This post will begin a series looking at some curricular innovations (unique majors, minors, and certificates) that we discovered as we toured colleges around Ohio. Each of these were discussed…
With over 60 small, historically liberal arts colleges, Ohio offers a wide variety of options to students seeking an undergraduate residential college experience. Our visit last week to Antioch College…
My consulting practice, while addressing family’s college admissions questions, focuses primarily on helping families optimize college fit. So, what’s the difference? The college admissions process focuses on the tasks related…
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 787/819/769/870/910/995/915
% Students Full Time: 89%
% Students from Ohio: 39%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 23-29
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 85%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 75%
Known For: Adherence to the Christian tradition and the belief that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God. CU is perhaps the most conservative of Ohio’s passionately Christian colleges.
Signature Program: Biblical and Theological Studies
Stand Out Programs: Cedarville has strong programs in Nursing; Engineering (Computer, Electrical & Mechaniccal Options); Pharmacy; Music; and Industrial & Innovative Design
Outside the Classroom: At Cedarville, activities outside the classroom embody Christian Principles, with many students involved in mission, service, and outreach work. In addition to faith-based activities, there are 25 intramural sports and 87 student clubs and organizations. Cedarville also offers 16 NCAA Division II varsity sports teams.
Point of Pride: Minor in Bible required of all students
Ask us about: The unique Industrial and Innovative Design program (last two years in Columbus)
2019 Institutional Endowment: $35M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken at our last visit to Cedarville University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 292/325/242/276/316/290/262
% Students Full-Time: 70%
% Students from Ohio: 66%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 20-23
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 72%
6-Year graduation rate: 45%
2019 Institutional Endowment: $60M
Known for: Health Sciences programs including Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, and Athletic Training. These are synergistic with their graduate programs in Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, and Nursing.
Point of Pride: EXCEL Program provides unique support services to students with learning challenges.
Institutional Endowment: $28M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 710/671/613/595/589/723/511
% Students Full Time: 96%
% Students from Ohio: 93%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 78%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 62%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 20-26
Known For: The programs of its Conservatory of Music including Jazz Studies, Music Technology, Music Industry, Composition, and a variety of Performance options. CU is also know for its Law School (3+3 undergraduate to JD option), and strong Nursing program.
Unusual Majors: Creative Writing, Art Therapy, and Organizational Communication
Other Stand Out Programs: CU offers a variety of Marketing/Communication programs that are, at times, synergistic with their Conservatory of Music and further supported by the new Emerging Media Center. Options include majors in Emerging Media (New), Electronic Media and Film, Public Relations, and Professional Writing/Journalism. There are also Minors in Digital Design and Entertainment Technology. Additionally, their programs in Business, Education (ACBSP accredited), and Social Work are well regarded.
Outside the Classroom: CU is a residential campus offering over 90 active student organizations including 13 fraternities and sororities, NCAA Division III varsity athletics, a wide variety of club and intramural sports, and a first class workout facility.
Ask us About: The 3+3 Bachelor’s to Juris Doctor (law school) program and the new Emerging Media major!
2019 Institutional Endowment: $106M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 458/431/486/448/453/389/403
% Students Full Time: 100%
% Students from Ohio: 53%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 78%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 65%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 22-28
Among other things they are known for: One of Ohio’s “Big 5 Liberal Arts Colleges.” Particularly strong and diverse programs in the sciences including programs in Zoology, Geology, Astrophysics, and Botany. Also strong majors in Fine Arts (including Graphic Design), Music, and Languages (French, Spanish, and German) as well as International Studies.
Outside the Classroom: Over 100 student organizations including an active Greek system (40% of students), 23 NCAA Division III varsity athletic sports (33% of students), and active intramurals. Study Abroad is emphasized. Four-year live on campus requirement ensures that there is plenty happening on campus.
Point of Pride: Over 60 “Theory to Practice” grants to students each year totaling $250,000 in benefits. These allow students to pursue external enrichment opportunities.
Ask us about: Is this really the most haunted campus in Ohio?
2019 Institutional Endowment: $243M
Campus Video: Check out a photo compilation from our last visit to OWU!
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 560/562/646/603/576/623/494
% Full-Time Students: 93%
% Students from Ohio: 87%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 82%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 66%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 20-27
Signature Programs: Equine Science and Theatre
Unique Majors: The relatively new Zoo and Conservation Sciences major which is supported by internship opportunities with the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, The Wilds, and the Ohio Wildlife Center.
Other Stand Out Programs: Nursing and Sport Majors including Exercise Science & Health Promotion, Athletic Training, and Sport Management. Education and Accounting majors are also strong.
Point of Pride: Recently opened STEAM Center (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Housed in the STEAM Center, a new Systems Engineering major launched a few years ago and a Mechanical Engineering major is on the way in fall, 2017.
Outside the Classroom: Otterbein has over 100 student organizations including an active Greek system (20 % of students participating), NCAA Division III varsity athletics, and a first-class workout facility (Clemons Recreational Center).
Ask us about: Otterbein’s “5 Cardinal Experiences”
2019 Institutional Endowment: $101M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Otterbein University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 635/539/642/538/625/555/550
% Full-Time Students: 98%
% students from Ohio: 72%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 20-25
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 72%
6-Year graduation rate: 66%
Known For: One of the best Division III football programs in the country. That’s not all. Check out the Stand Out programs below!
Stand-Out Programs: Strong programs in Nursing (launched in 2012 with stunning facilities in Gallaher Hall), Engineering (relatively new majors in Mechanical and Civil Engineering supported by new labs and strong “four pillars” conceptual model), and Sport-related majors including Sport Business, Exercise Science, Health & Physical Education, and Athletic Training. UMU undergraduate students enjoy early assurance and preferential entry to graduate programs in Physical Therapy (DPT) and Physician Assistant Studies (PA). UMU is growing their programs in the Performing Arts (Theatre, Music, Music Education and Music Performance) supported by new Geise Center for the Performing Arts.
