For business studies see our separate ranking of business schools in Columbus, USA
Latest ranking updates related to universities in Columbus
- 06 Mar, 2024: Latest Scimago Institutions Rankings from Scimago Institutions. 2 universities from Columbus appear in this ranking.
- 25 Jan, 2024: Publication of THE World’s Most International Universities. Ohio State University, The Ohio State University ranked #120.
- 15 Dec, 2023: Publication of Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments - ShanghaiRanking (Sport Science). Ohio State University, The Ohio State University ranked #201.
- 05 Dec, 2023: QS World University Rankings: Sustainability updated with Ohio State University, The Ohio State University in position 316.
It’s fair to say that Columbus, Ohio, has been best known in recent years for its employment boom, as well for having some of the most friendly, welcoming locals in the country. Those moving to Columbus can expect a vibrant foodie scene, plenty of outdoor activities, and a wide variety of work and study options.
When it's time for a break from studying, the Scioto Mile parks and trails on the banks of the Scioto River that runs through the city is the perfect getaway. It's also the location for several of the city's yearly events which includes the Food Truck Festival and the Earth Day celebrations.
Rankings of universities in Columbus, USA 2024
#1
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
| THE World University Rankings [Published 27 September, 2023] | ||
| Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings [Published 14 September, 2021] | ||
| QS World University Rankings [Published 27 June, 2023] | ||
| Show 16 more rankings of Ohio State University, The Ohio State University and subject specific rankings for 10 subjects | |||
#2
Franklin University
Student satisfaction:5.0 / 5.0(based on 105 student ratings)
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only) [Published 11 November, 2021] | |
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni) [Published 11 November, 2021] |
#3
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Student satisfaction:5.0 / 5.0(based on 68 student ratings)
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only) [Published 11 November, 2021] | |
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni) [Published 11 November, 2021] | |
| Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities [Published 31 July, 2023] | |
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#4
Ohio Dominican University
Student satisfaction:5.0 / 5.0(based on 76 student ratings)
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only) [Published 11 November, 2021] | |
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni) [Published 11 November, 2021] | |
| Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities [Published 31 July, 2023] | |
#5
Mississippi University for Women
Student satisfaction:5.0 / 5.0(based on 8 student ratings)
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only) [Published 11 November, 2021] | |
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni) [Published 11 November, 2021] | |
| Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities [Published 31 July, 2023] | |
#6
Capital University
Student satisfaction:4.0 / 5.0(based on 52 student ratings)
| Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings [Published 14 September, 2021] | ||
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only) [Published 11 November, 2021] | ||
| Kiplinger's Best College Values [Published 31 July, 2019] | ||
| Show 2 more rankings of Capital University and subject specific rankings for 2 subjects | |||
#7
Columbus College of Art and Design
Student satisfaction:4.5 / 5.0(based on 275 student ratings)
| Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings [Published 14 September, 2021] | ||
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only) [Published 11 November, 2021] | ||
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni) [Published 11 November, 2021] | ||
| Show 1 more rankings of Columbus College of Art and Design | |||
#8
Columbus State University
| Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings [Published 14 September, 2021] | ||
| Scimago Institutions Rankings [Published 06 March, 2024] | ||
| Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only) [Published 11 November, 2021] | ||
| Show 2 more rankings of Columbus State University and subject specific rankings for 3 subjects | |||
#9
Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus
Highest subject rankings of universities in Columbus
SociologyGRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#4
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
Public AdministrationGRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#5
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
LinguisticsQS World University Rankings By Subject
#17
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
EducationGRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#21
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
LawUS News: Best Grad Schools (US)
#30
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
DentistryQS World University Rankings By Subject
#39
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
Aerospace EngineeringGRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#46
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
GeologyQS World University Rankings By Subject
#51
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
MathematicsGRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
#76
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
Computer ScienceNTU Rankings by Subject
#98
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University
Student Opinions About Studying in Columbus
“If you ask me, Columbus’ best asset is its inhabitants. The norm here is to say hello to each other as you cross paths in the street, and people will generally go out of their way to give you help with directions and so on. These things really say a lot about a city for me.”
“The city has improved itself so much since its wave of new and better employment opportunities, but the majority of Columbus outside of the center seems to be just shopping malls. I would recommend living as close to the center as possible to enjoy more variety.”
“Columbus enjoys a thriving foodie scene, which has come to be thanks to the surrounding area being farmland, which means that the city has started to promote a lot of local produce campaigns.”
Columbus Key Facts for International Students
PROS
There are many options when it comes to enjoying your free time, which can include outdoor and indoor sports activities, great nightlife, and dining options.
