There are business administration schools and business administration programs that you know will be difficult to get into right off the bat. For example, Harvard Business School or Stanford University have an acceptance rate of 11.5% and 6.9%, respectively. These graduate programs are so notoriously difficult to get into that their full-time applicants’ rates are dropping. That is not to say that they are no longer desirable; quite the opposite. They are extremely competitive and also quite expensive, which takes them out of reach for most students.
Granted, there is some element of luck when it comes to applying for and getting accepted into top-ranked undergraduate or MBA programs. However, with a little bit of research, general preparedness, and excellent academic skills, you can find hidden gems that provide nothing but top-ranking educational value and give you the best possible opportunities for employment.
Top 5 Business Schools in Ohio
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio State | Columbus, Ohio |
| 2 | Wittenburg University | Springfield, Ohio |
| 3 | Marietta College | Marietta, Ohio |
| 4 | Cedarville University | Cedarville, Ohio |
| 5 | Kent State | Kent, Ohio |
Every state has these types of business schools, which aren’t exactly Ivy League but still offer some of the most comprehensive business programs in the country. Ohio State University Business School, for example, has been ranked as one of the best in the state as well as countrywide. In fact, the University’s Online MBA (Master of Business Administration) program is the best in the State and 36th in the nation.
Ohio State University isn’t the only school excelling in this field. Let’s take a look at some of Ohio’s best business schools to put things in perspective.
There are hundreds of business schools in Ohio, but as it is with most things in this world, they are not all created equal. There are several differentiating factors, such as acceptance rates, tuition fees, and the kind of opportunities that you can get after graduating from each one.
Thankfully, Ohio’s job market is a bit better than it is in most of the country. While the current unemployment rate stands at around 6.7%, Ohio’s unemployment rate is around 5.6%. This means that you have an excellent chance to get a job in Ohio if you have an undergrad business degree.
The question now comes to how marketable the business degree you hold is in the overall marketplace? The answer to that question lies in the kind of undergrad or MBA program you attend.
What Makes a Good Business School?
While many things come into play when choosing the right business school; both objective and subjective factors, the truth is that at the end of the day, every student wants to go to a school that will:
- Give them the kind of education they want to get
- Equip them with as much practical information as possible
- Provide them with a supportive faculty
- Give them an excellent Alumni network that could act as business contacts after graduation
With that in mind, here are some of the most impactful factors that should play a big role in determining the kind of business school you go to in Ohio.
An Inspiring Faculty
One of the best indicators of an excellent business school is the kind of faculty it attracts. If you look around, you will see that most Ivy League colleges have international faculty members from across the globe.
These people bring a wide breadth of knowledge, diverse teaching styles, and industry connections that can help propel their students into renowned business mogul status. If you have aspirations to be more than just a local business leader, then you want to attend a school with faculty members who can share with you their international points of view.
Type of Subjects and Majors
One of the first things you should ask yourself is: what are your specific objectives for attending business school? Do you want to start your own business? In this case, you should choose a school that offers an excellent foundation on a wide array of business courses and allows you to specialize in entrepreneurship.
Flexibility
You will find that people who want to take on an online MBA program are people who are already very busy in their lives. If you are the kind of person who is already running a business or has a full-time job but still wants to go to school, finding one that offers your flexibility in terms of an online degree program or part-time in-person classes is crucial to your success at that school.
Excellent Student Support
The best schools have no qualms about linking you up with other students to walk you through the program or tell you how it is to study at one of their campuses. It’s all about transparency and support. This kind of support can be offered through simple things like the admission process to the networking opportunities that their Alumni program brings.
School’s Reputation
Logic dictates that you take the school’s reputation into account before enrolling in any of their programs. Are their degree certifications valued in the job market? Do they offer their students practical knowledge and a means to apply theory to real-life situations? Is it a school that you would be proud to display on your resume?
Then, of course, there are things like whether or not they have an affordable online MBA program, are reasonably easy to get into, and don’t need you to donate to various programs so that you would be considered to join their ranks.
Where Can You Find a Ranking of the Best Business Schools in Ohio?