Unusual Majors: Medical Laboratory Science and National Security & Foreign Intelligence Analysis
Point of Pride: New graduate programs in Physician Assistant Studies and Physical Therapy
Outside the Classroom: UMU is a residential campus offering over 80 student organizations including Greek life (25% of students involved), NCAA Division III varsity athletics, as well as an ongoing stream of cultural and social events The football program is one of the best D-III programs in the country with 11 national championships.
Ask us about: The Geise Center for the Performing Arts
2019 Institutional Endowment: $147M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to the University of Mount Union:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
John Carroll University
College: John Carroll University
Town: University Heights, Ohio (suburb of Cleveland)
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 798/759/715/751/843/725/631
% Students Full Time: 97%
% Students from Ohio: 63%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 22-28
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 89%
6-Year graduation rate: 76%
Signature Programs: JCU’s Accounting program boasts the highest CPA pass rates in the state of Ohio and is their 7th largest undergraduate program. Housed in the Tim Russert Department of Communication and Theatre Arts, the Communication program at ONU is considered to be excellent as well.
Stand Out Programs: Students interested in Biology can choose from majors in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Environmental Science to prepare for graduate and professional school or a wide range of careers. Psychology is the most popular major at JCU and the faculty are known around campus as excellent. The program is particularly well suited for students who plan to work in the clinical mental health field.
Outside the Classroom: JCU has over 100 active student organizations including faith and service groups, academic groups, interest groups, performing arts groups, and an active Greek system with members living on their Chapter’s residence hall floor for one year. Consistent with their Jesuit and Catholic tradition, over 80% of students participate in service while attending JCU through the Center for Service and Social Action.
Point of Pride: The Boler School of Business and the Tim Russet Department of Communication and Theatre Arts. Also, JCU has the only “Health Professions Advisory Committee” that we know of in Ohio. The committee is composed of faculty and professionals who coach students on how to maximize their acceptance rate to various health career graduate schools. Ask us about it.
2019 Institutional Endowment: $223M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our most recent visit to John Carroll University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 447/439/439/462/453/394/383
% Students Full-Time: 84%
% Students from Ohio: 86%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 19-26
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 75%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 65%
Signature Programs: Strong undergraduate programs in Nursing, Education, Psychology, and other health science majors as well as graduate programs in Occupational Therapy, Counseling, Physical Therapy, and Nursing. Graduate programs offer undergraduates early admission/assurance options and slight level of admission preference.
Other Standout Programs: Walsh has strong programs in Exercise Science, Biology, and Entrepreneurship (Minor).
Unusual Major: Museum Studies
Outside the Classroom: Walsh offers over 50 student clubs and organizations, plenty of intramurals, and 16 NCAA Division II varsity sports. Walsh does not offer any social fraternities or sororities. Many students are involved in the varied outreach and social initiatives grounded in Walsh’s mission.
Point of Pride: Walsh has satellite campuses in Rome, Uganda, and Tanzania. Over 40% of Walsh students study abroad.
Ask us about: The Blouin Global Scholars Program
2019 Institutional Endowment: $27M
Campus Video: Check out our video photo compilation from our last visit to Walsh University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
University of Northwestern Ohio
College: University of Northwestern Ohio
Town: Lima, Ohio
Type: Private, 4-year college offering primarily 2-year associates degrees
Academic Programs: A variety of programs are offered including programs in Business, Automotive Technician, Diesel Technician, Alternate Fuels Technician, Legal Assisting, Travel and Hotel Management, Agribusiness, and others.
Unusual Major: High Performance Motorsports
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 3,418/3,392/3,308/3,311/3,340/3,476
% Students Full-Time: 86%
% Students from Ohio: 88%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 19-24
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 77%
6-Year graduation rate: 61%
Signature Programs: BGSU is known for its strong programs in Education; Digital Arts; Forensic Science; Popular Culture; Accounting; Sport Management; and Apparel Merchandising & Product Development.
Stand Out Programs: BGSU also offers strong programs Aviation; Architecture & Environmental Design; Marine Biology; Business; Dietetics; Communication Sciences & Disorders; and Music.
Outside the Classroom: BGSU offers 325 student clubs and organizations, 56 intramural sports and 26 club sports. They also offer 18 NCAA Division IA varsity teams and over 40 fraternities and sororities. Over 6,000 students live on campus.
Point of Pride: BGSU is one of only two universities in the US that has an airport located on campus. The airport supports the Aviation major. BGSU also is the only public university in Ohio to offer a structured academic support program for students with learning challenges such as ADD or ADHD – Check out the “FLY” program.
Ask us about: The Falcon Internship Guarantee and the Browne Popular Culture Library
2019 Institutional Endowment: $175M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our last visit to Bowling Green State University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 619/714/544/594/563/520/610
% Students Full-Time: 62%
% Students from Ohio: 75%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 76%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 65%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 21-26
Signature Programs: Signature programs in Equestrian Studies (Western & English riding styles), Animal Science (high vet school acceptance rates), Health Sciences, Diagnostic Sciences (various), Environmental Safety & Occupational Health Management, and Children’s Book Illustration.
Stand Out Programs: Sport Management, Forensic Science, Business, and Education
New Programs: Nursing
Campus Life: UF has over 1,250 full-time students living on campus as well as over 100 student organizations including three social greek organizations, and 24 NCAA D-II varsity sports.
Point of Pride: Early admission or assurance linkages to their graduate programs in Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, and Occupational Therapy.
