Overview
Founded in 1871 by Henry Solomon Lehr as Northwestern Ohio Normal School, Ohio Northern University grew from a small teacher-training institute into a comprehensive private university known for its rigorous pre-professional programs. It is especially well-regarded for its Raabe College of Pharmacy, College of Engineering, and Pettit College of Law, all of which have strong reputations for producing licensed, career-ready graduates. ONU has long emphasized a practical, hands-on approach to education that blends liberal arts foundations with professional training.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Ada, Ohio |
| Founded | 1871 |
| Total students | 3,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 13:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 84% |
| Graduation rate | 70% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $39,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $39,000 |
| Room & board | $12,500 |
| Average financial aid | $28,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 99% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1080-1290 |
| ACT range | 22-28 |
| Average GPA | 3.70 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Pharmacy
- Mechanical Engineering
- Law
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Business Administration
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.