Ohio Northern University

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Key facts

  • Type
    Private
  • International students
    80
  • Nationalities
    21
  • Total programs
    80

Study abroad at Ohio Northern University

Ohio Northern University (ONU) is a friendly and forward-thinking institution based in Ada, Ohio. Since its founding in 1871, ONU has nurtured creative, passionate, and ambitious graduates.

ONU’s five colleges combine to offer over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. Pharmacy, mechanical engineering, biology, and nursing and just some of the most in-demand majors.

ONU’s 342-acre campus features impressive teaching and research facilities, 19 residence halls, and several sports venues.

The University’s campus is full of leisure and volunteering opportunities too. With more than 200 clubs in everything from gaming to gospel choirs, you’ll never be short of things to do. The ONU Polar Bears battle it out in NCAA Division III. They compete in sports including baseball, basketball, tennis, and soccer.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at Ohio Northern University

  • Tailored learning experience

    An 11:1 student-staff ratio and average class size of 19 ensures you receive personalized teaching and support

  • Generous financial aid

    99.6% of ONU students receive financial support, with an average grant of $18,000

  • Student satisfaction

    90% of freshmen rated their ONU experience as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’

  • Graduate prospects

    ONU boasts a 96% job placement rate

  • Recognized for excellence

    Ranked as one of the nation’s top schools (The Princeton Review, 2021)

Location

Ohio Northern University

525 S Main St, Ada, OH 45810, United States

Ada offers students a close-knit community, beautiful scenery, and all the amenities they'll need. For those that want to travel, the four ‘big Cs’ of Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Chicago are all within easy reach.

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Fees and funding

Fee information

  • College of Arts & Sciences tuition

    US$38,250 per year

  • College of Business Administration tuition

    US$38,250 per year

  • College of Engineering tuition

    US$43,650 per year

  • College of Pharmacy tuition

    US$44,750 per year

Funding

International Scholarships

  • Amount

    Awards range from US$12,000 to US$18,000 per academic year

  • Requirements

    All degree-seeking students will be evaluated for merit-based scholarship upon admission to ONU. Several scholarships and monetary awards are available to international students who have been accepted to the University and meet award criteria.

Talent Award: Majors in Art, Music, Theatre, and English

  • Amount

    Up to US$4,000 per year with an audition/portfolio review

  • Requirements

    Talent awards are available for students that choose to major in Studio Arts, Graphic Design, Music, Music Education, Musical Theatre, Theatre, Entertainment Design & Production, Dance (minor) or any of our English programs. Talent award consideration in these programs require an audition, portfolio review or interview. Talent awards are coordinated with other University grants and scholarships.

Talent Award: Non-Music Major

  • Amount

    Up to US$4,000 per year with an audition/portfolio review

  • Requirements

    Students interested in participating in selected music groups and ensembles are eligible to apply for this award. These are available to all students regardless of major. Music groups include Symphony Orchestra, University Singers, Marching Band and Symphonic Band. Award levels are granted based on the student's artistic potential.

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Visa requirements for Ohio Northern University

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step in your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

USA student visa requirements

Life at Ohio Northern University

The University’s outstanding international services are committed to making your study abroad experience as smooth and enriching as possible.

After touching down in the US, you’ll be welcomed by a friendly driver and transported to campus. This ONU shuttle service runs to and from the nearby Dayton, Columbus, and Detroit airports.

You’ll also benefit from one-to-one tutoring and writing support, free healthcare advice, regular trips to local attractions, and an array of on-campus job opportunities.

All international students are invited to participate in a peer-based mentoring program known as Polar Pals. You’ll be matched with a more senior ONU student who can answer your questions, show you around town, and introduce you to new friends.