The simplest way to find rankings of the best business schools in Ohio or any other state is simply looking online. There are platforms such as Poets and Quants, Studylink, Best Value Schools, and a host of others that make it their business to go through the long list of schools and business programs available throughout the country.
These platforms bring you a candid review of the programs offered and help you find different reasons why the different programs may or may not suit your particular needs.
What College in Ohio Has the Best Business Program?
As mentioned earlier, there are some objective and subjective reasons why someone would choose one college business graduate or MBA program over another. However, if you are looking for a fairly objective take on things, there are platforms that rank these colleges using a proven methodology that includes:
- Retention: How many students graduate, how many transfer out, and how many are on full-time or part-time retention.
- Program appeal: How popular are their programs (how many students are trying to get in, and what is their acceptance rate?) This also looks at the number of programs offered as well as the student to faculty ratio.
- Finances: How affordable are the various school programs?
- ROI: Finally, how marketable are their degree programs?
The Ohio colleges mentioned throughout this piece score very well in each of these categories. While this list is by no means complete, it does include some of the best business schools that Ohio has to offer.
The Best 14 Business Schools in Ohio
Ohio State
Ohio State University offers specialization in 12 different areas of Business. This allows students to get exactly what they need for the future they envision. On average, graduates of this business program make a starting salary of just over $56,000 a year. The school offers the opportunity to study abroad, allowing business students to get the experience needed to operate in a global market. The large, diverse student body offers plenty of relaxation and fun between study sessions. Activities and organizations of every kind are available. These range from academic to Greek to service and many special interests and professional opportunities.
School Overview
Wittenburg University
Wittenburg University is located in Springfield. This school makes it a major goal to develop students who can think outside the box. Business majors are strongly encouraged to choose a minor that is widely different than you might consider with a Business major. It isn’t unusual to see combinations as unique as Accounting and Cinema Studies. All students will undergo an internship before graduation and there are a variety of opportunities to hone skills throughout the year. Entrepreneurship is strongly encouraged and Wittenburg offers its own version of Shark Tank where students can submit their ideas for a chance to get their ideas off the ground. This has to be one of the most accepting schools in regards to unique thinking processes and learning styles.
School Overview
Marietta College
Marietta College is one of the most intimate schools in the region, with a student body of just over 1100 students. The teaching staff is among the top in their fields and as many as 95 percent of alumni have stated they were pleased with their choice to attend this school. Students are encouraged to become well-rounded in both studies and activities. This is a school that is more highly focused academically than many. Tradition is important to this school, which has its roots extending back nearly 200 years. Students are encouraged to become prepared for a future of technology while still holding values of service to others.
School Overview
Cedarville University
At Cedarville University, Business Management is taken very seriously. Not only do students get a broad general business management education but there are plenty of opportunities to specialize. In addition, students participate in a program where they create, a concept for a product, come up with a business plan, make the product, and sell it. All profits are donated to charity. There are also three student-ran and three professional business groups on campus. Everything is designed around building a strong community now and in your future.
School Overview
Kent State
Kent State University offers Business students a chance to combine their degree with many other degrees to individualize the learning experience. In addition to a well-known school that has graduates in some of the top positions throughout the country, the school offers a rich non-academic life. There are over 400 student groups and organizations to help you connect with others. The campus also boasts 18 dining locations right on campus, allowing for less crowded dining experiences that cater to many different tastes.
School Overview
Muskingum University
Muskingum University, in New Concord, offers a Business Management major that includes up-to-date subjects in social media as well as traditional law and ethics of business. The program gives plenty of opportunity for practical and hands-on experience that allows graduates to start off with a portfolio when they graduate. This is another long-standing school having been started in 1837. The idea that you can discover yourself more by helping others is huge on campus and all students are encouraged to spend a portion of their time volunteering in a capacity that suits their interests and skills. Students who have learning differences can find academic success with the campus PLUS program.
School Overview
Capital University
Capital University sits right in the heart of Columbus, offering students access to all the culture and opportunities of a large city. Having been around since 1850, this school has a long history of graduating professionals that have gone on to prominent careers throughout the world. They offer business degrees in four areas and offer the chance of 50 minors, to make your education truly unique. Capital makes a point of challenging boundaries, to allow students to reach their highest potential.
