2024 Best Colleges for Performing Arts in Ohio

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  1,776 reviews

Freshman: The community here at CWRU is very close-knit so everyone generally knows each other or has mutual connections. This creates a very welcoming and comforting environment for newcomers to find a friend group and communities that they like. As the campus is in Cleveland and the area itself doesn't provide a very interesting life for students, the school board called the University Program Board tries its best to keep the student life very lively. They open flea markets regularly, movie/game nights, and other relaxing events that students can just enjoy and chat with their peers, etc. The academic at CWRU is very rigorous and challenging and every student tries their best no matter which classes they may be taking. However, there are lots of Student Instructor (like TAs) sessions for most of the classes and tutors all over the campus that students can go to get help.... Read 1,776 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 27%

• Net price $38,279

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Gambier, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  414 reviews

Alum: I am a proud graduate of Kenyon College. I am currently a physician approaching the end of my career. I still cherish my education at Kenyon for teaching me how to think, communicate and write. Kenyon is an academically rigorous place however with the personal attention and support offered to students by faculty, anyone serious about his/her education can thrive. The campus is stunning and has only improved since my graduation many years ago offering many world class amenities. I am always struck when meeting former Kenyon graduates, a common appreciation and love for our special time at Kenyon. In my opinion, a strong liberal arts education, the kind one receives at Kenyon, will continue to reap many benefits regardless of one's eventual career path.... Read 414 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 34%

• Net price $43,044

• SAT range 1350-1510

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  5,892 reviews

Junior: I have absolutely loved my experience at The Ohio State University for these past two years. I am actually a transfer student and I was a little worried about coming in to a brand new school halfway through my freshman year. However, all of the amazing faculty at Ohio State made it super easy to transition to a new school. I was able to get involved with student organizations from day one of being on campus. I love how many different ways there are to get involved; there truly is something for everyone here. Since it is a larger school, it is a little more dependent on your own self to get involved and take advantage of all the things that are offered. I also love having the city of Columbus to take advantage of! There are so many things to do and it makes it super easy to get off campus. I also love how proud everyone is to be a Buckeye. Overall, going to Ohio State was the best decision I ever made and I would do it again in a heartbeat.... Read 5,892 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $19,582

• SAT range 1310-1480

• Oberlin, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  680 reviews

Alum: My experience at Oberlin College was wonderful overall. Yes there were some bumps in the road socially and academically challenges but I wouldn't choose somewhere else if I could do my undergraduate over again. Key thing was having a community that looked like me and support me socially and culturally. I also built relationships with wonderful professors and staff that truly cared about me and my success because they were able to connect to each and every student, unlike giant public schools. While the party seen is pretty boring, the student life activities and events are great; there is always something happening on campus. And the natural areas around campus are gorgeous, especially in the fall.... Read 680 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $46,462

• SAT range 1360-1530

• Granville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  733 reviews

Senior: The majority of students on this campus are highly involved and passionate about what they do in (and out of) the classroom. This atmosphere of shared drive and passion lifts the student body up and sets a stage for accountability. Not many students are able to slip through the cracks unnoticed. This is a place I would feel confident sending my children in regard to the mental/physical health dilemma amongst young adults. Denison is quite challenging academically, but the company you’ll have along the way makes those four years go by way too quickly.... Read 733 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 22%

• Net price $38,267

• SAT range 1270-1460

• Berea, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,083 reviews

Junior: I have absolutely loved my time at Baldwin Wallace University so far. Coming into college, my main concern was being unable to get involved on campus, and making no friends. Through my orientation, I learned quickly that it is very easy to get involved in diverse groups. I joined as many clubs and organizations as I could, just to get involved and make friends. I now hold executive board positions through our Activity Board, Disc Golf Club, and Circle K International. I also work as an Orientation leader through the University. I have also absolutely loved the academic setting at Baldwin Wallace. I am in small classes, with some great professors. I love that I feel connected with my professors, and like I am in an area of mutual respect. I always know that I can talk to my professors about anything I need. One thing I would like to see change is that there are little campus activities on the weekends. I feel that the campus could be a little more lively outside of school hours.... Read 1,083 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $28,705

• SAT range 1040-1270

• Cincinnati, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,161 reviews

Freshman: Overall, the University of Cincinnati is a wonderful college. It offers good courses, good dining, options, and the public facilities are great! I especially liked how populated and diverse the campus was. However, if I had to give one thing that made my experience less than optimal, it would be this: there never seemed to be enough. Never enough counselors, never enough equipment for everyone in labs, never enough parking, never enough space in the library, etc. University is a busy bustling campus, which I like, but it also means that there are way too many people for the resources provided.... Read 4,161 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $20,149

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Ada, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  625 reviews