Ask us about: The Mazza Museum and the Children’s Book Illustration major
2019 Institutional Endowment: $42M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our last visit to the University of Findlay:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 363/272/371/319/333/332/332
% Full-Time Students: 97%
% Students from Ohio: 81%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 18-24
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 72%
6-Year graduation rate: 51%
Known For: Strong majors in Education, Criminology, and Business
Point of Pride: Junior Year Program at Heidelberg University in Heidelberg, Germany – the oldest exchange program between an American and German college.
Ask us about: Heidelberg’s PlusOneAdvantage Free MBA
2019 Institutional Endowment: $52M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our most recent visit to Heidelberg University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 628/585/598/640/681/608/579
% Students Full Time: 94%
% Students from Ohio: 82%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 85%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 77%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 23-28
Among other things, they are known for: Strong programs in Engineering, Pharmacy, Law, and Business
Unusual Majors: Graduates of ONU’s unique Engineering Education program are certified to teach Math (secondary) and, given the expansion of high school STEM classes, are in great demand.
Stand Out Majors: ONU also boasts a strong program in Nursing with over 95% NCLEX pass rates. They also have a variety of majors with high health care graduate school entrance rates including Biology, Exercise Science, Chemistry and Biochemistry. Political Science and Philosophy, Politics, & Economics are both excellent Pre-Law choices and students can opt for the 3+3 undergraduate and JD degree combination. Additional strong programs include Theatre, Public Relations, and Construction Management.
Outside the Classroom: ONU is a residential campus offering over 200 active student organizations including Greek life (17% of students involved), NCAA Division III varsity athletics, and a top notch workout/athletic facility (ONU Sports Center).
Point of Pride: Approximately 1 in 4 Ohio pharmacists were educated at ONU
Ask us about: The Polar Bear Plunge
2019 Institutional Endowment: $152M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Ohio Northern University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 274/160/207/258/233/228/228
% Students Full Time: 64%
% Students from Ohio: 75%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 68%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 54%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 18-25
Among other things, they are known for: providing an intimate undergraduate experience
Unusual Major: Biomedical Humanities
Point of Pride: The 500 acre James H. Barrow Field Station has multiple ongoing research partnerships with zoos and wildlife organizations. Students participate and, as a result, enjoy strong Vet School acceptance rates.
Ask us about: Hiram’s unique 12-week plus 3-week semester design as well as Vet School acceptance rates.
2019 Institutional Endowment: $72M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Hiram College:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 66/41/20/36/23/44
% Students Full Time: 100%
% Students from Ohio: 32%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 26-31
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 68%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 78%
Known For: Students who bleed for a cause. First president, Horace Mann’s words, “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity” drive the culture to this day.
Antioch is on the quarter system. Students spend two quarters on campus and then one quarter in a co-op experience. In all, students often complete 3 co-ops during their time at Antioch.
Strong Programs: 13 majors with the most popular being, Political Economy (similar to Political Science), Biomedical Sciences, Media Arts, and Environmental Science.
Unusual major: Self-Designed (a favorite among Antioch students)
Point of Pride: Antioch is one of the greenest and most sustainable campuses in America – just ask them!
Ask us about: Antioch’s 1,000 acre Glen Helen Nature Preserve
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 226/248/227/239/259/287/202
% Students Full-Time: 85%
% Students from Ohio: 89%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 61%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 47%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 19-25
Among other things they are known for: Solid majors in Education, Sport Management, and Exercise Science
Unique Major: Peace and Justice
Point of Pride: Strong undergraduate major in Philosophy and graduate Physician Assistant Studies program
Ask us about: ODU’s 4+1 MBA and MS in Sport Management programs
2019 Institutional Endowment: $20M
Campus Video: Check out a photo compilation for our last visit to Ohio Dominican University!
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 383/277/310/307/385/341/308
% Full-Time Students: 95%
% Students from Ohio: 89%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 18-23
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 65%
6-Year graduation rate: 55%
Known For: One of only 2 Agriculture majors in the state of Ohio! Also a strong Athletic Training major.
Unusual Major: Equine Business Management and minors in Equine Studies, Peace Studies, and Sustainability
Point of Pride: Brand new Center for Science and Agriculture
Ask us about: The Center for Sport Sciences
2019 Institutional Endowment: $39M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Wilmington College:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 516/493/553/539/485/344/384
% Students Full-Time: 95%
% Students from Ohio: 79%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 70%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 63%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 20-27
Academic Programs: Wittenberg offers over 70 major options. First and foremost, their strong commitment to the liberal arts (arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences) is evidenced in their strongest programs. Solid majors in the performing arts, languages, and pre-health sciences including their large Biology major and a popular minor in Marine Science.
Outside the Classroom: At Wittenberg almost 40% of students are active in their Greek system and another 40% play a varsity sport (NCAA Division III). They also offer over 120 student clubs and organizations as well as ongoing campus programming and entertainment. Students are required to complete 30 documented hours of community service prior to graduation and nearly 30% study abroad while at Wittenberg.
Point of pride: Strong language program with many options. Absolutely beautiful campus!
Ask us about: Secret Societies
2019 Institutional Endowment: $119M
Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our last visit to Wittenberg University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 2,401/2,260/1,935/1,389/1,204
% Students Full-Time: 77%
% Students from Ohio: 95%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 18-25
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 62%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 45%
Known for: Strong majors in Engineering, Business, Nursing, and Theatre
Unusual Major: Theatre Design Technology
Point of Pride: The Biomedical Engineering Program
Ask us about: WSU’s physical disability free campus
2019 Institutional Endowment: $125M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Wright State University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 1,210/1,149/1,111/1,239/1,399/1,210/1,309
% Students Full-Time: 96%
% Students from Ohio: 38%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 22-28
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 83%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 73%
Signature Programs: A Catholic, Jesuit institution with signature majors in Business, Education, and Nursing. They are particularly strong in Accounting.
