What Universities Are in Columbus, Ohio?

Within Columbus city limits, the universities are The Ohio State University, Franklin University, and Ohio Dominican University.

These three are based in the city itself. Ohio State is the public research university anchored in the University District. Franklin is a private, nonprofit university with its main campus downtown. Ohio Dominican is a private Catholic university on the east side near the airport.

If you’re thinking of the wider metro, nearby suburbs host additional universities. Capital University is based in Bexley (its law school operates downtown), and Otterbein University is in Westerville. Those are separate cities next to Columbus, which is why they don’t appear in the in‑Columbus list above.

For programs, degrees, and application timelines, check each university’s official site for current details.

Published: September 9, 2026 · Reviewed by the Whats Up Columbus editorial team