Ohio Northern University

I want to apply - We're this university's official application partner

I'm still deciding - Find programs that match your goals

Ohio Northern University campus view
Ohio Northern University logo

Apply to Ohio Northern University with Studee

We get it - applying to study abroad can be confusing. Here's why applying with Studee is the smarter move:

  • Illustration of a woman with purple hair, looking at a computer screen with a large magnifying glass, indicative of searching. She holds an orange book and wears a maroon colored top.

    Find your ideal program on Studee

    Search thousands of programs in a few clicks

  • Illustration of a hand holding a smartphone with a Studee logo, surrounded by a passport, a folder with papers and certificates, and a form.

    Apply to universities with Studee

    Get cheaper application fees at many universities

  • Illustration of a hand stamping a document. Beside the hand, a large orange cross symbol and a large purple check mark symbol representing approval and rejection options.

    We perfect your application

    Our experts help you improve your application

  • Illustration of a smiling person with reddish-purple hair holding an envelope containing a document labeled 'OFFER' with a university building in the background.

    Get a place at your perfect university

    We talk to the university to get a decision quickly

  • Find the best match - discover programs and universities that fit your goals and budget

  • Get expert advice, anytime - from application to enrollment, we're here to help

  • Faster applications - apply to multiple universities on one website

  • Visa guidance - step-by-step support to help you get your visa in time for your studies

  • Know if you're eligible - we make sure you've got everything you need to apply

  • Know exactly what to do, when - we'll guide you step by step through the admission process

Key facts

  • Type
    Private
  • International students
    80
  • Nationalities
    27
  • Total programs
    70

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.

Illustration of famous landmarks like a tower, a classical building, and a modern skyscraper; a location marker, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Fees and funding

Fee information

  • Arts & Sciences tuition

    US$38,250 per year

  • Business Administration tuition

    US$38,250 per year

  • Engineering tuition

    US$43,650 per year

  • College of Pharmacy tuition

    US$44,750 per year

  • First-year Law tuition

    US$30,130

Funding

Dean's Global Scholarship - US$18,000

Requirements: GPA 3.5 or higher

Dean's Distinction Scholarship - US$16,000

Requirements: GPA 3.0 - 3.49

International Award: - US$14,000

Requirements: GPA 2.5 - 2.99

ONU Award - US$12,000

Requirements: GPA 2.49 or lower

Talent Award (Competitive Scholarship) - US$4,000

Requirements: Available to students in the College of Arts and Sciences who choose a major in the Studio Arts, Graphic Design, Music (majors and non-majors), Musical Theatre, Theatre or English. Also, students who minor in dance or participate in any of the auditioned ensembles can qualify for a talent award. Talent award consideration in these programs requires an audition, portfolio review or interview.

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

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.

Illustration showing aspects of student life, including a student with a book and pencil, various books, a laptop, fast food, and iconic educational symbols like a graduation cap and a university building.

Facilities

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

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.

Areej Daghistani
sa flag
Studied Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ohio Northern University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    1
  • Accommodation
    2
  • University facilities
    2
Tell us about Ohio Northern University

Social organization are all about contacts; if a foreign student joins, it may be hard for them to fit in if no one knows them. Accommodation is not always given; I was once hospitalized and couldn’t turn in my assignment on time, I received a 0 and no one accommodated my situation even when I showed them the documents.

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.