Stand-out Programs: Xavier has strong Pre-Healthcare Professions as well as strong programs in Healthcare Administration; Philosophy, Politics, & Public; Digital Innovation, Film, & Television; and Psychology.
Unusual Majors: Advertising; Land, Farming, & Community
Outside the Classroom: While Xavier doesn’t play football, their NCAA Division I men’s basketball team is well respected and often nationally ranked. They offer over 160 student clubs and organizations and provide an ongoing stream of campus programs and activities. They do not offer social fraternities or sororities.
Point of Pride: Musketeer Division I Basketball team and the Williams College of Business
Ask us about: The Montessori Education major
2019 Institutional Endowment: $199M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our most recent visit to Xavier University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Known For: Outdoor and natural resource 2-year programs including Wildlife Resources Management, Forest Management, Fish Management & Aquaculture Sciences, and Natural & Historical Interpretation.
Unusual Major: Wilderness Horsemanship, Equine Health & Therapies, and Farrier Science
Point of Pride: The only community college in Ohio with residence halls
Ask us about: Hocking’s excellent culinary arts program
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Hocking College:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 357/283/245/272/347/348/338
% Full-time Students: 93%
% Students from Ohio: 62%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 19-26
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 79%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 58%
Signature Programs: The only Petroleum Engineering major in Ohio as well as other energy industry majors and minors including Land and Energy Management (Major), Energy Systems Studies (Minor), and Energy Systems Engineering (Minor).
Stand Out Majors: Marietta boasts strong programs in Athletic Training, Education, as well as offering an MA in Physician Assistant Studies with early assurance options for their undergraduate students.
Point of Pride: The Leadership Studies Minor from the McDonough Center for Leadership and Business is nationally recognized and is available to all students regardless of major. The minor has both classroom and leadership development components.
Ask us about: The Dyson Baudo Recreation Center
2019 Institutional Endowment: $85M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our most recent visit to Marietta College:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 384/360/319/383/369/388/351
% Students Full-Time: 85%
% Students from Ohio: 86%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 72%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 53%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 18-23
Known For: Strong programs in Education and Nursing.
Unusual Major: Petroleum Geology
Point of Pride: The renowned PLUS Program that provides support for students with learning challenges including light autism, ADD, and ADHD.
Ask us about: The Muskie Care Pack
2019 Institutional Endowment: $76M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our most recent visit to Muskingum University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Fall 2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 4,415/4,309/4,081/4,012/3,767/4,129
% Full-Time Students: 76%
% Students from Ohio: 86%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 21-26
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 82%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 65%
Signature Programs: The Scripps College of Communication and its numerous programs are nationally recognized for excellence (e.g. Journalism, Visual Communication, and others). The Schey Sales Center offers a nationally recognized certificate in sales.
Stand Out Programs: Business; Engineering; Health Sciences; Wildlife & Conservation Biology; Restaurant, Hotel, & Tourism; Nursing; Education; and Nutrition
Outside the Classroom: OU offers over 450 student organizations including 10 sororities and over 2,500 students involved in Greek Life. Intramurals are popular at OU and there are 32 club sports on campus for the more competitive minded. OU also offers 10 women’s and 6 men’s Division I varsity sports teams (Mid-American Conference) and students can attend games for free
Point of Pride: Scripps College of Communication and The Schey Sales Center
2020 Institutional Endowment: $730M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our last visit to Ohio University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 341/265/256/219/318/179/156
% Full-Time Students: 61%
% Students from Ohio: 88%
50% ACT Range: Open Enrollment
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 54%
6 year graduation rate: 32%
Known For: Strong programs in the Health Sciences (both 2 and 4 year programs)
Unusual Majors: Wildlife Conservation
Point of pride: Rio Grande University (Private) shares a campus with the Rio Grande Community College (Public). In this unique public/private partnership, students enjoy a number of benefits, including low overall tuition and a wide variety of 2-year and 4-year major options in professions and trades.
Ask us About: The Rio Wildlife Conservation Program
2019 Institutional Endowment: $21M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Academic Programs: Strong undergraduate programs in Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences. Nationally recognized Game Design program. Graduate program in Occupational Therapy.
Unique Programs: Plastics Engineering Technology Program
Points of Pride: 2nd lowest tuition in the state; Clark Planetarium
2019 Institutional Endowment: $20M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Washington State Community College
Town: Marietta, Ohio
Tuition Exceptions: In-state tuition rates for West Virginia residents
Academic Programs: Wide variety of Transfer and Technology (go-to-work) program offerings. These include offerings in Nursing, Criminal Justice, Business, Engineering Technology, Cyber Security, and Radiologic Technology.
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 336/343/285/293/297/341/282
% Students Full-Time: 75%
% Students from Ohio: 74%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 60%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 37%
Middle 50% ACT Score : 16-21
Among other things they are known for: Strong Nursing and Education majors
Unusual Major: Intelligence Studies
Point of Pride: NDC boasts the Academic Support Center, one of only five programs in Ohio designed to support learning challenges such as light autism, ADD, and ADHD. They have solid metrics and we love the ASC!
2019 University Endowment: $13.1M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our last visit to Notre Dame College:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 243/309/335/309/244/191
% Students Full-Time: 80%
% Students from Ohio: 80%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 61%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 54%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 19-26
Among other things they are known for: Broad program options in Music and Ministry as well as Business and Nursing.
Unusual Major: Zoo and Wildlife Biology
Point of Pride: Only Ohio “passionately” Christian college located in a large city (Canton). Students hail from 40 denominations; predominantly Protestant and Catholic.
