The Best Business Schools Near Cleveland for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools Near Cleveland
- Case Western Reserve University ranks #1 near Cleveland on a 93.2 Program Score, with an 87% graduation rate.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, ranks #3.
- Programs analyzed in Cleveland
- 66
- Schools ranked
- 10
- Ranked schools in the metro
- 2
- Farthest school
- 86 mi
Only two business schools in Cleveland have a complete record in the federal data this site ranks on (Case Western Reserve University and John Carroll University), too few for a ranking of the metro alone. So this list looks past the metro: it keeps those two and adds the eight closest schools that do have one, in Pennsylvania and Ohio, for ten in all, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes.
Case Western Reserve University leads with a 93.2 Program Score and an 87% graduation rate. The nearest school from beyond the metro is Kent State University at Kent (Kent, OH), about 28 miles from central Cleveland; the farthest, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (Slippery Rock, PA), is about 86 miles away.
Business Schools Near Cleveland, Compared by Score
Case Western Reserve leads at 93.2, and Herzing-Akron closes the chart at 56.6. Longer bars rank higher.
Our Methodology for Ranking Business Schools Near Cleveland
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 10 Best Business Schools Near Cleveland, Ranked for 2027
The 10 best Business Schools Near Cleveland, ranked by outcomes.
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 87%
- Admit rate
- 37%
- In-state
- $66,020
- Out-of-state
- $66,020
Case Western's Weatherhead accounting program admits just 37% of applicants, the tightest gate in Ohio, and moves students into a combined BS/MAcc in as little as four years.
- 37% admit rate, most selective in Ohio
- 100% of students complete an internship
- Flat $66,020 tuition, in-state or out
Case Western's accounting program sits inside the Weatherhead School of Management and offers both a BS and a Minor in Accounting. Students can extend into the integrated BS in Accounting / Master of Accountancy program and finish both degrees in as little as four years, which cuts the experience needed for an Ohio CPA license from two years to one. Faculty bring real-world experience as auditors and partners at professional accounting and advisory firms, and coursework draws on case studies built from that experience. All of the program's students, 100%, complete at least one internship before graduating, mostly in New York, Cleveland and Chicago, and a third, 33%, study abroad.
Weatherhead carries a Program Score of 93.2, good for the number two rank in Ohio. It graduates 87% of students but admits just 37%, the most selective program in this set by a wide margin. Tuition runs a flat $66,020 whether the student is an Ohio resident or not, more than five times Ohio State's in-state rate of $12,180. At an enrollment of 12,475, this is the smallest and most selective school here, built for students chasing the four-year BS/MAcc combo who can pay full private tuition to get it.
Grove City College
Grove City, PA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 83%
- Admit rate
- 72%
- In-state
- $21,700
- Out-of-state
- $21,700
Grove City College graduates 83% of its students, above the 63% average across this ranking, on an 86.5 Program Score.
- Program Score 86.5, #2 of 10
- 83% graduation rate
- $21,700 tuition
- Admits just 72% of applicants
Grove City College is a private, nonprofit institution in Grove City, PA. Its Business program ranks #2 of the 10 analyzed here with an 86.5 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 78.7 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs, 6.7 points behind top-ranked Case Western Reserve. The program graduates 83% of its students, above the 63% average across the ranked schools. Grove City College admits 72% of applicants, more selective than the 72% average for the group. That is more open than the 37% rate at Case Western Reserve, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 87%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,383 students.
On cost, Grove City College charges $21,700 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,716 at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to $66,020 at Case Western Reserve. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 66%
- Admit rate
- 71%
- In-state
- $7,716
- Out-of-state
- $11,574
At $7,716 a year in-state, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding an 83.7 Program Score on a 66% graduation rate.
- Program Score 83.7, #3 of 10
- 66% graduation rate
- $7,716 in-state vs $11,574 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #3 of the 10 ranked here, earning an 83.7 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 78.7 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 66% of its students, above the 63% average across the ranked schools. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania admits 71% of applicants, more selective than the 72% average for the group. That is more open than the 37% rate at Case Western Reserve, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 87%. The university enrolls 8,376 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania charges $7,716 a year in-state, versus $11,574 for out-of-state students. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,716 at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to $66,020 at Case Western Reserve. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 79%
- Admit rate
- 81%
- In-state
- $48,700
- Out-of-state
- $48,700
John Carroll University's B.S.B.A. in Accountancy prepares students for CPA licensure, with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- 79% graduation rate
- Program Score 83.6
- 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- CPA licensure preparation
John Carroll University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accountancy through its Boler College of Business. The page says the curriculum prepares students for a career in professional accounting and for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant, and for credentials such as the CFE and CIA. Required major courses include Business Analytics in Accounting, Intermediate Accounting I and II, Cost Analysis and Budgetary Control, Principles of Federal Taxation, Accounting Information Systems and Auditing. Students can intern with an accounting firm, join a study tour to financial hubs, and volunteer to prepare taxes for low-income community members. The school reports a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and says the college is in the top 2% of business schools worldwide per AACSB.
