10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Columbus, OH (2025)

It's time to go to college but in a big city like Columbus, it's hard to choose the college that's best for you because there are so many around.

Whether you've lived there all your life or want to move to a thriving town for a college education and a future career, today you can learn about some of the greatest colleges near Columbus, Ohio.

Featured Colleges in Columbus, OH

Whether directly in the city or a short ride to the next town over, these are the best, and closest, colleges to Columbus, Ohio.

This university is dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in Ohio while still being considerate of the community's traditions.

1. Ohio State University

Ohio State University (OSU) is a public land-grant research university in Columbus, OH, that's part of the University System of Ohio.

OSU offers associate's and bachelor's programs in person and online, including degrees in accounting, art, business management, civil engineering, computer science, education, health science, journalism, mathematics, music, philosophy, religious studies, social work, and zoology.

As one of the largest universities in the United States, students at OSU will become part of a large, dedicated community of lifelong learners.

2. Franklin University

Franklin University, while primarily serving students online, is a private university with a main campus in Columbus, OH.

It's designed to serve nontraditional-aged adult students and delivers on-site classes through Columbus' Discovery District.

Franklin University offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees online and on-site. On-site programs include:

• Associate of Science (A.S.) in Accounting
• A.S. in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration
• B.S. in Management and Leadership
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science
• M.S. in Business Analytics
• M.S. in Cybersecurity
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

3. Ohio Dominican University

Ohio Dominican University (ODU) is a private Dominican liberal arts university in Columbus, OH that offers 40 undergraduate and nine graduate degree programs.

ODU has provided 100% of its undergraduate students with financial aid in the last academic year and uses smaller class sizes to help give students the focused attention from faculty that they need to succeed.

Some of ODU's most popular bachelor's degrees include accounting, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, information technology, and psychology.

4. Columbus College of Art and Design

As its name suggests, the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) is a private art school in Columbus, OH that's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award bachelor's degrees.

CCAD was founded by women and still has a majority female student population today, making it the perfect school for today's young women to learn the arts and get a creativity-focused degree in programs like illustration, photography, and product design.

5. Mount Carmel College of Nursing

One of two colleges that are part of Mount Carmel, the Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) is a private specialized four-year institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, with a bachelor's, master's, and doctor of nursing programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

As a college specializing in nursing, MCCN offers bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and post-graduate certificate programs in nursing, some of which are online.

Graduate students who want to pursue specializations as practitioners, leaders, or educators in nursing would do well at this college.

6. DeVry University's Columbus Campus

DeVry University is a private primarily online university that's headquartered in Illinois but has campuses all across the United States, including one in Columbus, OH.

While the university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, DeVry's Columbus campus only provides in-person bachelor's programs and online certificates.

At this location, you can earn certificates in undergraduate technology or medical billing and coding, or bachelor's degrees in computer information systems, technical management, or business.

7. Capital University

Capital University is a private university in Bexley, OH, a town located less than five miles away from the heart of Columbus. It's affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Capital University offers 60 different majors and over 50 minors that help create customized, focused degree programs for students pursuing bachelor's degrees.

Here you can find programs in the fields of art, business, communication, education, health, law, nursing, and psychology.

8. Otterbein University

Otterbein University is a private liberal arts university in Westerville, OH, which is roughly 15 miles from Columbus. It offers over 70 majors, 40 minors, and eight graduate degrees.

Otterbein prides itself on being able to offer the benefits of a well-defined small-town education with all the opportunities and networking of a large city.

Undergraduate students can earn degrees in allied health, biology, computer science, economics, and more, while graduate students can specialize in business administration, education, and nursing.

9. Ohio Christian University

Ohio Christian University (OCU) is a private Christian college affiliated with the Churches of Christ in Christian Union that's based in Circleville, OH. This town is about 30 minutes away from Columbus.

OCU offers in-person and online degree programs for residential undergraduate students, graduate students, and online adult students.

High school students can even participate in Dual Credit programs to earn college credit while still in public school.

Students can earn an Associate in Arts or Science, Bachelor of Arts or Science, or master's degree from OCU.

10. Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) is a private liberal arts college in Delaware, OH that's a member of the Ohio Five - a consortium of Ohio liberal arts colleges. It's just about 30 miles away from Columbus, Ohio.

Undergraduate majors from OWU include:

• Business
• Data Analytics
• Fine Arts
• Communication
• Education
• Neuroscience

OWU also offers pre-professional programs in medicine, dentistry, law, and engineering.

What Is the Biggest School Near Columbus, Ohio?

Ohio State University is not only the largest of the colleges near Columbus, Ohio, but also one of the largest universities in the United States with over 45,000 undergraduate students enrolling each year.

How To Choose the Right College Near Columbus, Ohio

When you're choosing a college near Columbus, Ohio, there's more than just the location to think about.

Is this a liberal arts college, STEM-focused, or offering a specific program you want?

Does it offer online classes or flexible schedules? How much is tuition, and what financial aid is available from that particular school?

These are all questions you need to find answers to to choose the right college for you in or near Columbus, Ohio.

Paying for Your Degree Near Columbus, Ohio

Ohio students can use the FAFSA to find student loans, scholarships, federal grants, and work-study opportunities that can help them pay for their degree at colleges near Columbus, Ohio.

Students are also encouraged to try to save and find scholarships through their local community, such as those offered by non-profits, or tuition reimbursement programs from companies that encourage their employees to complete a degree related to their current field of work.

Start Your Degree Near Columbus, Ohio Today

Now that you've learned how to find and pay for the best colleges near Columbus, Ohio, it's time to start applying for your program of choice today so you can earn your degree and start making a difference in your career tomorrow.