Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Ohio
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Ohio6 schools
6 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Ohio.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
- 2
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science
Cincinnati, OH · Private nonprofit#10 in Ohio
- Net price $19,622 a year
- 73% graduate
- 3
Otterbein University
Westerville, OH · Private nonprofit#18 in Ohio
- Net price $19,237 a year
- 68% graduate
- 4
- 5
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Columbus, OH · Private nonprofitTop 11% for earnings
- Net price $10,420 a year
- 54% graduate
- 6
Mercy College of Ohio
Toledo, OH · Private nonprofitTop 19% for earnings
- Net price $17,989 a year
- 56% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | $17,339 | $19,976 | $60,409 | 88% |
| Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science | $19,622 | $20,625 | $66,111 | 73% |
| Otterbein University | $19,237 | $26,000 | $53,313 | 68% |
| Ursuline College | $16,164 | $26,250 | $56,878 | 67% |
| Mount Carmel College of Nursing | $10,420 | $22,082 | $75,103 | 54% |
| Mercy College of Ohio | $17,989 | $20,834 | $65,409 | 56% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.