School Overview
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University is located in the heart of Cleveland, giving the students access to some of the countries biggest companies. This makes it easier to experience internships that give students experience in the field they choose. The school also offers special events where promising students in Business get a chance to meet with top executives and investors to gain professional connections that can serve the students a lifetime. There is also a program that helps entrepreneurs gain capital and legal advice for starting their own businesses. Add this to the rich cultural environment of the city and students are given the chance to excel.
School Overview
Ohio Wesleyan University
At Ohio Wesleyan University, you not only get a quality education in your chosen field but you also experience college life to the maximum. This college offers an abundance of sports, Greek organizations, student clubs, and fitness activities to keep everyone active around-the-clock. The student body is small, at less than 1,500 students, but most live on campus full-time. Cultural awareness and acceptance is a major goal and the variety of clubs show this diversity. The spiritual needs of students include programs for different religions and the school offers an LGBTQ+ service to accommodate those who are often left out. Students leave their years at this school with lifetime friendships.
School Overview
University of Mount Union
Alliance, OH is home to the University of Mount Union. In addition to their Business program, there are three student-led business organizations and students have an opportunity to become members of a business honorary organization upon invitation. All are excellent for future career advancement. The student body is small and there is an emphasis on communication at this school. A portfolio of written and oral communication is required for all graduates, regardless of major and at least one foreign language must be taken. The school prides itself on preparing graduates for business on a worldwide level.
School Overview
Wright State University – Lake Campus
Wright State University in Celina offers a program that has graduates working in industries as widely varied as entertainment and banking. Outside the academic programs of this school, students have a great opportunity to join numerous fraternities or sororities as well as many career-related groups. One of the most culturally diverse schools on our list, you can find spiritual organizations that match your cultural preference as well as groups promoting world connectedness. Arts and recreation are well-considered and the student body is small enough at 1,648 undergraduates to foster close relationships.
School Overview
Xavier University
Xavier University offers both a general Business Undecided major as well as concentrated business majors. They state that within six months of graduation, a full 98 percent of their graduates are working or are in grad school. Since 831, the mission behind this university is to provide students with an opportunity to change the world by doing, working, and giving. Counseling services and an active food bank make sure students are able to spend their time concentrating on studies and service without having to worry about stress or hunger getting in the way. Being in Cincinnati, students have the chance to experience an endless supply of arts and culture, shopping centers, and volunteer opportunities that all enhance their education.
School Overview
Ohio Dominican University
Ohio Dominican University offers students a chance at an education that prepares them to compete on a global scale. The small campus is located just minutes away from downtown Columbus where culture and activity abound, as does the opportunity for internships not often available to students from smaller schools. Business majors have the opportunity to become members of two business honors organizations that will help them throughout their careers. This school has been honored as one of the top schools for military veterans.
School Overview
Ohio Christian University
A Business major at Ohio Christian University gives you the opportunity to get a general business education and specialize in one of eight different sub-specialties, including Criminal Justice Administration. Life at this school will see you have the opportunity to enjoy many organized events meant to strengthen the connection with the other students as well as destress. Community is important at Ohio Christian and this includes attending movie nights, enjoying a spiritual concert, or participate in a community outreach project. This is the one school on our list that boasts a near 100 percent acceptance rate of admission and has SAT requirements as low as 760. This is because they believe not everyone tests well, but everyone can learn and thrive.
School Overview
Best Business Schools in Ohio Ranking Methodology
Schools on our list of best business schools in Ohio were chosen by figuring in tuition rates, student-to-teacher ratios, and graduation rates. Each variable was weighted equally (33%). Schools could earn a score of up to 99 points. If you are a school that feels you would fit onto our list of best business schools in Ohio, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your information and ask to be considered for future editions of this list.
Students, if you are looking for the best school to meet your dreams of a future career, let us help you find the one that best meets your needs. Wherever you are and whatever major you seek, we can help you find your ideal program.
Special Note: Currently, many schools are waving the need for SAT or ACT scores because of COVID. If you already have your scores, they are always welcome but do not hesitate to apply if you have been unable to take the test.
