University

North Canton, OH · 1,390 students · Private nonprofit

Walsh University is a private nonprofit institution in North Canton, Ohio, known for fostering close-knit relationships among its 1,390 students. The university's commitment to student success is evident in its 60% graduation rate, and its graduates earn a median income of $59,764 ten years after leaving, making it an attractive option for future-focused students.

71% accepted 60% graduate $59,764 earnings

John Carroll University

University Heights, OH · 2,274 students · Private nonprofit

John Carroll University is a private nonprofit institution that emphasizes personal growth and academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 78%, it fosters an environment where students can thrive and connect, often leading to lifelong friendships and professional networks in the greater Cleveland area.

81% accepted 78% graduate $62,860 earnings

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Steubenville, OH · 2,901 students · Private nonprofit

Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private nonprofit institution that emphasizes a Catholic education and community life. With a high graduation rate of 76%, students can feel confident that they will receive the support necessary to complete their degrees, which is reflected in the solid median earnings of $50,030 after ten years.

58% accepted 76% graduate $50,030 earnings

Franciscan's full profile

#14

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · 45,638 students · Public

With nearly 46,000 students, Ohio State University-Main Campus is a vibrant hub of academic and social life in Columbus. The school boasts a commendable 88% graduation rate, suggesting that many students find the support they need to succeed and complete their degrees.

61% accepted 88% graduate $60,409 earnings

Oberlin College

Oberlin, OH · 2,887 students · Private nonprofit

Oberlin College, located in Oberlin, OH, is known for its strong commitment to liberal arts education and a vibrant campus life. With a graduation rate of 80%, students here benefit from an environment that encourages critical thinking and creativity. The college's emphasis on social justice and activism resonates with many students who want to make an impact in the world.

34% accepted 80% graduate $58,343 earnings

Oberlin's full profile

#16

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · 8,969 students · Public

Cleveland State University is an urban institution that emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, attracting nearly 9,000 students. With a graduation rate of 50%, it offers a range of programs aimed at helping students successfully transition into the workforce, where median earnings reach $52,131 ten years after graduation.

91% accepted 50% graduate $52,131 earnings

Cleveland's full profile

#17

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH · 2,157 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in Westerville, OH, Otterbein University fosters a close-knit community with a focus on experiential learning. With 85% of applicants being accepted, it creates an inclusive environment where students can explore their interests and develop their skills in a supportive setting. The university emphasizes hands-on experiences, which can greatly enhance a student’s educational journey.

85% accepted 68% graduate $53,313 earnings

Otterbein's full profile

#18

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon, OH · 1,358 students · Private nonprofit

Mount Vernon Nazarene University, situated in Mount Vernon, Ohio, has a vibrant community of 1,358 students. The university boasts a solid graduation rate of 66% and median earnings of $49,555 for graduates within ten years, showcasing the effectiveness of its academic programs. This supportive environment fosters personal and spiritual development alongside academic achievement, appealing to students looking for a well-rounded college experience.

84% accepted 66% graduate $49,555 earnings

University of Toledo

Toledo, OH · 9,770 students · Public

The University of Toledo is a public institution that serves a diverse student body of nearly 10,000. With a 56% graduation rate, it offers a range of programs and support services that cater to different student needs, making it an appealing choice for many.

92% accepted 56% graduate $50,632 earnings

University's full profile

#20

Ohio Wesleyan University

Delaware, OH · 1,516 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earnings figure of $55,624 at the ten-year mark, Ohio Wesleyan University demonstrates a solid return on investment for its graduates. The school has a diverse community of 1,516 students, where 28% are Pell Grant recipients, suggesting a commitment to supporting students from varied financial backgrounds. The 60% graduation rate indicates that many students are able to navigate their academic paths successfully, and with a 56% acceptance rate, it opens doors for many aspiring learners.

56% accepted 60% graduate $55,624 earnings

Marietta College

Marietta, OH · 952 students · Private nonprofit

Marietta College offers an engaging academic experience with a graduation rate of 60% among its 952 students. With median earnings of $57,180 a decade after graduation, it demonstrates a strong potential return on investment for those who complete their studies. The campus culture encourages support and engagement, with 34% of students receiving Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to diverse financial backgrounds.

