2027 Best Value General Studies Schools in Ohio
[General Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/general-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 42 schools to find the best return on investment for general studies students.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value General Studies Schools in Ohio
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value General Studies Schools
Our analysis ranked Cincinnati State Technical And Community College the best value for a degree in general studies in Ohio. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a large public school located in the city of Cincinnati. In-state tuition and fees average $5,517, compared with $10,044 for out-of-state students. General Studies graduates carry a median of $15,338 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Cincinnati State Technical And Community College generally make around $47,975. That is a strong return on a $15,338 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Lorain County Community College one of the best values for general studies. Located in the suburb of Elyria, Lorain County Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,265, with out-of-state students paying around $8,860. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $12,060. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Lorain County Community College generally make around $26,257. That is a strong return on a $12,060 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Central State College earned it the #3 place for general studies. North Central State College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Mansfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,786, compared with $11,374 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $12,236. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from North Central State College generally make around $47,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Sinclair Community College one of the best values for general studies. Located in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Sinclair Community College generally make around $28,086. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt.
A rank of #5 makes Marion Technical College one of the best values for general studies. Marion Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Marion. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,595, while out-of-state students pay about $11,225. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $12,812. General Studies graduates of Marion Technical College earn a median of $51,927 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Stark State College placed #6 among the best values for general studies. Set in the suburb of North Canton, Stark State College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,790 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. General Studies graduates carry a median of $14,200 in student loans. General Studies graduates of Stark State College earn a median of $34,458 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ohio University Lancaster Campus earned the #7 position for value in general studies this year. Set in the rural area of Lancaster, Ohio University Lancaster Campus is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,362, while out-of-state students pay about $9,444. Students borrow a median of $24,614 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $43,312. Set against $24,614 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Ohio University Zanesville Campus earned the #8 position for value in general studies this year. Set in the town of Zanesville, Ohio University Zanesville Campus is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,362, compared with $9,444 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,614 to complete the general studies program here. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Ohio University Zanesville Campus generally make around $44,243. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ohio University Chillicothe Campus landed the #9 spot for general studies value this year. Located in the town of Chillicothe, Ohio University Chillicothe Campus is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,362, while out-of-state students pay about $9,444. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $24,614. General Studies graduates of Ohio University Chillicothe Campus earn a median of $43,704 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,614 median debt.
Owens Community College ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value general studies schools. Set in the suburb of Perrysburg, Owens Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,870, compared with $10,502 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $21,024. Early-career general studies graduates make about $33,847. That is a strong return on a $21,024 median debt.
Washington State Community College came in at #11 for value in general studies this year. Washington State Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Marietta. In-state tuition and fees average $4,128, compared with $4,152 for out-of-state students. General Studies graduates carry a median of $16,291 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $45,305. That is a strong return on a $16,291 median debt.
Kent State University At Stark landed the #12 spot for general studies value this year. Set in the suburb of North Canton, Kent State University At Stark is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,211 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,969 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,232 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $38,087. That is a strong return on a $26,232 median debt.
Belmont College came in at #13 for value in general studies this year. Set in the rural area of St Clairsville, Belmont College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,698 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,200. General Studies graduates carry a median of $20,524 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $58,414. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Gods Bible School And College placed #14 among the best values for general studies. Located in the city of Cincinnati, Gods Bible School And College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,710. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,722. Gods Bible School And College admits about 75% of applicants.
Ohio State University Marion Campus landed the #15 spot for general studies value this year. Ohio State University Marion Campus is a small public school located in the town of Marion. In-state tuition and fees average $9,488, with out-of-state students paying around $36,266. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $14,000. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Ohio State University Marion Campus generally make around $31,870. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Miami University Middletown ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best value general studies schools. Set in the suburb of Middletown, Miami University Middletown is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $24,250. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Miami University Middletown generally make around $37,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kent State University At Trumbull landed the #17 spot for general studies value this year. Set in the rural area of Warren, Kent State University At Trumbull is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,211, with out-of-state students paying around $17,969. General Studies graduates carry a median of $26,232 in student loans. General Studies graduates of Kent State University At Trumbull earn a median of $38,087 early in their careers. Set against $26,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Miami University Hamilton came in at #18 for value in general studies this year. Miami University Hamilton is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Hamilton. In-state tuition and fees average $7,012, while out-of-state students pay about $18,811. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $24,250. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Miami University Hamilton generally make around $37,494. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt.
Kent State University At Geauga placed #19 among the best values for general studies. Kent State University At Geauga is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Burton. Students from in state pay about $8,211 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,969 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,232 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $38,087. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kent State University At Tuscarawas placed #20 among the best values for general studies. Kent State University At Tuscarawas is a mid-sized public school located in the town of New Philadelphia. Students from in state pay about $8,211 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,969. Students borrow a median of $26,232 to complete the general studies program here. Early-career general studies graduates make about $38,087. That is a strong return on a $26,232 median debt.
Kent State University At Ashtabula ranked #21 on our 2027 list of the best value general studies schools. Kent State University At Ashtabula is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Ashtabula. Students from in state pay about $8,211 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,969 for out-of-state students. General Studies graduates carry a median of $26,232 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $38,087. That is a strong return on a $26,232 median debt.
Ohio State University Lima Campus came in at #22 for value in general studies this year. Ohio State University Lima Campus is a small public school located in the rural area of Lima. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,488, while out-of-state students pay about $36,266. General Studies graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Early-career general studies graduates make about $31,870. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt.
Youngstown State University placed #23 among the best values for general studies. Located in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. General Studies graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general studies degree recipients from Youngstown State University generally make around $31,492. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #24 spot for general studies value this year. University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public school located in the city of Akron. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $27,078. General Studies graduates of University Of Akron Main Campus earn a median of $28,376 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.
Hocking College ranked #25 on our 2027 list of the best value general studies schools. Set in the rural area of Nelsonville, Hocking College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,646, while out-of-state students pay about $10,290. Typical student debt for general studies graduates is $16,293. Early-career general studies graduates make about $37,713. That is a strong return on a $16,293 median debt.
Rest of the Top 42 Best Value General Studies Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for general studies this year:
More General Studies Rankings
View All General Studies Rankings >
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 42 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 42 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
