Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Ohio 2025
Ohio State University
Comprehensive IT program with strong industry partnerships and exceptional career placement rates in Columbus tech sector
University of Cincinnati
Co-op program provides real-world experience with leading employers like Procter & Gamble and GE Aviation
Case Western Reserve University
Research-intensive IT program with strong connections to Cleveland's healthcare technology sector
- 1.Ohio has 35+ accredited information technology bachelor's programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Ohio State University leads state rankings with 84% graduation rate and comprehensive IT curriculum covering cybersecurity, networking, and systems administration
- 3.University of Cincinnati's co-op program provides students with paid work experience at major employers like P&G, GE, and Kroger
- 4.Ohio IT professionals earn median $85,420 annually—competitive with national average and supported by lower cost of living (BLS Ohio 2024)
- 5.Major employers include Nationwide Insurance, American Electric Power, Progressive, Cardinal Health, and growing fintech sector in Columbus
Information Technology Education in Ohio
Ohio offers a strong selection of information technology programs across its public university systems and private institutions. The state's IT education landscape is supported by major employers in insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, and emerging fintech sectors, particularly in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national IT bachelor's rankings. Students focused on affordability should review our most affordable IT programs guide. Career-focused students can explore salary data in our comprehensive IT career guides.
Ohio's IT programs particularly excel in practical, industry-focused education. Universities like Cincinnati emphasize cooperative education, while others like Ohio State provide comprehensive curricula covering cybersecurity, data science, and traditional IT systems management. This practical approach aligns well with employer needs in Ohio's diverse economy.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Ohio May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility
Ohio-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
Ohio Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio State University | Columbus | Public | $12,485 | 84% | 19:1 | 92.8 |
| 2 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Public | $11,936 | 73% | 17:1 | 89.2 |
| 3 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | Private | $64,102 | 82% | 11:1 | 87.5 |
| 4 | Wright State University | Dayton | Public | $9,596 | 56% | 22:1 | 84.1 |
| 5 | Kent State University | Kent | Public | $11,766 | 66% | 21:1 | 82.7 |
| 6 | Ohio University | Athens | Public | $13,352 | 65% | 17:1 | 81.3 |
| 7 | University of Akron | Akron | Public | $11,465 | 54% | 19:1 | 79.8 |
| 8 | Miami University | Oxford | Public | $17,073 | 81% | 17:1 | 78.9 |
| 9 | Youngstown State University | Youngstown | Public | $9,095 | 42% | 15:1 | 77.5 |
| 10 | University of Toledo | Toledo | Public | $10,524 | 58% | 20:1 | 76.2 |
| 11 | Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green | Public | $11,802 | 63% | 18:1 | 75.8 |
| 12 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland | Public | $11,560 | 48% | 16:1 | 74.9 |
| 13 | Cedarville University | Cedarville | Private | $35,454 | 75% | 13:1 | 74.1 |
| 14 | John Carroll University | University Heights | Private | $47,940 | 78% | 13:1 | 73.6 |
| 15 | Xavier University | Cincinnati | Private | $45,780 | 80% | 11:1 | 72.8 |
| 16 | University of Dayton | Dayton | Private | $47,970 | 81% | 14:1 | 72.2 |
| 17 | Oberlin College | Oberlin | Private | $61,724 | 87% | 9:1 | 71.5 |
| 18 | Denison University | Granville | Private | $58,680 | 83% | 10:1 | 70.9 |
| 19 | Otterbein University | Westerville | Private | $35,044 | 64% | 11:1 | 70.3 |
| 20 | Muskingum University | New Concord | Private | $31,084 | 59% | 14:1 | 69.7 |
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 84% graduation rate - highest among Ohio public universities
- • 19:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- • $12,485 annual in-state tuition - exceptional value for education quality
- • Located in Columbus, Ohio's largest tech hub with abundant internship opportunities
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive IT curriculum with specializations in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics
- Strong industry partnerships with Nationwide Insurance, JPMorgan Chase, and local tech companies
- State-of-the-art facilities including dedicated networking and security labs
- Active student organizations and professional development opportunities
- Excellent career placement rates with average starting salaries above $70,000
Why Ranked #1
Ohio State's School of Computing leads Ohio in IT education with comprehensive curriculum covering network security, database administration, systems analysis, and emerging technologies. The program benefits from Columbus's growing tech sector and strong industry partnerships.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 73% graduation rate with 95% job placement within 6 months
- • 17:1 student-faculty ratio supporting collaborative learning
- • $11,936 annual in-state tuition offering outstanding value
- • Co-op earnings often cover significant portion of education costs
Program Strengths
- Mandatory co-op program providing 1.5 years of paid work experience
- Strong partnerships with P&G, GE Aviation, Kroger, and Fifth Third Bank
- Curriculum emphasizing practical skills in systems administration and network management
- Excellent job placement rates with many students receiving offers from co-op employers
- Active research in healthcare informatics and smart manufacturing
Why Ranked #2
UC's Information Technology program stands out for its mandatory co-operative education component, providing students with extensive real-world experience. Students alternate between classroom learning and paid professional work experiences with major employers.