MBA Programs in Ohio
What about business students who are done with their graduate degree and are now looking to improve their business skills and marketability by taking on an MBA degree? What kind of opportunities does Ohio hold for such students in full-time MBA programs or online MBA programs?
As you would expect, most of the highest-ranked schools in terms of undergraduate business degree programs also offer the best MBA programs either through their online colleges or on-campus Master’s degree.
With that said, here are some of the top MBA programs in Ohio:
- Note: We will not mention the schools already covered above. That, however, doesn’t mean that they don’t rank highly in this category as well. We find it best to present you with as extensive a list of best business schools in Ohio as possible without being too repetitive.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati has its iconic Lindner College of Business, which prides itself in fueling professional growth by applying a distinctive combination of hands-on and academic experiences that foster a problem-solving mindset in its MBA students. It has a wide array of programs that can be completed within 12 to 24 months.
Their program does have some stringent rules as far as enrolment requirements go:
- At least a 3.0+ GPA from a completed bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution
- At least three years’ relevant professional experience
- At least seven years of relevant work experience demonstrating advancement
This part-time MBA program allows you to advance your career while still holding down a job. You can apply for it here.
Ohio University
Ohio University has a program called “Online Master of Business Administration” that stands out in many ways. For one thing, it’s 100% online, which means that you are free from attending any in-person classes. This makes it one of the most flexible yet academically challenging programs in the country.
Secondly, the program does not consider GMAT, making it considerably easier to get into than most other programs available in the state. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s a cakewalk. The program will put you through the paces and ensure that you have all it takes to be a successful business mind before you graduate. It also offers a wide array of scholarships for those who need or want them.
With eight concentrations available, including accounting, business analytics, and entrepreneurship, this is one of the best business programs for those who have busy lives.
Kent State University
The online MBA program offered by the College of Business Administration at Kent State University is by far one of the most affordable in the country. It’s AACSB accredited, making it a high-quality option for people looking to earn their MBA fully online.
It offers incredible flexibility since it’s also 100% online, meaning that you can complete it whenever convenient and from wherever in the world.
There are 11 different programs, including Global Technology, Accounting, Business Analytics, Operations, Service and Supply Chain, Law and Ethics, as well as Human Resource Management, among many others.
What Is the Best MBA Accredited School in Ohio?
A definitive answer to this question is difficult to find because of the factors already mentioned in this piece; subjective and objective factors. However, if you were to look at several parameters that most MBA students look for, such as flexibility, affordability, and marketability, you could find a more structured way of determining the ranking.
With that in mind, here are some of the best MBA Accredited Schools in Ohio:
Kent State University College of Business Administration
100% online and accredited by AACSB and the HLC. It costs just about $30,000 depending on the program you choose (some even go as low as $17,000).
Baldwin Wallace University School of Business
This is a hybrid program that, despite being completely online, still has about 12 classes on campus. While that reduces its flexibility score, it increases its value in the networking that you would get with your fellow MBA students, faculty, and school Alumni. It costs about $36,000 depending on the program you choose, and it’s accredited by HLC.
Wright State University Raj Soin College of Business
What stands out about this school is that not only does it offer a flexible online MBA program that is accredited by AACSB and HLC, but it also offers you one where you can tailor make your program to fit your specific goals.
It has ten concentrations and is entirely online. You can, however, opt for the hybrid option, which allows you to come to campus. The program costs around $22,600, depending on your customization parameters.
As you can see, it’s all about what you want in an online MBA program. Accreditation has to be a key factor since it determines the degree program’s authenticity and marketability.
Which MBA Program in Ohio has the Highest Rate of Post-Graduate Employment?
There is no doubt that not all MBA programs are created equal. It’s also important to note that the answer to this question needs to be taken with many variables in mind. For example, an MBA student graduate with excellent networking and self-marketing skills is more likely to find a better, more lucrative job than a graduate from the same class without these types of connections.
For that reason, the numbers may vary quite a bit here, just like an MBA student who goes on to successfully implement their business idea is more likely to have a higher net worth in three years than a fellow graduate who goes into employment.
