What Are The Best Universities In Columbus Ohio?

The Ohio State University is the major research university in Columbus and the one most people mean when they ask this. Other universities inside the city limits include Ohio Dominican University and Franklin University. For art and design degrees, Columbus College of Art & Design is a respected in-town option, though it is a college rather than a university.

Ohio State’s main campus anchors the city’s higher-education scene with a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Ohio Dominican offers a smaller private-campus experience on the near east side, and Franklin’s main campus is in downtown Columbus with programs designed for working adults.

If you are looking just outside Columbus, nearby Capital University in Bexley and Otterbein University in Westerville are popular choices that many locals also consider when comparing options.

Pick based on your program needs, campus size, and commute; each school’s official site posts current details on majors, admissions, and visit options.

Published: September 3, 2026