Ask us about: Malone’s annual “Davenport Derby”
2018 Institutional Endowment: $18M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our last visit to Malone University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 604/587/620/613/602/613/434
% Full-Time Students: 74%
% Students from Ohio: 88%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 75%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 65%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 19-24
Signature Programs: Ashland has always been known for its strong Education Program which is one of the largest among independent and state institutions in Ohio. They also have a strong Nursing Program with a new, State-of-the-Art Nursing campus in Mansfield.
Stand Out Programs: Ashland also has strong programs in Business (ACBSP accredited), Fashion Merchandising, Toxicology, Forensic Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Science, as well as Commercial Art.
Outside the Classroom: Ashland offers over 100 student clubs and organizations, beautiful workout facility, vibrant NCAA Division II varsity athletics, an active Greek system, and an ongoing stream of campus activities.
Point of Pride: The “Convo’s” great food!
Ask us about: The Ashbrook Scholar Program
2019 Institutional Endowment: $45.3M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Ashland University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 217/208/211/174/231/195
% Full-Time Students: 88%
% Students from Ohio: 80%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 60%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 54%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 18-25
Known For: Strong programs in Nursing, Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, and Convergent Media
2019 Institutional Endowment: $23.1M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 233/182/136/151/157/181/217
% Full-Time Students: 90%
% Students from Ohio: 56%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 46%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 35%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 17-21
Known For: Strong programs in Criminal Justice, Athletic Training, and Forensic Science
Unusual Majors: Restoration Ecology, Digital Forensic Science, and Autism Studies (minor)
Point of Pride: Project 701: a unique student-run non-profit organization
Ask us about: The McMaster School for Advancing Humanity as well as the ASD Affinity Program that provides comprehensive services supporting students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
2019 Institutional Endowment: $19.1M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 186/214/219/219/195/207/170
% Full-time Students: 81%
% Students from Ohio: 63%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 60%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 47%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 17-23
Known For: A variety of Equine Studies and Information Technology Management major options
Unusual Majors: Forensic Psychology and Psychobiology concentrations
Point of Pride: 74% of students complete an internship before graduation
Ask us about: The five Residential Learning Community offerings
2019 Institutional Endowment: $33.3M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 92/114/106/78/96/92/102
% Full-Time Students: 75%
% Students from Ohio: 83%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 75%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 53%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 17-23
Known For: Strong program in Nursing and Fashion Design
Unusual Major: Historic Preservation and Art Therapy
2019 Institutional Endowment: $24M
Campus Video: Check out our video photo compilation from our last visit to Ursuline College:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 Freshman Class Size: 76/55/30/63/75/76
% Full-time Students: 96%
% Students from Ohio: 62%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 62%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 48%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 17-24
Institutional Endowment: $2M
Known For: Strong programs in the Fine Arts.
Ask us about: The new major in Creative Writing
Point of Pride: B+ Professional Preparation Program through which students are incentivized to acquire internships and other practical experience
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to the Art Academy of Cincinnati:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Programs: A variety of Transfer and Technology (go to work) Associate Degree and Certificate programs including offerings in the following areas: Business, Engineering Technology, Health Professions, Nursing, and others.
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Programs: A variety of Transfer and Technology (go to work) Associate Degree and Certificate programs in areas such as Business, Nursing, Health Care Professions, Emergency Services, Engineering Technology, and more.
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 1,282/1,258/1,265/1,308/1,393/1,357
% Students Full Time: 97%
% Students from Ohio: 21%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 93%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 84%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 30-34
Signature Programs: Case is well known for their strong Engineering, Nursing, and Business Programs (graduate and undergraduate).
Other Stand Out Majors: Case is also strong in the Sciences and Math. There are a wide variety of majors available such as Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Astronomy, Environmental Studies, Geological Sciences, History & Philosophy of Science, Nutrition, Physics, and the new and unique Origin’s Sciences. Many students extend their studies beyond the lab and become involved in an extensive menu of research options.
Unusual Major: Origins Sciences
Outside the Classroom: Case offers over 200 student clubs and organizations including Club sport teams, academic organizations, special interest clubs, Greek organizations, and others. There are also a wide variety of ongoing weekend events including speakers, performers, comedians, and musicians.
Point of Pride: First year freshmen are grouped into one of four residential colleges: Mistletoe, Juniper, Magnolia, and Cedar. Each has a unique focus or theme – think Hogwarts.
Ask us about: the benefits of their location in the Wade Park District of University Circle
2019 Institutional Endowment: $1.9B
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Case Western Reserve University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Cleveland State University
College: Cleveland State University
Town: Cleveland
Type: Public University (large commuter population)
2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 1,816/1,921/1,967/1,920/2,001
% Students Full Time: 79%
% Students from Ohio: 91%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 19-25
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 74%
6 Year Graduation Rate: 46%
Programs: Nationally ranked program in “City Management and Urban Planning.” Strong programs in Engineering, Business, Education, Nursing, and others.
2019 Institutional Endowment: $90M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 139/168/161/154/175/155
% Students Full Time: 98%
% students from Ohio: 62%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 20-27
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 79%
6-Year graduation rate: 60%
Signature Programs: CIA’s signature programs include Biomedical Art and Industrial Design.
Stand Out Programs: CIA has strong programs in Animation, Illustration, Graphic Design, Game Design, Interior Architecture, Jewelry & Metals, Photography & Video, and Painting.
Unusual Majors: Biomedical Art (in partnership with Case Western)
Outside the Classroom: CIA is one of forty independent colleges of art and design in the United States and Canada and one of only three in Ohio. CIA is located in the University Circle, Cleveland’s cultural center.
