Small Liberal Arts Colleges In Ohio

When considering going to study at small liberal arts colleges in ohio, you must consider some important elements like accommodation, tuition fees, acceptance rates, graduation rates, and employment rates. Based on your perspective, how does small liberal arts colleges in ohio rank in your view?

Using CollegeLearners, you can learn more about small liberal arts colleges in ohio by reading more about ohio state university, denison university, small colleges in ohio, small private liberal arts colleges in ohio, and best small liberal arts colleges in ohio.

5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio

Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications?

See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it’s 100% free.

It’s a misconception that the best academic institutions are located only on the East and West Coasts. Some of the top colleges in the country call Ohio their home. Don’t believe us? We’ve rounded up a list of the best liberal arts colleges right in the Buckeye State. Keep reading to find out what sets them apart.

How are Liberal Arts Colleges Different?

The most noticeable difference between LACs and research universities is that liberal arts colleges feature much smaller enrollments. The majority of LACs have well under 3,000 students, and the average class size is usually around 15-20 people. This allows students to have a more intimate academic and social experience.

Inside the classroom, professors are more focused on teaching, rather than research. Professors teach their own classes and hold regular office hours where students can ask questions and get guidance on course content. Most liberal arts colleges don’t have graduate schools either, allowing profs to focus on undergraduate students. 

LACs also typically focus on helping students develop a range of core skills that will benefit them in their careers, as well as their lives in general. The goal is to nurture engaged citizens, strong critical thinkers, and innovative contributors to society. To that end, most schools have broad general education requirements, encouraging students to gain knowledge and skills across many disciplines. On the flip side, some schools have an open curriculum, meaning that there are no gen-ed requirements. This is also meant to encourage students to take a wide variety of classes.

For more about what sets LACs apart, read our post What is a Liberal Arts College, and How Are They Different?

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio

1. Denison University
   Location: Granville

Acceptance rate: 29%

U.S. News Ranking: 43

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1200-1410 SAT, 27-31 ACT

Enrollment: 2,300

Founded in 1831, Denison College is steeped in tradition. The college offers more than 50 majors, including Studio Art (both B.A. and B.F.A.), Music with four different emphases, and Queer Studies.

One unique offering is the Summer Scholars program, in which students can pursue intellectual passions, and grapple and experiment with questions and ideas. Under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member, 120 students propose projects across different fields and receive a stipend to pursue research for up to 10 weeks.

2. College of Wooster
   Location: Wooster

Acceptance rate: 54%

U.S. News Ranking: 66

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1230-1380 SAT, 24-30 ACT

Enrollment: 2,000

Research is the cornerstone of your education at the College of Wooster. Beginning with a First-Year Seminar, in which you’ll build writing and critical thinking skills, your four years will culminate in an Independent Study project. During your time at Wooster, you’ll also choose courses in three areas: arts and humanities, history and social sciences, and mathematical and natural sciences. You’ll work closely with faculty, who will serve as your mentors.

3. Kenyon College
   Location: Gambier

Acceptance rate: 34%

U.S. News Ranking: 27

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1270-1460 SAT, 29-33 ACT

Enrollment: 1,730

The oldest private college in Ohio is situated in scenic Gambier and has a “quirky,” intellectual student body. The flexible curriculum allows students to choose from around 50 majors or design their own, as well as add interdisciplinary concentrations. Any curriculum you choose emphasizes writing and discussion.

There’s a wide range of extracurricular activities available, too, whether you’re interested in joining a Division III sports team or quiz bowl club. It’s also the birthplace of the renowned Kenyon Review, a literary magazine.

4. Oberlin College
   Location: Oberlin

Acceptance rate: 36%

U.S. News Ranking: 33

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1340-1530 SAT, 31-34 ACT

Enrollment: 2,785

The first coeducational institution of higher learning and one of the earliest colleges to admit African-American students in the United States, Oberlin has a rich history and continues to be known for its prestigious academic programs and student activism. A large percentage of students volunteer regularly.