79% accepted 60% graduate $57,180 earnings

Marietta's full profile

#22

Ursuline College

Pepper Pike, OH · 670 students · Private nonprofit

Ursuline College is a great option for students seeking a personalized education experience at a private nonprofit institution. With a graduation rate of 61%, the college fosters academic growth and success, making it an inviting choice for those who want to flourish in an engaging environment.

75% accepted 61% graduate $56,878 earnings

Ursuline's full profile

#23

Hiram College

Hiram, OH · 777 students · Private nonprofit

Hiram College is a close-knit private nonprofit institution located in Hiram, Ohio, with a student body of 777. With a graduation rate of 57%, students here benefit from a supportive environment that encourages academic and personal growth, with many graduates earning a median income of $54,311 within ten years of completing their degree.

94% accepted 57% graduate $54,311 earnings

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH · 13,308 students · Public

Sinclair Community College, nestled in Dayton, Ohio, caters to a diverse student body of over 13,000 individuals. With a focus on accessibility and affordability, Sinclair is an excellent option for those seeking to start their higher education without the burden of large debts, though it has a graduation rate of 36%, indicating that some students may face challenges in completing their degrees.

36% graduate $37,558 earnings

Sinclair's full profile

#25

University of Mount Union

Alliance, OH · 1,995 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Mount Union is home to a vibrant student body of nearly 2,000, with a graduation rate of 62%. Graduates find themselves earning a median income of $53,217 within ten years, reflecting the university's focus on career-ready education. The 78% acceptance rate indicates a welcoming environment for students from various backgrounds, including a notable 28% Pell Grant recipient rate, which highlights its commitment to accessibility for those in need of financial support.

78% accepted 62% graduate $53,217 earnings

University's full profile

#26

Ashland University

Ashland, OH · 2,199 students · Private nonprofit

76% accepted 61% graduate $52,928 earnings

Ashland's full profile

#27

Muskingum University

New Concord, OH · 1,376 students · Private nonprofit

82% accepted 55% graduate $48,440 earnings

Muskingum's full profile

#28

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Cincinnati, OH · 5,667 students · Public

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers a practical education route for students seeking to jumpstart their careers. With a net price of just $4,968, it stands as one of the more affordable options in the region, making higher education accessible for many, especially those who need a cost-effective start.

18% graduate $40,137 earnings

Cincinnati's full profile

#29

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH · 4,207 students · Private nonprofit

86% accepted 70% graduate $64,873 earnings

Xavier's full profile

#30

Capital University

Columbus, OH · 1,585 students · Private nonprofit

70% accepted 63% graduate $54,143 earnings

Capital's full profile

#31

Wittenberg University

Springfield, OH · 1,215 students · Private nonprofit

72% accepted 53% graduate $54,947 earnings

Wittenberg's full profile

#32

Ohio Dominican University

Columbus, OH · 760 students · Private nonprofit

94% accepted 44% graduate $51,748 earnings

The University of Findlay

Findlay, OH · 2,223 students · Private nonprofit

83% accepted 60% graduate $56,996 earnings

Malone University

Canton, OH · 798 students · Private nonprofit

76% accepted 48% graduate $48,909 earnings

Malone's full profile

#35

Bluffton University

Bluffton, OH · 582 students · Private nonprofit

67% accepted 51% graduate $49,547 earnings

Bluffton's full profile

#36

Baldwin Wallace University

Berea, OH · 2,842 students · Private nonprofit

76% accepted 68% graduate $54,122 earnings

Baldwin's full profile

#37

Zane State College

Zanesville, OH · 715 students · Public

49% graduate $35,006 earnings

Wilmington College

Wilmington, OH · 1,006 students · Private nonprofit

92% accepted 51% graduate $48,491 earnings

Wilmington's full profile

#39

Mercy College of Ohio

Toledo, OH · 939 students · Private nonprofit

Mercy College of Ohio, located in Toledo, is a smaller private nonprofit institution with a focus on healthcare and community service. With an acceptance rate of 93% and a student body of 939, it fosters a supportive atmosphere that may appeal to those seeking close connections with peers and faculty.