Point of Pride:Many graduates from the Industrial Design program are employed in the auto industry with one alum responsible for the last 4 design iterations of the Chevrolet Corvette Singray
Ask us about: Their unique partnership with Case Western Reserve University
2019 Institutional Endowment: $28M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken at our last visit to the Cleveland Institute of Art:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 717/766/705/685/677/665
% Students Full Time:94%
% Students from Ohio: 74%
1st to 2nd year Retention Rate: 81%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 65%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 21-27
Known For: Their Conservatory of Music and a nationally recognized Neuroscience major
Stand Out Majors: BW has strong majors in Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Acting (BFA), Music Theatre, Exercise Science, Sport Management, and Communication Sciences & Disorders
Unusual Majors: Arts Management & Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Health Care Management, and National Security.
Outside the Classroom: Students are actively engaged in over 100 campus clubs and organizations including 14 fraternities and sororities and another 23 NCAA Division III varsity sport teams.
Point of Pride: The Conservatory boasts an “All Steinway” designation.
Ask us about: BW’s Experiential Learning requirement
2019 Institutional Endowment: $180M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our most recent visit to Baldwin Wallace University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 500/478/445/448/465/442
% Students Full Time: 76%
% Students from Ohio: 73%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 65%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 39%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 20-25
Best Known For: Strong Criminal Justice and Business Programs
Unique Majors: Forensic Psychology & Cyber Defense and Information Assurance
Point of Pride: History of supporting first generation college students
Ask us about: The new Crime Scene Lab
2019 Institutional Endowment: $13M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Tiffin University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 3,972/3,919/3,512/2,775/2,762
% Students Full Time: 79%
% students from Ohio: 93%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 19-25
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 71%
6-Year graduation rate: 46%
Known For: Strong programs in Business, Engineering, and Nursing
Unusual Majors: Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Polymer Chemistry, and Integrated Marketing Communication
Point of Pride: The National Polymer Innovation Center
Ask us about: The AK Rowdies
2019 Institutional Endowment: $236M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to the University of Akron:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 3,376/3,297/3,190/3,246/3,001
% Students Full Time: 81%
% students from Ohio: 75%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 20-26
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 76%
6-Year graduation rate: 50%
Known For: Strong programs in the Nursing, Engineering, and Pharmacy
Unusual Majors: Cosmetic Science & Formulation Design, Pharmacology Toxicology, and Professional Sales
Point of Pride: The Jacobs Inter-professional Immersive Simulation Center (simulated hospital)
Ask us about: The Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization (batteries)
2019 Institutional Endowment: $310M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our last visit to the University of Toledo:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 463/456/453/475/564/494
% Students Full Time:92%
% Students from Ohio: 24%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 22-29
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 88%
6-Year graduation rate: 77%
Signature Programs: Strong majors in Catechetics (Religious Education), Theology, and Nursing
Other Stand Out Majors: Franciscan also has strong majors in Business (with a focus on ethics), Biology, and a 4+1 MBA Program.
Outside the Classroom: Franciscan offers over 70 student clubs and organizations. Some are focused around evangelization, while others focus on academics, athletics, or other student interests. The culture at Franciscan can best be described as “Passionately Catholic.” Over 70% of students participate in “Faith Households” and a similar number attend mass at least twice weekly.
Point of Pride: Franciscan estimates that over 50% of the world’s most renowned religious education speakers have visited the college. Franciscan also has the largest Priestly Discernment Program in the U.S. (around 40 at last count).
2019 Institutional Endowment: $64M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 4,290/4,335/4,375/4,443/4,347
% Students Full-Time: 83%
% students from Ohio: 79%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 20-26
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 81%
6-Year graduation rate: 62%
Signature Majors: Kent State is well known nationally for its “Fashion School” which offers undergraduate degrees in both Fashion Design as well as Fashion Merchandising. They also have the largest Nursing program in the state of Ohio and the first Applied Conflict Management program in the country.
Stand Out Majors: kent State has strong programs in Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Architecture, Visual Communication Design, Digital Media Production, Speech Pathology and Audiology, and Interior Design.
Outside the Classroom: Kent State offers over 400 student organizations including numerous club and intramural sports, 34 Greek organizations, and 18 NCAA D-IA varsity athletic teams.
Point of Pride: Renowned Fashion School and the Fashion Museum
Ask us about: The Black Squirrel Festival
2019 Institutional Endowment: $148M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Oberlin College and Conservatory
College: Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 797/775/762/725/804/798
% Students Full Time: 99%
% Students from Ohio: 6%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 91%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 86%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 29-33
Signature Programs: Nationally recognized Conservatory of Music as well as strong majors in English and Environmental Studies.
Other Standout Majors: Politics; Physics and Astronomy; History; and Neuroscience
Unusual Major: Wide variety of language majors
Outside the Classroom: While Oberlin does not offer social fraternities and sororities, there are 175 active student organizations. Intramural sports and club sports are also active. Oberlin participates in the NCAA’s Division III. As a result of the Conservatory of Music, there are over 500 free musical programs on campus each year.
Point of Pride: Heritage of “bleeding for a cause”
Ask us about: Oberlin’s Art Rental Program
2019 Institutional Endowment: $985M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Oberlin College and Conservatory:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Programs: Stark State offers a range of Transfer and Technology (go-to-work) associate degree options including programs in the following areas: Business, Engineering Technology, Automotive Technology, Nursing, Health Professions, Information Technology, and others.
Point of Pride: Stark State College constructed a $4.7 million Fuel Cell Prototyping Center in the fall of 2006. The Center is designed for use by emerging and fuel cell-related technology companies to assist them in pre-commercialization prototyping and demonstration stages of the development of fuel cell-based power generation systems.
