Niche ranks UC among best colleges in Ohio
UC stands out for academics and environment
The University of Cincinnati stands out as one of Ohio’s top-ranked institutions in Niche’s 2026 Best Colleges list, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch.
Photo: UC Marketing + Brand.
According to The Dispatch's 2025 announcement, Niche ranked Ohio's colleges and universities based on an analysis of their academics, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education. UC is ranked in the top 5 for colleges in Ohio.
The Niche report found: With more than 41,000 undergraduates, UC is one of the largest universities in the state. A strong acceptance rate of approximately 88% makes it broadly accessible, while maintaining academic excellence across a variety of programs. UC is especially known for popular majors such as marketing, nursing and finance, producing hundreds of graduates each year who are prepared to excel in their fields. Coupled with a competitive net price of $21,511 per year, UC delivers significant value by combining affordability with nationally recognized academic and student opportunities.
[UC is] a blend of career-focused academics, a lively campus culture, and the perks of a vibrant city.
Niche reviewer
Among those opportunities is UC’s top-ranked co-op program (U.S. News Best Colleges 2025): In the 2023-24 academic year, more than 8,300 students earned an estimated $88.8 million collectively through paid co-op experiences, according to self-reported data. That averages nearly $10,700 per student per semester.
As in prior Niche reports, UC’s main campus location in Cincinnati places students in the heart of a thriving metropolitan hub known for its career opportunities and cultural vitality. The city is home to eight Fortune 500 companies, a nationally recognized health care sector and the Cincinnati Innovation District, which connects students directly with research, startups and global employers. Beyond career access, Cincinnati offers an affordable cost of living, professional sports teams, world-class arts organizations like the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Ballet, and a nationally celebrated food scene. Together, the university and the city provide a perfect combination: a large-scale research institution set within a community that’s both lively and welcoming.
“If I were summing up the University of Cincinnati experience for someone curious, I’d say it’s a blend of career-focused academics, a lively campus culture, and the perks of a vibrant city,” said one Niche reviewer.
Read The Dispatch article. (The Columbus Dispatch is a subscription publicaiton. For a pdf of the article contact angela.koenig@uc.edu).
Featured photo: UC Marketing + Brand.
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