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 82% graduation rate with strong alumni network
- • 11:1 student-faculty ratio providing exceptional mentorship
- • Located in University Circle, a major research and cultural hub
- • High starting salaries averaging $75,000+ in Cleveland market
Program Strengths
- Research-intensive program with opportunities in healthcare informatics
- Strong connections to Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and NASA Glenn
- Small class sizes enabling close faculty mentorship
- Interdisciplinary approach combining IT with engineering and medicine
- Excellent graduate school preparation and industry placement
Why Ranked #3
Case Western's IT program combines rigorous technical education with research opportunities, particularly in healthcare technology and biomedical informatics. The program benefits from Cleveland's concentration of healthcare and research institutions.
Ohio University Systems and IT Education
Ohio's public higher education system provides multiple pathways for IT education across different institutional types and specializations.
The Ohio State University system, anchored by the flagship Columbus campus, offers the most comprehensive IT programs in the state. Regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark provide additional access points for students seeking quality IT education closer to home.
Ohio's state universities each bring unique strengths to IT education. Wright State University in Dayton excels in aerospace-related IT applications, benefiting from proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Kent State University offers strong programs in user experience and digital media technology. The University of Akron focuses on polymer and materials informatics, reflecting the region's industrial heritage.
Private institutions like Case Western Reserve University provide research-intensive programs, while smaller colleges like Cedarville University offer personalized education with strong Christian values integration. These diverse options ensure Ohio students can find IT programs matching their academic goals, career aspirations, and personal preferences.
Career Paths
IT Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer networks and systems for Ohio's major corporations and healthcare systems
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design and support computer networks for manufacturing, insurance, and financial services companies
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Manage database systems for healthcare organizations, retailers, and government agencies
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect information systems for financial services, healthcare, and critical infrastructure
Help Desk Technician
SOC 15-1232Provide technical support for employees across Ohio's diverse business landscape
IT Project Manager
SOC 15-1299Lead technology implementation projects for major employers like Nationwide and Progressive
Source: Including Nationwide Insurance, Progressive, Cardinal Health, American Electric Power, and Kroger headquarters
Information Technology Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Ohio IT Program Cost Comparison
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $11,500 | $26,800 | $42,500 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $46,000 | $107,200 | $170,000 |
| Average Financial Aid | $8,200 | $12,400 | $18,600 |
| Net Cost After Aid | $38,800 | $94,800 | $151,400 |
| Typical Class Size | 25-30 students | 25-30 students | 15-20 students |
| Faculty Research | Moderate | Moderate | High |
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable, high-quality public education at universities like Ohio State and Cincinnati
- Strong industry connections with major employers like Nationwide, Progressive, and P&G
- Practical, career-focused education with co-op and internship opportunities
- Lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs while maintaining good salaries
- Diverse economy offering IT opportunities across multiple sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, and finance
- Higher starting salaries in major tech hubs like San Francisco or Seattle
- More venture capital and startup ecosystem exposure
- Warmer climate year-round
- Larger concentration of pure tech companies rather than traditional industries
- More prestigious computer science research programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio IT Programs
Next Steps: Applying to Ohio IT Programs
Research and Compare Programs
Use our rankings table to compare graduation rates, tuition costs, and program specializations. Visit university websites and attend virtual information sessions to learn about specific curricula and career services.
Check Application Requirements
Most Ohio IT programs require high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and personal essays. Some competitive programs may require specific math and science prerequisites. International students need TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA by March 1 for priority consideration for federal and state aid. Research Ohio-specific scholarships like Choose Ohio First and university merit scholarships. Apply early for the best financial aid packages.
Plan Campus Visits
Schedule visits to top-choice universities to tour IT facilities, meet faculty, and attend classes. Many universities offer special preview days for prospective STEM students with hands-on demonstrations and student panels.
Prepare for Success
Consider taking dual enrollment computer science courses, learning basic programming languages like Python or Java, and exploring [IT certifications](/skills/certifications/) to strengthen your application and prepare for college-level coursework.
Related Information Technology Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional data for 2023
May 2024 state-specific employment and wage estimates for IT occupations
Federal data on program costs, completion rates, and post-graduation earnings
Official tuition and fee schedules from individual institutions for 2024-2025 academic year
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.