93% accepted 49% graduate $65,409 earnings

Lake Erie College

Painesville, OH · 852 students · Private nonprofit

70% accepted 40% graduate $50,417 earnings

Miami University-Oxford

Oxford, OH · 16,656 students · Public

Miami University in Oxford stands out with a large student body of 16,656, creating a vibrant campus life filled with diverse opportunities. The university's 81% graduation rate reflects a commitment to student support and success, making it a solid choice for students looking to engage both academically and socially.

75% accepted 81% graduate $55,076 earnings

Tiffin University

Tiffin, OH · 2,051 students · Private nonprofit

80% accepted 41% graduate $35,942 earnings

Tiffin's full profile

#43

Marion Technical College

Marion, OH · 1,475 students · Public

At Marion Technical College, students can pursue practical, hands-on education in a supportive environment that caters to around 1,475 learners. The college's graduation rate of 28% may appear low, but it reflects a focus on non-traditional students who often balance work and study commitments, preparing them for real-world challenges.

28% graduate $41,495 earnings

Marion's full profile

#44

Mount St. Joseph University

Cincinnati, OH · 1,129 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Cincinnati, Mount St. Joseph University is a private nonprofit school with a close-knit community of about 1,129 students. With a graduation rate of 56%, the university focuses on providing a personalized educational experience, allowing students to develop both academically and personally, which is reflected in median earnings of $51,509 ten years after graduation.

59% accepted 56% graduate $51,509 earnings

Lourdes University

Sylvania, OH · 543 students · Private nonprofit

74% accepted 35% graduate $48,150 earnings

Lourdes's full profile

#46

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, OH · 2,247 students · Public

45% graduate $39,596 earnings

Shawnee's full profile

#47

Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Columbus, OH · 532 students · Private nonprofit

Mount Carmel College of Nursing may be smaller, with just 532 students, but it focuses intensively on training nursing professionals. The college’s 64% graduation rate indicates a solid commitment to guiding students through their nursing education in a supportive environment.

84% accepted 64% graduate $75,103 earnings

Heidelberg University

Tiffin, OH · 915 students · Private nonprofit

86% accepted 51% graduate $48,466 earnings

Heidelberg's full profile

#49

Ohio University-Main Campus

Athens, OH · 19,633 students · Public

With a welcoming campus in Athens, Ohio, Ohio University serves more than 19,600 students and offers a vibrant community for those seeking a traditional college experience. The school has a solid graduation rate of 66%, and its graduates see median earnings of $52,581 a decade after leaving, reflecting a strong return on investment for many fields of study.

85% accepted 66% graduate $52,581 earnings

Miami University-Hamilton

Hamilton, OH · 2,043 students · Public

Miami University-Hamilton offers a unique opportunity for students seeking a public higher education experience in Hamilton, OH. With a focus on practical skills and community engagement, this campus allows students to thrive in a supportive environment. Despite a lower graduation rate of 23%, the educational experience is tailored to help students develop the skills needed for real-world success.

23% graduate $55,076 earnings

When we look closely at the data, a clear pattern emerges. For instance, Case Western Reserve University outperforms Mount Carmel College of Nursing in earnings, with graduates making $87,989 compared to Mount Carmel's $75,103. However, Mount Carmel has a much lower net price of $10,420, which can make a significant difference for students concerned about debt.

After reviewing the rankings, it’s essential to weigh these outcomes against personal priorities. Consider factors like location and program fit. If you value a lower net price, Mount Carmel might be an excellent choice despite slightly lower earnings. Conversely, if maximizing post-graduate income is your primary goal, Case Western could be worth the investment.

In the end, these numbers reflect a critical journey from education to a stable future. Each family's decision is unique, whether it's a choice driven by financial considerations or career aspirations. Understanding the implications of these outcomes can help guide that choice toward a more secure life ahead.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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