However, all things constant and considered equal, some MBA programs are more marketable than others because they come from a better University with more lucrative accreditations. That being said, here are some MBA programs that are more likely to earn you more money right after graduation:
- Ohio State’s MBA program: Graduate students from this program earn a median salary of about $103,900. Unfortunately, these students also tend to have a median debt of about $49,800, which is the third-highest in the state.
- Miami University: Median starting salary of about $90,300 with a median debt of about $49,794.
- Ohio University: Median starting salary of about $84,400 with a median debt of about $41,000.
- Capital University: Median starting salary of about $81,300 with a median debt of about $32,095.
- Xavier University: Median starting salary of about $81,100 with a median debt of about $34,871.
Note: These numbers are as per the US Department of Education College Scorecard
Best Online Business Schools in Ohio
It’s a fact that Ohio has some of the best online business schools in the country. The sheer diversity within the ranks makes Ohio business schools and colleges that much more attractive.
Couple all that with the fact that institutions such as Kent and Ohio State University online MBA programs have excellent accreditation as well as the fact that the concentrations are eclectically varied to include a host of focuses such as Criminal Justice, Accounting Degrees and you have all-around useful programs for online students from across the globe; not to mention other graduate programs such as Executive MBA programs and the kind of internationally renowned faculty members.
These are just a few reasons why taking an online business degree program in Ohio is a wonderful and potentially lucrative idea. Here are some other reasons why you might want to go down this path for your own online degree:
100% Online
Some of the best programs are 100% online, which means that you don’t have to uproot your life and move to Ohio, nor do you have to quit your job to get your MBA. You can do them part-time, interact with your professors and fellow students online, and get your degree without ever having to leave your living room.
Affordability
Tuition fees tend to be expensive all around. However, online programs allow you to customize your course workload (guided by your professors), which means you can get a degree or an MBA without breaking the bank.
Shorter Timeframe
There are graduate programs that take 12 months, while most of them take up to 24 months. These 12-month programs, despite being accelerated, are just as comprehensive and as marketable as most other degree programs that would typically take much longer and cost you so much more.
Accessibility
Let’s face it; most undergraduate students nowadays don’t want to be tied down to one location. They want to travel the world, hold down a job, and study in environments that best suit them. That is exactly what an online MBA program offers you, access to lectures and study materials from wherever, whenever. Now you can study at any given time and work on other aspects of your life as you strive to get your online degree.
Wide Array of School Options
From this limited list alone, you can tell that you have a wide array of options as far as schools are concerned. Are you looking for a school that is highly accredited? You can find one that has an online MBA program.
How about one that brings a more practical or even scientific approach to your studies? What about one focusing on international business practices or one that has a far-reaching network of student Alumni? These are all options that are available to you should you decide to go the online degree route.
Diversity
Depending on which school you choose, online MBAs tend to bring a healthy helping of diversity to the learning environment. This is especially true for those that focus on international business and globalization. These offer you the rare opportunity to network with faculty and online students from around the globe.
There are hundreds of benefits and reasons why you should seriously consider taking an online MBA or business administration degree. However, as mentioned, many of these reasons are going to be subjective. You get to decide why it works for you based on your current and projected lifestyle.
How Much Does an Online Business School in Ohio Cost?
This depends on the school you pick; the kind of MBA or degree program you want (100% online or hybrid). Most schools charge by the credit or per credit hours, and on average, each credit could cost you a little over $1,000.
Considering the fact that you might need upwards of 15 credits to graduate, you’ll find that there are online degree courses that cost you as little as $17,000 to as much as $50,000 plus.
The best course of action here is to talk directly to the school you want to attend. Find out what kind of payment options they have, if scholarships are available, and whether or not you can tailor-make the course workload.
What is the Employment Outlook for Graduates of an Online Business School in Ohio?
Because we live in the digital age and that the best online MBA program graduates from institutions such as Ohio State University currently earn a median starting salary of about $103,900, the outlook is very promising. There is an abundance of jobs for someone who holds an MBA degree. This is especially true if you pick the right online degree program from the right school in Ohio.
If you have been looking for flexibility, affordability, and marketability when it comes to the kind of business administration degree or MBA program, studying at one of the best business schools in Ohio should factor into your thinking. The online programs are not only excellent but highly marketable.
