Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Ohio 2025
Case Western Reserve University
Premier private CS program with exceptional research opportunities, 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and strong connections to Cleveland's growing tech sector
Ohio State University
Largest CS program in Ohio with excellent value at in-state tuition. Strong industry partnerships and diverse specialization tracks
University of Cincinnati
Renowned co-op program providing 18+ months of paid work experience. Strong connections to Cincinnati's Fortune 500 companies
- 1.Ohio has 35+ accredited computer science bachelor's programs across public universities, private colleges, and technical institutes (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Case Western Reserve University ranks #1 in Ohio with 89% graduation rate and exceptional research opportunities in Cleveland
- 3.Ohio State University offers top-tier CS education at $12,485 in-state tuition with the state's largest program enrollment
- 4.Ohio software developers earn median $98,450 annually, 85% of the national median with significantly lower cost of living (BLS Ohio 2024)
- 5.Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati provide 45,000+ software developer positions with major employers including Progressive, Nationwide, and P&G
Computer Science Education Landscape in Ohio
Ohio offers a diverse array of computer science programs across its public university systems and private institutions. From the research excellence of Case Western Reserve to the practical focus of Ohio State's massive program, students can find pathways suited to their career goals and financial situation.
The state's three major metropolitan areas - Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati - each host thriving tech ecosystems anchored by Fortune 500 companies. This creates abundant internship and career opportunities for CS graduates. For national context, see our best computer science bachelor's programs nationwide or explore careers for software engineers to understand salary expectations.
Students considering Ohio should also explore related programs like data science degrees in Ohio or cybersecurity programs for specialized career tracks. Those interested in skills-focused alternatives can review software engineering bootcamps for accelerated pathways.
Based on 22 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Ohio May 2024, Ohio Department of Higher Education
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and faculty accessibility
Ohio-specific salary data from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rates indicating academic rigor
Ohio Computer Science Bachelor's Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | Private | $62,310 | 89% | 11:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Ohio State University | Columbus | Public | $12,485 | 84% | 19:1 | 91.8 |
| 3 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Public | $12,596 | 71% | 17:1 | 89.5 |
| 4 | Miami University | Oxford | Public | $16,678 | 82% | 17:1 | 87.9 |
| 5 | Oberlin College | Oberlin | Private | $61,738 | 87% | 9:1 | 85.1 |
| 6 | Denison University | Granville | Private | $58,720 | 85% | 10:1 | 84.3 |
| 7 | Ohio University | Athens | Public | $13,352 | 65% | 17:1 | 82.7 |
| 8 | University of Dayton | Dayton | Private | $47,400 | 82% | 14:1 | 81.9 |
| 9 | Kent State University | Kent | Public | $11,766 | 64% | 20:1 | 80.5 |
| 10 | Wright State University | Dayton | Public | $10,098 | 48% | 18:1 | 78.2 |
| 11 | Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green | Public | $12,292 | 62% | 18:1 | 77.8 |
| 12 | Xavier University | Cincinnati | Private | $45,990 | 77% | 11:1 | 77.1 |
| 13 | John Carroll University | University Heights | Private | $46,680 | 76% | 13:1 | 76.4 |
| 14 | Youngstown State University | Youngstown | Public | $10,094 | 44% | 15:1 | 75.2 |
| 15 | University of Toledo | Toledo | Public | $10,574 | 54% | 20:1 | 74.8 |
| 16 | Akron University | Akron | Public | $11,801 | 52% | 19:1 | 73.9 |
| 17 | Ohio Northern University | Ada | Private | $36,520 | 69% | 12:1 | 73.5 |
| 18 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland | Public | $11,432 | 48% | 17:1 | 72.1 |
| 19 | Cedarville University | Cedarville | Private | $35,410 | 74% | 13:1 | 71.8 |
| 20 | Wittenberg University | Springfield | Private | $42,986 | 67% | 12:1 | 70.9 |
| 21 | Baldwin Wallace University | Berea | Private | $35,530 | 68% | 13:1 | 70.2 |
| 22 | Muskingum University | New Concord | Private | $31,440 | 61% | 14:1 | 68.7 |
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • Home to the Institute for Smart, Secure and Connected Systems
- • Partnership with Cleveland Clinic for health informatics research
- • Strong alumni network in Silicon Valley and major tech companies
Program Strengths
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio enabling personalized attention and research mentorship
- Strong co-op and internship programs with Cleveland Clinic, Progressive, and KeyBank
- Research opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and biomedical informatics
- 89% graduation rate - highest among Ohio CS programs
- Average starting salary of $85,000+ for graduates
Why Ranked #1
Case Western Reserve leads Ohio CS programs through exceptional research opportunities, small class sizes, and strong industry connections in Cleveland's growing tech ecosystem.