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Facilities

  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • 2 Basketball Courts
    • 2 Athletics Track
    • 6 Tennis Courts
    • 2 volleyball courts
    • 1 Diving Pools
    • 1 Swimming pools
    • 1 Ice Rink
    • 2 Baseball Pitches
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Travel Vaccinations
    • Counselling & Mental Health Services
    • Campus Pharmacy
    • Campus Doctor
    • Family Planning
  • Sports Facilities
    • Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
    • Sport facilities
    • Natural Turf American Football Pitches
  • Fitness Centre
    • Free Weights
    • Fitness Classes
    • Swimming Pool
    • Machines
  • Library
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Computer labs
    • Quiet Areas
    • Individual Study Rooms
  • Transport
    • Campus parking
    • On-Campus Shuttle
  • Tutoring Support
    • Peer & Buddy Program
    • Academic Tutoring & Support
    • Student Tutoring & Support
  • Food & Restaurants
    • Bars
    • Cafe’s
    • Restaurants
  • Praying Rooms
    • Chaplaincy
    • Pre sessional English Academic skills courses
  • Clubs & Organisations
    • 200 Clubs & Organizations

Student reviews for Ohio Northern University

Overall rating

3.7
12 reviews
  • Overall experience
    4.2
  • Academic
    4.3
  • University social
    3.2
  • Accommodation
    3.4
  • University facilities
    3.6
Biruk Gebru
et flag
Studied Biochemistry at Ohio Northern University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    3
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    4
Tell us about Ohio Northern University

Well, the University is very open to new people and new comers from what I've seen so far. The transport link has nothing to do with the school, Ohio Northern is located in a more of rural area. The facilities here are not bad at all they have a fully equipped gym, more than one dinning places, class are all in good handling and very neat. Communication is one of the main reasons I came to ONU they are more than polite and communication is there best trait I would say. They always want to help. Social life is a bit rocky not because of the school, but because of Covid-19 a lot of people seem to have lost interest.

Elaine Chiu
ca flag
Studied Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ohio Northern University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    3
  • University social
    2
  • Accommodation
    2
  • University facilities
    2
Tell us about Ohio Northern University

They require you to live on campus for ~3 years unless you meet certain requirements. Expensive on-campus housing. Not much to do in Ada, but it helps you avoid being distracted.

Ikko Matsumura
jp flag
Studied Sports Management at Ohio Northern University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    3
  • Accommodation
    3
  • University facilities
    4
Tell us about Ohio Northern University

A very peaceful and friendly university that gives you high-level education.

Joji Imatomi
jp flag
Studied Accounting at Ohio Northern University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    2
Tell us about Ohio Northern University

They gave me more time for exam and quiz because of second language. That helped me a lot.

Faisal Alenezi
kw flag
Studied Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ohio Northern University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Ohio Northern University

ONU located in small town (Ada). This is an advantage for international students to study and make friends easily. The community around the school trust students and help them achieve their goals. I have been treated well from the community of Ada since they trusted pharmacy students at ONU

What Ohio Northern University says

  • Headshot of Shawn Thomas Siferd
    Shawn Thomas Siferd
    Shawn Thomas Siferd says:

    Ohio Northern University (ONU) is located in one of the safest places in the United States. International students do not need cars to get around town because everything is within walking distance of campus.

    All of our students live on campus, which makes life on campus a really great experience for our international students. Additionally, we have over 200 different student clubs and organizations for students to get involved while attending classes at ONU.

    With top-ranked programs and opportunities outside the classroom, any path you choose at Ohio Northern will be grounded in concrete applications for the future. But the best part is that you never really have to choose. Our campus is an open frontier where engineers can be artists and artists can be entrepreneurs. At ONU, we embrace the overlap in every field.

    Ohio Northern University (ONU) is set in one of the safest places in the United States, the rural village of Ada. It’s a small town, but we still do plenty of big things. ONU is at the center of it all.

    Without the distractions of a big city, we hone in on exploring what excites us, solving what puzzles us, and building strong relationships with our community. International Student Services cares about your success and happiness while you are living in the USA.

    We want you to make friends, explore new places and find success in the classroom. From tutoring to health care, social outings to campus jobs, we offer many campus resources for international students.