Oberlin is equally renowned for its College of Arts and Science and Conservatory of Music. Through the Experimental College, students have the opportunity to teach nontraditional courses. The school offers numerous exceptional programs, including a Creative Writing major and many interdisciplinary programs — not to mention the famous conservatory. Even if you’re not a musician yourself, you can enjoy the hundreds of annual concerts performed annually. The Allen Memorial Art Museum is one of the top college art museums in the country. Through the Art Rental Program, students are able to rent two original works of art per semester for $5 apiece.

5. Ohio Wesleyan
   Location: Delaware

Acceptance rate: 69%

U.S. News Ranking: 92

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1080-1320 SAT, 22-28 ACT

Enrollment: 1,497

Founded by Methodist leaders as a nonsectarian school of higher learning, OWU prides itself on its inclusivity and liberal values; in fact, the school was one of the earliest to admit students regardless of race or religion. Today, the institution remains culturally diverse.

OWU offers more than 90 majors, and nearly a third of students double-major. Exceptional students may participate in the Honors Program, pursuing research with faculty mentors, independent studies, and more. Through “Theory to Practice” opportunities, students can create project applications to conduct research. There is also an abundance of study abroad opportunities.

Hoping to attend a liberal arts college in Ohio or somewhere else? We can help you meet your goals. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account to access tools including a school list builder and chancing engine to estimate your real chances of acceptance, along with guidance to up your odds of success.

Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio

Ohio Wesleyan University

In today’s world and job market, a degree in liberal arts can be essential. Through a broad range of classes, liberal arts majors will learn skills beyond just the technicalities of a particular job. Students learn tools far more valuable such as communication, ethics, and “people skills” for starters. A liberal arts degree provides an overview of the arts, consisting of humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences – all which are needed to contribute to society in a meaningful way.

A few of the more common areas within the study of liberal arts include communications, anthropology, English, history, language and linguistics, philosophy, math, political sciences, psychology, and sociology. If you’re looking for an overall great education for crucial life skills, exploring a liberal arts degree is a great idea.

Ohio is filled with small colleges and universities founded around the middle of the 19th century by various religious groups. These range from nearly 65,000 students at Ohio State University to Kenyon College, a liberal arts school enrolling less than 2,000. Many of these small, private, liberal arts colleges still exist today, but with a non-denominational status.

logo_ohio-wesleyan-universityOhio Wesleyan University can be found just outside of Columbus, Ohio, on a 200 acre campus with beautiful landscape. This school has a long history of community engagement and volunteering which is still active today, as 80 percent of the students are active in the surrounding community and school oriented services.

Kenyon CollegeKenyon College is known as being an Ivy League school of the Midwest, and features an acceptance rate of only 34 percent. This school, the oldest liberal arts college in Ohio, has a rigorous English program and a rich literary tradition, evidenced by the outgrowth “Kenyon Review” magazine, strong drama department and an impressive list of graduates. A compelling head to head comparison between the two Ohio powerhouses, Kenyon and Wooster, can be found here.

Denison UniversityDenison University, located in Granville, Ohio, is a moderately selective liberal arts institution. Denison has its rigorous learning environment, centered on interdisciplinary integration.

Hiram CollegeHiram College has a religious affiliation (Disciples of Christ), and is known for a code of conduct that students maintain, as well as a unique academic calendar: Two semesters, each divided into two sessions: one twelve week and one three week, from the basis of this radical academic program. During the three week session, students concentrate on one particular area of study.

Oberlin CollegeOberlin College distinguishes itself from other Ohio schools, as well as from other schools nationwide. This is based in part on our annual “Liberal Arts Colleges Survey” that allows the student to rank his or her college in various categories, indicating that Oberlin students find abundant ways to challenge themselves while away at school.

Wittenberg UniversityWittenberg University also still maintains its religious affiliation. Wittenberg distinguishes itself through more than just academic discipline. Similar to Hiram, there is a code of conduct for students to maintain. The Lutheran based school prides itself on educating the whole student, and works hard at instilling values that will last beyond the time spent there.

The College of Wooster is another Ohio liberal arts college. For an in-depth comparison between Wooster and Kenyon, visit this page.

The Ohio liberal arts colleges mentioned here, still maintain the 19th century desire to leave the city and its’ distractions behind, and separate to a place where one can focus on academics and personal development. They represent the ideal goals of liberal arts colleges, emphasizing rigorous academics in a collaborative atmosphere.