About

About Ohio Northern University

private liberal artssmall town ohioengineering and health focussmall class sizesprofessional programs emphasis

Ohio Northern University is a private liberal arts college in Ada, OH, known for its private liberal arts, small town ohio, and engineering and health focus. With an acceptance rate of 54%, ONU is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 666 students each year. ONU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1160–1340, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. ONU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $25,199 per year; the sticker price of $52,077 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Ohio Northern University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

54%
Overall Accept Rate
1250
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1160 – 1340 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Ohio Northern University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Ohio Northern has strong professional programs in pharmacy, engineering, and law, so when you write about your intended major, connect it directly to one of these specific programs and explain why ONU's structure fits your career path better than a large university would.
Essay Strategy
Ada is a small rural town and ONU is a tight-knit campus, so be direct in your application about why you are drawn to a close community where professors know your name, and give a concrete example of how you thrive in smaller, more collaborative settings.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Ohio Northern University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$52k/yr$18.5k
30k-48k~$52k/yr$19.2k
48k-75k~$52k/yr$22.3k
75k-110k~$52k/yr$25.6k
110k+~$52k/yr$27.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

74%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$63k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,279
Undergrad Enrollment
Ohio Northern University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch