Ohio's Only R1 "Opportunity University"
The American Council for Education and the Carnegie Foundation designed the classification system that has defined higher education for decades. In 2025, Carnegie unveiled a new Student Access and Earnings Classification and designated less than 200 of the nation’s nearly 4,000 institutions as “Opportunity Colleges and Universities” for delivering both high access and high earnings. Just 21 of those 200 also earned the coveted “R1” classification for very high research productivity.
Ohio University is among the nation's 21 R1 Opportunity Universities and the only university in Ohio to earn both coveted titles.
- Ohio University has the highest earnings ratio among all universities in Ohio.
- OHIO’s President’s Opportunity Promise1 and Regional Promise2 awards allow high-performing Pell-eligible students in Appalachian Ohio to attend at no cost.
- The OHIO Guarantee+ program provides every student fixed tuition and fees for four years and ensures on-plan, on-time graduation, delivering value and cost transparency.3
- Every undergraduate student has access to a personal Student Success Team including an academic advisor, an experiential learning specialist and a career coach to help deliver post-graduation success.
A "Professions-Focused" Education
Carnegie also classified Ohio University as one of only 40 “professions-focused” institutions in the country among large institutions with doctoral degrees.
The majority of OHIO graduates are earning professional or career-aligned degrees in fields such as health professions, business, communications, education and engineering.
OHIO recently expanded award funding to support students pursuing internships, externships, study abroad and other experiential learning to ensure all students can access experiences that prepare them for success.
Opportunity and Experience Deliver Value
6x
Best Value Public University
OHIO has been named the state’s Best Value Public University for six years in a row by U.S. News and World Report.
1 Program restrictions apply. The President's Opportunity Promise Award may not be combined with some University scholarships, full-tuition Employee/Dependent Educational Benefits, or any other award valued at full tuition. Subject to change.
2 Subject to eligibility requirements defined in the Frequently Asked Questions. Cumulative weighted or unweighted GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale; OHIO will recalculate GPAs to 4.0 scale as needed.