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 547/566/545/568/569/543
% Students Full Time: 100%
% Students from Ohio: 29%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 86%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 77%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 24-31
Signature Programs: The College of Wooster is best known for its emphasis on mentored undergraduate research. The Independent Study (IS) program, in which all students work one-on-one with a faculty advisor to complete a 50-100 page written thesis (or other project) during their senior year. The project, which began in 1947, is presented and orally defended. Students are prepared for the IS with academic experiences in each of their first three years.
Stand Out Programs: The College of Wooster boasts strong programs in the sciences. Majors in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology are particularly well regarded. They also have a strong slate of Global Studies majors and a strong Political Science major.
Unusual Major: Peace Corps Prep
Outside the Classroom: While Wooster is not a “party school,” students typically stay on campus on weekends and are creative in finding things to do. There are a wide variety of student organizations (120) and the WAC (Wooster Activities Crew) schedules a wide variety of weekend events including speakers, performers, comedians, musicians, etc. The Campus Underground offers a pub, DJ/Bands, dancing, and movie nights. There is a Greek system (15% of students are active in a set of all local chapters housed on campus) and plenty of intramural sports (70% play at least one sport). Wooster has 19 varsity athletic teams (30% of students) and competes in NCAA Division III. Also, 30% of students play a musical instrument.
Point of Pride: CW is a member of the “Five Colleges of Ohio,” a consortium of renowned Ohio liberal arts colleges.
Ask us about: Why is a Tootsie Roll is a big deal at Wooster?
2019 Institutional Endowment: $329M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our last visit to the College of Wooster:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 2,036/2,245/2,348/1,903
% Students Full Time: 80%
% Students from Ohio: 82%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 18-24
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 73%
6 Year Graduation Rate: 41%
Strong Programs: Engineering (particularly well known for Materials Science), Business, and Criminal Justice. The Dana School of Music holds the “All Steinway” designation and is one of the oldest non-conservatory schools of music in the U.S.
2019 Institutional Endowment: $265M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 245/243/240/254/242/266
% Students Full Time: 98%
% Students from Ohio: 74%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 18-24
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 77%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 65%
Signature Programs: Fashion Design, Illustration, and Animation are considered CCAD’s signature programs.
Stand Out Majors: CCAD has strong programs in Industrial Design; Advertising and Graphic Design; Photography; Cinematic Arts; and Interior Design.
Outside the Classroom: CCAD students are passionate about art. Located adjacent to the Columbus Museum of Art and near the trendy Short North artsy district of Columbus, CCAD students find it easy to visit galleries, tour the museum and explore the eclectic city of Columbus. Many students participate in “Collectives” connected to their majors. While CCAD has no varsity athletics or Greek life, they do offer a variety of student clubs and organizations as well as an ongoing stream of campus programming.
Point of Pride: CCAD is one of the oldest private art and design colleges in the United States
Ask us about: The Mind Market
2019 Institutional Endowment: $13.4M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our last visit to Columbus College of Art and Design:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Known For: Culinary Apprenticeship Major within Hospitality Management, Nursing (RN and LPN), Aviation Maintenance Technology plus a wide variety of respected health and medical majors.
Point of Pride: “Preferred Pathway Program” provides clearly defined pathways from CSCC to nine different Ohio colleges and universities making transfer seamless.
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 609/633/637/617/654/625
% Students Full Time: 99%
% Students from Ohio: 18%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 90%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 82%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 27-31
Stand Out Programs: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics is a unique interdisciplinary major integrating Political Science, Economics and Philosophy. Global Commerce is similar to “International Business” but without business discipline courses. It integrates Economics, Communication, and Foreign Language. The Economics Major with the Financial Economics Concentration focuses on the role of the finance, insurance, and real estate sectors in the US economy. Denison offers a number of foreign language majors including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Portugese.
Outside the Classroom: Dennison offers a strong Greek system with 10 fraternities and 8 sororities. They offer a wide variety of varsity sports (NCAA Division III), club sports, and intramurals. Additionally, there are over 180 clubs and organizations available on campus.
Point of Pride: Denison University is one of Ohio’s “Five Colleges of Ohio,” a consortium of renowned Ohio liberal arts colleges that also includes Kenyon College, Oberlin College & Conservatory, The College of Wooster, and Ohio Wesleyan University. Over 50% of Denison’s students study abroad.
Ask us about: Denison’s Summer Scholar’s Program
2019 Institutional Endowment: $888M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos taken on our last visit to Denison University:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 446/492/487/453/539/487
% Students Full Time: 99%
% Students from Ohio: 10%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 89%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 91%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 29-33
Best known for: Kenyon College is the oldest private college in Ohio (1824) and is a member of the “Five Colleges of Ohio,” a proud consortium of renowned Ohio liberal arts colleges. Kenyon boasts a strong English major supported by 20 faculty as well as their recognized lineup of other Liberal Arts majors.
Other Stand Out Programs: Strong Theatre and Economics programs.
Unusual Major: Molecular Biology
Outside the Classroom: Kenyon offers over 150 student clubs and organizations including twelve Greek organizations. They also offer a variety of Club and Varsity (NCAA Division III) sports and a state-of-the-art fitness/athletic facility.
Point of Pride: The KAC (Kenyon Athletic Center)
Ask us about: Kenyon’s Summer Student mp Grants
2019 Institutional Endowment: $422M
Campus Video: Click here to view a video compilation of photos taken on our last visit to Kenyon:
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Ohio Christian University
College: Ohio Christian University (formerly Circleville Bible College)
2019 Residential Full-Time Undergraduates: less than 500
2017/2018/2019 Overall Undergraduate Student Enrollment: 3,990/3,222/2,531 (most of these students are in adult degree programs offered online and at a few satellite campus locations)
% Full Time Students: 65%
% Students from Ohio: 56%
% Students On Line Format: 79%
Middle 50% ACT Score: Open Admission
6 Year Graduation Rate: 29%
Academic Programs: Residential student program offerings include options in the following areas: Business, Psychology & Counseling, Education, Religion & Ministry, and Music & Worship Leadership.
