Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Ohio Northern University logo

Ohio Northern University

Ada, OH·Private nonprofit·2,386 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $72,600 within 10 years; financial aid brings net price below sticker.

73%
Accept
2,386
Students
$25,727
Net Price
74%
Grad Rate
$72,600
Earnings
10 yr
$24,250
Debt

About This School

Ohio Northern University is a private nonprofit institution located in Ada, Ohio with approximately 2,386 undergraduate students enrolled. Ohio Northern University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 73%. The average net price after financial aid is $25,727 per year. The graduation rate is 74%, and the typical graduate earns $72,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Ohio Northern University is a private college in Ada, Ohio, United States. Founded by Henry Solomon Lehr in 1871, ONU offers over 60 programs across five undergraduate and graduate colleges and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college had an enrollment of about 3,000 students as of 2023.

Worth considering if you want a small, career-focused private university where the numbers actually hold up — graduates earn a solid median of $72,600 ten years out, and the $24,250 median debt load is reasonable relative to that outcome. The 88% freshman retention rate signals that students who enroll tend to stick around, though the 74% graduation rate means roughly 1 in 4 students don't finish, which is worth asking the school about directly. At $25,727 average net price, this is a manageable option for students drawn to pharmacy, engineering, or law, where ONU has real program depth.

Founded
1871
Setting
Fringe town

Popular Programs

Health Professions24%
Engineering22%
Business & Marketing12%
Biological Sciences6%
Education5%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Social Sciences2%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Mike DeWineBob PetersonJoseph Banks RhineMike TurnerFrank B. WillisTom ReedCassius Jackson KeyserGeorge Washington Crile

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1290
Reading 75th %ile678
Math 75th %ile698

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$37,800
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,800
Avg Net Price
$25,727
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants19%
Median debt at graduation$24,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
74%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
88%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$72,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$24,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$24,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$59,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$72,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White80%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino4%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,386 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Ohio Northern University

525 S. Main St

Ada, OH 45810-1599

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.