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • Columbus tech scene includes major Amazon fulfillment technology center
- • Active student organizations including competitive programming teams
- • Study abroad opportunities in computer science programs globally
Program Strengths
- Over 3,000 CS students with diverse specialization tracks
- Strong industry partnerships with Amazon, Google, and Intel in Columbus
- Competitive in-state tuition at $12,485 annually
- Robust research programs in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity
- 84% graduation rate with strong job placement record
Why Ranked #2
OSU offers the largest and most comprehensive CS program in Ohio, combining research university resources with exceptional value at public tuition rates.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • Co-op program dates back to 1906 - one of the oldest in the nation
- • Average co-op salary of $18-22 per hour
- • 95%+ job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
Program Strengths
- Mandatory co-op program with guaranteed paid work experience
- Strong connections to P&G, GE Aviation, and Cincinnati's Fortune 500 companies
- Competitive public tuition with excellent return on investment
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio supporting personalized education
- 71% graduation rate with very high employment rate
Why Ranked #3
UC's renowned co-operative education program provides students with 18+ months of paid professional experience, creating exceptional career readiness.
Ohio Public University Systems and Private Colleges
Ohio's public higher education system includes 14 four-year universities, each offering computer science programs with varying strengths and specializations. The University System of Ohio coordinates these institutions while maintaining their individual character and focus areas.
- Ohio State University (Columbus) - Flagship research university with the state's largest CS program and comprehensive graduate offerings
- University of Cincinnati - Known for innovative co-operative education integrating classroom learning with professional experience
- Miami University (Oxford) - Public ivy with strong liberal arts integration and excellent undergraduate teaching focus
- Ohio University (Athens) - Comprehensive program with strengths in game development and interactive media
- Kent State University - Growing program with emphasis on user experience and human-computer interaction
Ohio's private institutions often provide smaller class sizes and specialized focus areas. Case Western Reserve University leads private offerings with world-class research, while schools like Oberlin and Denison integrate computer science with broader liberal arts education. Students can explore artificial intelligence programs in Ohio or software engineering degrees in Ohio for specialized tracks.
Career Paths
Build applications and systems for Ohio's diverse industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services
Analyze complex datasets for companies like Progressive Insurance and Nationwide to drive business decisions
Protect digital assets for healthcare systems, banks, and government agencies throughout Ohio
Develop intelligent systems for automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing applications
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $45,200 | $10,950 |
| Average Class Size | 18-25 students | 12-16 students | 20 students |
| Research Opportunities | High (OSU, UC) | Very High (CWRU) | Medium |
| Industry Connections | Strong Regional | National Network | Varies |
| Starting Salary Range | $65K-85K | $75K-95K | $70K-90K |
| Financial Aid Availability | Good | Excellent | Good |
Which Should You Choose?
- Excellent value with strong public university options under $13K annually
- Access to diverse industry internships through co-op programs
- Lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
- Strong regional job market with Fortune 500 company presence
- Opportunity to be part of growing Midwest tech ecosystem
- Proximity to Silicon Valley or major coastal tech hubs
- Highest possible starting salaries ($120K+ typical)
- Venture capital and startup ecosystem immersion
- International tech company headquarters access
- Cutting-edge research at top-10 national programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio CS Programs
Related Ohio Technology Education Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional data for 2023
Ohio software developer salary and employment data for May 2024
State-specific higher education statistics and transfer data
University research expenditure data for STEM programs
Graduate employment outcomes and salary data from institutional reports
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.