Kenyon College ranks near the top of most lists of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States. Founded in 1824, students give the campus high marks for its Gothic architecture and its rural hilltop setting in the small town of Gambier. Often described as isolated, Kenyon is 45 miles from Columbus. A student population of around 1,600 helps create a friendly and intimate atmosphere on campus. Known as a hub of literary scholarship, the college publishes the Kenyon Review, one of the country's most prestigious literary journals. Kenyon is the oldest private college in the state and one of the most expensive.
Granville, a small town of less than 5,000 residents, is home to Denison College, a liberal arts school with approximately 2,200 students. Located about 35 miles from Columbus, many students say they choose Denison because of its quiet and safe small-town atmosphere. The college confers bachelor's degrees in 36 disciplines, but English, biology and communications have traditionally been the top picks among students. The college supports a roster of 150 clubs and organizations that cover sports, academic interests and community service. Denison is known for its commitment to diversity and tolerance despite its small number of minorities among students and faculty.
The United Methodist Church established Ohio Wesleyan University in 1842 in the small city of Delaware, roughly 20 miles north of Columbus. Nicknamed OWU, pronounced oh-woo, the college maintains its affiliation with the church, and the administration encourages community service as part of a liberal arts education. The college's music department has earned a reputation for excellence and OWU awards a bachelor of music degree in addition to Bachelor of Arts degrees overseen by 22 academic departments. Although the college describes Delaware as a dynamic community, students report a constant current of town-and-gown friction, and many make the 30-minute trip to Columbus on the weekends.
More than 30,000 students attend Columbus State Community College at the school's Delaware and Columbus campuses. The college has also established other satellite campuses beyond central Ohio. CSCC students earn certificates in a variety of professional fields, or associate of arts and associate of science degrees in most major disciplines. Many students parlay their associate degrees into bachelor's degrees at other four-year schools. CSCC's Columbus campus is three miles from The Ohio State University, one of the largest campuses in the country. Columbus accommodates the large population of students with its diverse collection of cultural organizations and its active nightlife.