Rich in higher education resources.
The Northeast Ohio Region’s innovative thinking starts with its 25+ higher education institutions and 40,000 annual graduates.
Explore Our Region
Northeast Ohio’s nationally recognized universities offer opportunities for talent and businesses alike.
The Northeast Ohio Region has more than 25 higher education institutions, offering ample opportunities to meet the needs of Northeast Ohio businesses. And when you widen the view of the potential talent pipeline, the state of Ohio offers 88 higher education institutions: 14 public universities, many with regional campuses, plus 23 community colleges and 51 private colleges and universities.
Award-Winning Higher Education
Northeast Ohio colleges and universities are competitive in the Midwest and nationally. Top distinctions include:
Nationally Ranked
LCCC #1 In Student Success
Lorain County Community College (LCCC) – #1 in student success.
Top 5 Community College
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) – #5 in best community colleges, U.S.
Ranked #42 University Nationally
Case Western Reserve University – #42 in national universities.
#36 U.S. Liberal Arts Colleges
Oberlin College – #36 in national liberal arts colleges.
Regional Rankings
#2 University in the Midwest
John Carroll University – #2 in regional universities Midwest.
#1 Community College in the Northeast
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) – #1 in best community colleges, Northeast.
#10 University in the Midwest
Baldwin-Wallace University – #10 in regional universities Midwest.
#10 Regional College in the Midwest
Mount Union College – #10 in regional colleges Midwest.
Colleges and universities only tell part of our educational success story.
Thirteen Northeast Ohio high schools were among the top 1,000 schools in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best High Schools (U.S.) rankings.
Higher Education Spotlight: Baldwin-Wallace University
Baldwin Wallace University (BW) is a comprehensive, accredited, independent university thriving on a foundation of innovation, inclusion and academic excellence since 1845. A teaching faculty leads 80 undergraduate majors, as well as master’s programs in business, education, and health sciences, plus stackable graduate certificates. Customized workforce development partnerships are skillfully facilitated by the BW Office for Corporate and Organizational Engagement. Applied learning is a hallmark of BW’s transformational student experience including original research, service learning and real-world business projects.
Higher Education Spotlight: Ashland University
Ashland University is a proven partner in workforce training and development, recognized statewide for leadership in providing high quality learning opportunities. Ashland offers online, in-person and customized programs that apply to many industries and roles, such as 5G wireless technology, healthcare, education, communication and leadership. By removing barriers to continuing education Ashland provides engaging learning experiences to enhance the growth and diversity of your current and future employees.
Higher Education Spotlight:
Hiram College
Hiram College provides students of all backgrounds with an attainable private education that teaches the 21st-century skills needed to thrive professionally and personally in the face of constant change. The College equips all students with the tools necessary to embrace active learning inside of the classroom and outside of the classroom with internship, study away, research, and other experiential opportunities that make them highly marketable candidates for their future careers. Hiram enrolls over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students on its Northeast Ohio campus and online.
Higher Education Spotlight:
Kent State University
Kent State University is the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio on the Top Public Schools and Best National Universities lists by U.S. News & World Report. One of only five institutions in Ohio recognized as an elite research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Kent State is also a national leader in award-winning student support services to graduate students. The student body comprises about 35,000 students, including 1,370 international students from nearly 100 countries. And, with eight campuses spanning Northeast Ohio, a College of Podiatric Medicine, a Twinsburg Academic Center and academic sites in major world cities, such as New York City, Geneva and Florence, it is a major educational, economic and cultural resource far beyond the Northeast Ohio region it has served since 1910.
Higher Education Spotlight:
Lakeland Community College
Lakeland Community College prepares local students for high-demand careers or successful transfer to four-year universities. Lakeland offers 140 associate degree and certificate programs, workforce training, and advanced degrees through its Holden University Center. More than 90% of Lakeland graduates live or work in our community. Lakeland was named No. 2 in the nation and No. 1 in Ohio for students reaching educational goals by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Higher Education Spotlight:
Stark State College
Stark State is the fourth largest of the 23 public two-year colleges serving Ohio students. Named among Newsweek’s top colleges and universities for online learning, Stark State offers over 230 associate degrees and certificates via in-person, online and hybrid learning.
Stark State accelerates the economic growth of the region by providing educational and training services to employers and residents. The College’s community and business partnerships fuel economic development, creating new industries and jobs. These employer-led collaborations focus tuition reimbursement dollars on employers’ in-demand fields; boost employee morale; recruit and retain employees; and help employees achieve higher levels of success.
Higher Education Spotlight:
The University of Akron
Founded in 1870, The University of Akron (UA) is one of Ohio’s most influential public urban research universities, conducting high-quality research in focused areas of excellence, contributing to the vitality of the local economy, and providing a workforce highly trained in diverse disciplines. The University offers more than 250 degree programs, including highly ranked undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs — with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. UA is focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, investment in community and economic growth.
Higher Education Spotlight:
Lorain County Community College
For nearly 60 years, Lorain County Community College (LCCC) has provided accessible and affordable training and education designed to prepare the community for in-demand careers. The first community college in Ohio to offer its own applied bachelor’s degree (Microelectronic Manufacturing), LCCC remains committed to designing educational programs with industry partners at the table – creating relevant pathways to successful jobs. The College offers more than 100 associate degrees and certificates as well as 100+ bachelor and master’s degrees through its University Partnership – a unique model that saves students an average of $74,000 in tuition.