Institutional Endowment: $4.6M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 7,079/6,901/7,885/7,109/8,000/7,727
% Students Full Time: 91%
% Students from Ohio: 66%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 28-32
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 94%
6 Year Graduation Rate: 86%
Signature Programs: A broad slate of strong undergraduate academic majors in the following areas: Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Architecture.
Stand Out Programs: OSU also has strong undergraduate programs in History; Education; Nursing; Forestry, Fisheries, & Wildlife; Industrial Design; Public Affairs; and Political Science.
Caveat: Students entering OSU as transfer students should be aware that many majors require competitive GPA’s for admission. Students transferring from a satellite campus after one year are only required to have a 2.0 GPA, but majors may have much higher admission requirements. The metrics above are only for direct admit freshman students.
2019 Institutional Endowment: $5.26B
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our most recent visit to The Ohio State University.
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 405/507/634/660/774
% Full Time Students: 94%
% Students from Ohio: 47%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 14-17
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 46%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 28%
Academic Programs: A variety of programs including offerings in Business, Education, Fine & Performing Arts, Engineering Technology, and others.
Point of Pride: Historically Black University (93% of student body is African American)
2019 Institutional Endowment: $2.1M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Fall 2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 4,470/5,400/4,309/5,271/5,453
% Students Full-Time: 84%
% students from Ohio: 80%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 23-29
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 84%
6-Year Graduation rate: 71%
Signature Programs: UC is known for its Conservatory of Music programs as well as its program in Engineering, Architecture, and Nursing.
Stand Out Majors: UC has strong undergraduate majors in Business, Interior Design, Communication Design (Graphic Design), Construction Management, Fashion Design, Digital Media Collaborative (film making). They also offer graduate programs in Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Law, Medicine, and others.
Unusual Majors: Industrial Design, Geo-Archaeology, Medical Sciences, and Commercial Music Production
Outside the Classroom: UC has over 400 student organizations including a wide variety of Club Sports as well as intramurals. There are 15 varsity sports and UC plays NCAA Division I in the American Athletic Conference. Their highly rated Student Recreation Center includes a wide range of workout rooms, gym space, exercise classes, climbing wall, swimming pool, and even a “lazy river.” UC has 39 active fraternities and sororities helping over 3,000 students find connections at a large university.
Point of Pride: The Only Conservatory of Music at an Ohio public university.
Ask us about: UC’s Co-op institutional requirement – very cool!
2019 Institutional Endowment: $1,400M
Campus Video: Check out our video compilation of photos from our most recent visit to the University of Cincinnati.
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
College: Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Programs: Cincinnati State offers a variety of transfer and Technical” (go-to-work) programs including offerings in the following areas: Business, Health Science, Aviation, Automotive, Criminal Justice, Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Nursing, and others.
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Freshman Class Size: 2,172/2,138/1,823/2,225/2,198
% Students Full Time: 95%
% Students from Ohio: 49%
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 89%
6-year Graduation Rate: 82%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 23-29
Signature Academic Programs: Engineering, Business, Education, and Health Sciences majors are all exceptional at UD.
Stand Out Majors: Exercise Physiology and Dietetics
Unusual Major: The first in the US to offer a major in Human Rights
Campus Life: UD offers over 300 student organizations including an active student government, Campus Activities Board, Campus Ministry an many more social, academic, service, and special interest clubs and organizations. Approximately 20% of students are involved in the Greek system and there are 12 social and 8 professional or service chapters. UD is a residential campus with around 90% of students living on campus.
Point of Pride: Rudy Flyers Division I Basketball team and the “Discover Program” helping freshmen make good major choices
Ask us about: Camp Blue and UD’s cottage living options
2019 Institutional Endowment: $603M
Check out a photo compilation from our last visit to University of Dayton!
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 Fall Freshman Class Size: 3,747/3,798/3,908/4,067/4,395
% Full Time Students: 97%
% Students from Ohio: 61%
Middle 50% ACT Score: 25-30
1st to 2nd Year Retention: 89%
6-Year Graduation Rate: 81%
Signature Programs: Miami’s Farmer School of Business is nationally recognized and offers a variety of AACSB accredited majors including Accountancy, Economics, Finance, Information Systems, Business Management, Management and Leadership, Marketing and Supply Chain & Operations Management.
Stand Out Majors: Miami has strong majors in Physics, Nutrition, Neuroscience, Medical Laboratory Science, Humanities, Music, Architecture, Interior Design, Gerontology, Political Science, Speech Pathology & Audiology, and Engineering.
New Major: Miami’s main campus in Oxfords is now offering a new Nursing major.
Unusual majors: Zoology, Fashion Design, and Public Administration
Outside the Classroom: Miami offers over 500 student clubs and organizations including a large set of fraternities and sororities (35% of students involved). They also offer NCAA Division I varsity teams, over 50 club sports, and another 30 intramural sport offerings.
Point of Pride: A premier public undergraduate-focused university and one of the original “Public Ivies.”
Ask about: Just how important Hockey is on campus.
2019 Institutional Endowment: $559M
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
Academic Programs: Transfer programs as well as a wide variety of “Technology” (go-go-work) programs. These include a wide variety of programs in the areas of aviation, automotive, geopacial technology, business, health sciences, engineering technology, criminal justice, hospitality, and others.
View our video on how College Bound Advantage can partner with you and your family in your college search. We can help you save money, avoid land mines, and optimize your college choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6SSjHp8n98 .