Alum: Don’t let the small town fool you. ONU is a great school. Knowledgeable professors, lots of extra curricular activities, and great athletic programs. The small school vibe is amazing, students are generally very nice and you will know so many people on campus before you know it. There is a great camraderie between the athletic teams and most of the teams are very successful and highly competitive in the Ohio Atheltic Conference. All of the colleges have great accredidations and the value of the degree is worth the price. As for the social aspect, there aren’t a ton of bars but it’s not hard to find a good house party. Overall a great experience and couldn’t reccomened going to ONU more. Go Bears!... Read 625 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $27,398

• SAT range 1160-1340

• Wooster, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,374 reviews

Alum: The college of Wooster was an amazing experience. They are very strong in their academics, with a lot of opportunities to do research and gain professional experience since freshman year. I totally recommend this school!... Read 1,374 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $28,976

• SAT range 1250-1450

• Cedarville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  1,257 reviews

Junior: I have loved my experience at Cedarville University! A highlight of my time at Cedarville has been the people I have met through classes and dorm life and how it has become a second family to me. One of the unique aspects of Cedarville is the chapel, although it is required the requirement has also spurred my spiritual development and cultivated discipline amid academics.... Read 1,257 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $25,462

• SAT range 1130-1380

• Westerville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  731 reviews

Sophomore: Otterbein University is very beautiful. When it is warmer, there are students lounging everywhere. I loved how beutiful it is and how walkable it is. The town is close enough to walk and there is a biking/walking path through Alum Creek park close by too. I love the performing arts at the school and the library is a great place to spend time. I am hoping the food choices change, because they are quite bland and not the best. I also hope that the housing service workers become a little more reliable.... Read 731 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $22,661

• SAT range 1020-1260

• Athens, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  3,930 reviews

Junior: I adore everything about Ohio University! I was so excited to get to Athens my freshman year. I immediately fell in love with the campus and felt right at home there. From the very first day, the professors acknowledge that as new students, college will be demanding, but it is not impossible and is worth it. The professors truly care about their students and want to see them succeed, and they will do whatever they can to help. The student body is truly what makes OU so special. Every single individual is kind and will go out of their way to help someone. I have found the greatest group of friends whom I love dearly and will forever be grateful for. Something I would like to see change however, is the food options we have. At the dining halls, food is poured out of plastic bags and served to us, and the campus markets are lined with candy and sodas. This is not ideal for a student like me, who likes to cook and eat healthy food. Overall, Ohio University is the greatest place I know.... Read 3,930 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $20,207

• SAT range 1080-1270

• Kent, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  4,875 reviews

Freshman: Kent State University, located in Kent, Ohio, is a renowned public research institution that offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various disciplines. With its main campus spread over approximately 866 acres, Kent State is committed to academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. The university boasts notable research centers such as the Liquid Crystal Institute and the Brain Health Research Institute, while also emphasizing diversity and inclusion through various initiatives. Kent State provides a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations and NCAA Division I athletic teams competing as the Golden Flashes. Additionally, the university actively engages with the local community through service-learning opportunities and outreach programs. Overall, Kent State University stands as a dynamic hub of learning, research, and community involvement.... Read 4,875 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $19,046

• SAT range 990-1220

• Dayton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,807 reviews

Sophomore: I like how the school is not big but it isn’t small either. The professors are very helpful and with my experience, some of my professors have even encouraged us to come to their office hours. I think it is helpful that they offer individual help. There are events that certain clubs host that can include food, games, and more. In my first year of college, God sought me out and changed my life!... Read 1,807 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $15,650

• SAT range 930-1220

• Alliance, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  1,162 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Mount Union has been good. I will be a Junior in the Fall and I've learned a lot so far, from taking classes for my major to others that I just wanted to try out of interest. I've heard different perspectives and opinions on many different topics. Most importantly, I've learned from my classes for my major, Graphic Design, which will then help me in the future. Things like the different programs/softwares available, group/partner critiques, and different terms to use to describe things in more detail. I also commute from home that is about a 5 minute drive. It's very helpful to be able to do that, to live so close to a college like this. What I would like to see change is definitely prices reduced for tuition and parking permits for commuters.... Read 1,162 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $23,259

• SAT range 960-1180

• Bowling Green, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  2,665 reviews

Junior: Since I have been a student at BGSU I have found that even though it is a huge campus, it feels like I am a person and not just a number. The community is a huge part of why I love Bowling Green because even if you are not from there everyone makes you feel like it. It is a wonderful small town, and it is ranked highly because of the inconclusiveness. Everyone including students and professors make sure that you are doing well in your path! I'm so happy I chose Bowling Green as the college that I will pursue my degree in physical therapy.... Read 2,665 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $20,485

• SAT range 990-1200

• Cincinnati, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,210 reviews

Sophomore: I really enjoy the aspects of the Center for Faith and Justice at Xavier University. I found the most inclusivity there and joined many of their programs my first year and now hold a board position for my favorite campus club through the CFJ, Alternative Breaks. However, I would like to see more community within the different ethnic and racial groups on campus, as sometimes it feels like each club for diversity separates just as much as it supports diverse identities. This can cause contention rather than harmony on club collaborations, and the student activities council does not offer a lot of events that interest students. The food is mostly only American cuisine and does not cater to the different ethnic food preferences student and faculty have. The vegetarian, vegan, or "healthy" options for dining on campus is dismal as well.... Read 1,210 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $31,619