Many businesses choose to set up their corporate headquarters in Columbus, and the Ohio State University is also a major employer in the area. Overall, newcomers have a lot of variety when commencing their job search here.
Columbus doesn’t suffer from serious traffic problems, unlike so many other U.S cities. The only time you can expect some light congestion is during rush hour, but even so it's not very extreme.
CONS
Columbus could benefit from more live music venues and places to enjoy artistic performances, as residents complain that there are not many cultural attractions.
The city doesn’t have a subway or a light rail system. It does have a COTA bus service, but its coverage doesn’t reach some parts of the city which makes it unusable for people outside its catchment area. Many express that a car is a necessity here.
The trend in recent years has been to see housing prices steadily increase, with no end currently in sight.
8 out of 9 Universities in Columbus Ranked in at least one ranking
21 Different Rankings list Universities in Columbus (13 institution and 8 subject rankings)
17 Global Rankings rank Universities in Columbus Among TOP 200
Population: 906000
Elevation: 235 m. above sea level
Time: GMT -5
District/province:Ohio, Franklin County
Living costs for students in Columbus:
* 100 = prices in London
- Living costs without accommodation 83*(17% cheaper than London)
- All costs including accommodation 67*(33% cheaper than London)
- Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 75*(25% cheaper than London)
- Average Big Mac price 5.15 US$
- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
Map with location of universities in Columbus
Useful related pages
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FAQ
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University ranks #1 in Columbus in our meta ranking composed of 112 university rankings.
Among all universities in Columbus Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is listed in the largest number of rankings. See all 30 rankings where Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is listed.
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is ranked best in Columbus for Social Studies & Humanities (Sociology). See all rankings for the Ohio State University, The Ohio State University.
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is ranked best in Columbus for Business (Public Administration). See all rankings for the Ohio State University, The Ohio State University.
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is ranked best in Columbus for Languages & Literature (Linguistics). See all rankings for the Ohio State University, The Ohio State University.
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is ranked best in Columbus for Education (Education). See all rankings for the Ohio State University, The Ohio State University.
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is ranked best in Columbus for Law (Law). See all rankings for the Ohio State University, The Ohio State University.
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is ranked best in Columbus for Medicine & Health (Dentistry). See all rankings for the Ohio State University, The Ohio State University.
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is ranked best in Columbus for Engineering (Aerospace Engineering). See all rankings for the Ohio State University, The Ohio State University.
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is ranked best in Columbus for Natural Sciences (Geology). See all rankings for the Ohio State University, The Ohio State University.
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is ranked best in Columbus for Mathematics (Mathematics). See all rankings for the Ohio State University, The Ohio State University.
Ohio State University, The Ohio State University is ranked best in Columbus for Computer Science (Computer Science). See all rankings for the Ohio State University, The Ohio State University.
Ranking publishers
4icu
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Universities:
- 12584
- Published:
- 27 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-QS World University Rankings:
Academic Reputation 40%Employer Reputation 10%Faculty/Student Ratio 20%Citations per faculty 20%International Faculty Ratio 5%International Student Ratio 5%
- Universities:
- 1001
- Published:
- 23 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking-QS Employability Rankings:
Employer reputation 30%Alumni outcomes 25%Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25%Employer/Student Connections 10%Graduate employment rate 10%
- Universities:
- 2097
- Published:
- 05 December, 2023
Kiplinger
- Universities:
- 500
- Published:
- 31 July, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking-Kiplinger's Best College Values:
Quality Criteria 55%Cost Criteria 45%
NTU ranking
- Universities:
- 3103
- Published:
- 11 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
Research Productivity: 25%
- # Articles last 11 years: 10%
- # Articles current year: 15%
Research Impact: 35%
- # Citations last 11 years: 15%
- # Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average # citations last 11 years: 10%
Research Excellence: 40%
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
Nature Index
- Universities:
- 9699
- Published:
- 15 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-Nature Index - Academic:
Article count (AC)Fractional count (FC)Weighted fractional count (WFC)
Payscale
- Universities:
- 2688
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking-Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):
Ranking is based on ROI
- Universities:
- 3158
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 21682
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking-Scimago Institutions Rankings:
Research 50%Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Universities:
- 13016
- Published:
- 15 August, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
Quality of Education 10%
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
Quality of Faculty 40%
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
Research Output 40%
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
Per Capita Performance 10%
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 14232
- Published:
- 27 September, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-THE World University Rankings:
30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
- Reputation survey: 15%
- Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
- Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
- Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
