The University System of Ohio is one of the largest networks of higher education institutions in the country with more than half a million students. The system includes 14 universities and 23 regional campuses as well as 23 community and technical colleges. The largest and most well known universities include Ohio State University, the University of Akron, University of Cincinnati, Kent State University and Ohio University. The universities are represented in every area of the state and between the 14 universities there are regional campuses in Zanesville, Newark, Marion, Salem, Clermont, Lancaster and many other cities.
The Five Colleges of Ohio is a consortium of five small liberal arts colleges that have joint academic programs, share resources and collaborate in improvement projects. The College of Wooster, Denison University, Kenyon College, Oberlin College and Ohio Wesleyan University make up the consortium. All of the colleges are highly competitive and selective and are consistently listed among top liberal arts school rankings. The small size of the colleges, which enroll no more than 3,000 students, provide small class size and personal attention. All of the colleges have a wide range of liberal arts majors, study abroad programs and independent or alternative studies programs.
Case Western University and Marietta College are two of many private higher education institutions in Ohio. Case Western Reserve University offers more than 35 undergraduate degree programs and 65 graduate degree programs to almost 10,000 students. The university extends its extensive research tradition to undergraduates and encourages and supports undergraduate research.
Marietta College is a small liberal arts college with 40 undergraduate degree programs and less than 2,000 students. The college focuses on transferring a strong liberal arts education to the work world by providing research opportunities, internships and senior projects that help student transition to life after college.
University of Dayton and Xavier University are among the many religiously affiliated colleges in Ohio. University of Dayton, a Catholic institution founded in 1850, is the largest private institution in Ohio with more than 10,000 students. The university offers in excess of 120 graduate and undergraduate degree programs and aims to educate in the spirit of faith, peace, justice and service.
Xavier University is a school founded in 1831 on the Catholic Jesuit traditions. The university offers 63 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to 8,000 students. Xavier is also well known for the consistent success of its athletic teams in women's and men's basketball.