• SAT range 1120-1310

• Delaware, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  661 reviews

Freshman: In my experience, this is a wonderful small school in a small town for those that don't care for big cities or partying. The professors are excellent, and the small class sizes make for a personal connection between students and experts. Many people here do multiple majors and love to challenge themselves. It's not very competitive, most people don't worry about others in that way. The food is not good, and the housing situations could certainly be better. The Wifi is iffy and inconsistent, and the tech support is not helpful. The sidewalks in Delaware are awful, which is something to take note of if you like skating.... Read 661 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $27,311

• SAT range 1170-1370

• Youngstown, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,469 reviews

Senior: Being in the STEM college, the professors all know the material they teach. Freshman and Sophomore professors are much tougher and less knowledgable about the material they teach and may weed out some students. Labs are well-equipped with specialized equipment and STEM clubs work side-by-side with the faculty. There are lots of cool events to attend, affordable dining on campus.... Read 1,469 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $11,900

• SAT range 830-1160

• Cleveland, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  2,001 reviews

Alum: It was wonderful! I began taking courses at Cleveland State University my junior year during the midst of the covid 19 pandemic. I can not speak to the campus life or housing as I commuted there each day and lived off campus. I also cannot speak to athletics as I am not a fan of sports. I can speak to the education I received, which was world class. The professors work extremely hard to help their students succeed. There are also numerous scholarship, career and professional development opportunities. Oftentimes all one needs to do is ask. The professors were more than willing to provide support, assistance and encouragement. I was able to garner research experience towards the very beginning of my education/career which is one of the most wonderful things to have happened to me. I am extremely thankful for the education and opportunities I received while at Cleveland State University. I would not trade my experiences there for the world.... Read 2,001 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $15,719

• SAT range 880-1130

• Tiffin, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  294 reviews

Freshman: I really appreciate how much effort Heidelberg puts into their students education. When I transferred, I was very nervous to start college again but they made me feel right at home! I would like to see more professors with this same attitude as there are only a few.... Read 294 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $20,053

• SAT range —

• Oxford, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  3,432 reviews

Sophomore: I think Miami University is a great school The campus is pretty and the layout was well planned. There are some good resources if you need help with academics, mental health, and safety. The professors I think are mostly good at teaching. I have never really had a problem learning about the material in my major. There are many restaurants in the area and the places to hang out are fun. I think the atmosphere of the whole community overall is pleasant. Despite all the good aspects, I think some aspects could be worked on. Since this was asked, there is not much diversity within Miami University. The school has inclusive elements for individuals with disabilities. However, I still sometimes see some disabled individuals have difficulty getting around campus. I also think the dining hall food could also be improved. Overall, I believe Miami University is a pleasant school. There are some things I would like changed, but there are more positives than negatives.... Read 3,432 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $23,031

• SAT range 1200-1390

• Akron, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  2,973 reviews

Freshman: As a music student at The University of Akron, my experience has been incredibly fulfilling. One of the things I appreciate most is the diversity of musical opportunities available here. From classical ensembles to jazz bands and everything in between, there's something for every musical taste. The university's School of Music also hosts regular concerts, recitals, and masterclasses, providing valuable performance experience and exposure to different genres and styles. Of course, there's always room for improvement. I would love to see even more investment in music education and resources, such as expanded scholarship opportunities and additional faculty positions to support growing student interest. Overall, though, my time at The University of Akron as a music student has been incredibly rewarding. I've grown not only as a musician but also as a scholar and artist, thanks to the support and encouragement of the faculty, staff, and fellow students.... Read 2,973 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $14,667

• SAT range 980-1230

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  962 reviews

Senior: I have loved my time here at Capital for the most part. I love the small school atmosphere that the campus holds. I have made great connections with my professors and faculty. The admissions staff made the process of applying and being excepted extremely easy. With the good also comes the bad. The campus food needs some heavy improvement. Along with the campus housing. Our apartments are really nice, but everything else I feel like needs some heavy renovation. I am so grateful for everything that this campus has taught me and the connections that I have made here, but I still believe that there are areas in which they could improve.... Read 962 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $24,439

• SAT range 960-1260

• Toledo, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  2,150 reviews

Senior: The University of Toledo has been instrumental in helping me pursue my dreams, despite occasional communication challenges. While there have been instances of communication lapses, the university's overall support and resources have played a crucial role in my academic journey. The faculty and staff are dedicated to student success, offering valuable guidance and mentorship. Additionally, the university provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth through various programs and initiatives. Despite its imperfections, the University of Toledo remains a valuable institution that continues to assist me in achieving my goals.... Read 2,150 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $17,654

• SAT range 1060-1280