- Institutional income: 2.25%
30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
- Reputation survey: 18%
- Research income: 6%
- Research productivity: 6%
30% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
- Proportion of international students: 2.5%
- Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
- International collaboration: 2.5%
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"
- Universities:
- 831
- Published:
- 27 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-THE World Reputation Rankings:
Research Reputation 66,6%Teaching Reputation 33,3%
- Universities:
- 750
- Published:
- 25 January, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking-THE World’s Most International Universities:
Proportion of international students 25%Proportion of international staff 25%Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25%University’s international reputation 25%
- Universities:
- 3144
- Published:
- 11 May, 2022
The Princeton Review
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 26 April, 2022
Us News
- Universities:
- 3255
- Published:
- 17 September, 2023
Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 1593
- Published:
- 14 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking-Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:
Outcomes 40% (employability)Resources 30%Engagement 20% (teaching)Environment 10% (diversity)
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 1222
- Published:
- 28 August, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking-Washington Monthly - National Universities:
Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 60012
- Published:
- 31 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
Visibility 50%Excellence 35%Transparency 10%Presence 5%
Ranking publishers
4icu
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
- Universities:
- 400
- Published:
- 11 August, 2022
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Universities:
- 12584
- Published:
- 27 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-QS World University Rankings:
Academic Reputation 40%Employer Reputation 10%Faculty/Student Ratio 20%Citations per faculty 20%International Faculty Ratio 5%International Student Ratio 5%
- Universities:
- 1001
- Published:
- 23 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking-QS Employability Rankings:
Employer reputation 30%Alumni outcomes 25%Partnerships with Employers per Faculty 25%Employer/Student Connections 10%Graduate employment rate 10%
- Universities:
- 2097
- Published:
- 05 December, 2023
Kiplinger
- Universities:
- 500
- Published:
- 31 July, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking-Kiplinger's Best College Values:
Quality Criteria 55%Cost Criteria 45%
NTU ranking
- Universities:
- 3103
- Published:
- 11 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-NTU Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers:
Research Productivity: 25%
- # Articles last 11 years: 10%
- # Articles current year: 15%
Research Impact: 35%
- # Citations last 11 years: 15%
- # Citations last 2 years: 10%
- Average # citations last 11 years: 10%
Research Excellence: 40%
- H-index last 2 years: 10%
- # Highly cited papers last 11 years: 15%
- # Articles current year in high-impact journals: 15%
Nature Index
- Universities:
- 9699
- Published:
- 15 June, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-Nature Index - Academic:
Article count (AC)Fractional count (FC)Weighted fractional count (WFC)
Payscale
- Universities:
- 2688
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking-Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):
Ranking is based on ROI
- Universities:
- 3158
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 21682
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking-Scimago Institutions Rankings:
Research 50%Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Universities:
- 13016
- Published:
- 15 August, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-ARWU Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking:
Quality of Education 10%
- Alumni winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 10%
Quality of Faculty 40%
- Staff winning Nobel Prizes/Field Medals 20%
- Highly Cited Researchers 20%
Research Output 40%
- Papers published in Nature and Science 20%
- Papers indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded & Social Science Citation Index 20%
Per Capita Performance 10%
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 14232
- Published:
- 27 September, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-THE World University Rankings:
30% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
- Reputation survey: 15%
- Staff-to-student ratio: 4.5%
- Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio: 2.25%
- Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio: 6%
- Institutional income: 2.25%
30% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
- Reputation survey: 18%
- Research income: 6%
- Research productivity: 6%
30% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
- Proportion of international students: 2.5%
- Proportion of international staff: 2.5%
- International collaboration: 2.5%
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)"
- Universities:
- 831
- Published:
- 27 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-THE World Reputation Rankings:
Research Reputation 66,6%Teaching Reputation 33,3%
- Universities:
- 750
- Published:
- 25 January, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking-THE World’s Most International Universities:
Proportion of international students 25%Proportion of international staff 25%Proportion of journal publications with one or more international co-authors 25%University’s international reputation 25%
- Universities:
- 3144
- Published:
- 11 May, 2022
The Princeton Review
- Universities:
- 50
- Published:
- 26 April, 2022
Us News
- Universities:
- 3255
- Published:
- 17 September, 2023
Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 1593
- Published:
- 14 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking-Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:
Outcomes 40% (employability)Resources 30%Engagement 20% (teaching)Environment 10% (diversity)
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 1222
- Published:
- 28 August, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking-Washington Monthly - National Universities:
Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 60012
- Published:
- 31 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking-Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
Visibility 50%Excellence 35%Transparency 10%Presence 5%