Federal data shows a 79% graduation rate and an 81% admit rate at John Carroll. Tuition is $48,700 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program's Program Score is 83.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a small, Jesuit private university with a direct path toward the CPA exam and who value internships and close faculty contact.
Walsh University
North Canton, OH · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 58%
- Admit rate
- 71%
- In-state
- $31,515
- Out-of-state
- $31,515
Walsh University ranks #5 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with an 80.2 Program Score and a 58% graduation rate.
- Program Score 80.2, #5 of 10
- 58% graduation rate
- $31,515 tuition
- Online option available
Walsh University is a private, nonprofit institution in North Canton, OH. Its Business program ranks #5 of the 10 analyzed here with an 80.2 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 78.7 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 58% of its students, below the 63% average across the ranked schools. Walsh admits 71% of applicants, more selective than the 72% average for the group. That is more open than the 37% rate at Case Western Reserve, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 87%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,192 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Walsh charges $31,515 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,716 at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to $66,020 at Case Western Reserve. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
University of Akron
Akron, OH · Public
- Grad rate
- 52%
- Admit rate
- 60%
- In-state
- $10,735
- Out-of-state
- $18,415
At $10,735 a year in-state, University of Akron is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 79.7 Program Score on a 52% graduation rate.
- Program Score 79.7, #6 of 10
- 52% graduation rate
- $10,735 in-state vs $18,415 out-of-state
- Admits just 60% of applicants
Based in Akron, OH, University of Akron is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #6 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 79.7 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 78.7 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 52% of its students, below the 63% average across the ranked schools. Akron Main admits 60% of applicants, more selective than the 72% average for the group. That is more open than the 37% rate at Case Western Reserve, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 87%. The university enrolls 13,332 students overall.
On cost, Akron Main charges $10,735 a year in-state, versus $18,415 for out-of-state students. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,716 at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to $66,020 at Case Western Reserve. The spread makes the program a clearer value for OH residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Geneva College
Beaver Falls, PA · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $32,080
- Out-of-state
- $32,080
Geneva College ranks #7 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 75.8 Program Score and a 61% graduation rate.
- Program Score 75.8, #7 of 10
- 61% graduation rate
- $32,080 tuition
- Online option available
Geneva College is a private, nonprofit institution in Beaver Falls, PA. Its Business program ranks #7 of the 10 analyzed here with a 75.8 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 78.7 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 61% of its students, below the 63% average across the ranked schools. Geneva College holds an open-admission policy, accepting every qualified applicant. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 87%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,366 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Geneva College charges $32,080 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,716 at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to $66,020 at Case Western Reserve. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH · Public
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $12,742
- Out-of-state
- $21,397
At $12,742 a year in-state, Kent State University at Kent is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 75.2 Program Score on a 64% graduation rate.
- Program Score 75.2, #8 of 10
- 64% graduation rate
- $12,742 in-state vs $21,397 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University at Kent is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #8 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 75.2 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 78.7 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 63% average across the ranked schools. Kent State University at Kent admits 86% of applicants, less selective than the 72% average for the group. That is more open than the 37% rate at Case Western Reserve, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 87%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 26,374 students.
On cost, Kent State University at Kent charges $12,742 a year in-state, versus $21,397 for out-of-state students. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,716 at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to $66,020 at Case Western Reserve. The spread makes the program a clearer value for OH residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Ashland University
Ashland, OH · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- 76%
- In-state
- $29,940
- Out-of-state
- $29,940
Ashland University ranks #9 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 72.9 Program Score and a 61% graduation rate.
- Program Score 72.9, #9 of 10
- 61% graduation rate
- $29,940 tuition
- Admits just 76% of applicants
Ashland University is a private, nonprofit institution in Ashland, OH. Its Business program ranks #9 of the 10 analyzed here with a 72.9 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 78.7 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 61% of its students, below the 63% average across the ranked schools. Ashland admits 76% of applicants, less selective than the 72% average for the group. That is more open than the 37% rate at Case Western Reserve, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 87%. The university enrolls 4,106 students overall.
On cost, Ashland charges $29,940 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,716 at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to $66,020 at Case Western Reserve. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. It earns its place in the top 10 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Herzing University-Akron
Akron, OH · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 19%
- Admit rate
- 95%
- In-state
- $12,360
- Out-of-state
- $12,360
At $12,360 a year in-state, Herzing University-Akron is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 56.6 Program Score on a 19% graduation rate.
- Program Score 56.6, #10 of 10
- 19% graduation rate
- $12,360 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Herzing University-Akron is a private, nonprofit institution in Akron, OH. Its Business program ranks #10 of the 10 analyzed here with a 56.6 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 78.7 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 19% of its students, below the 63% average across the ranked schools. Herzing-Akron admits 95% of applicants, less selective than the 72% average for the group. That is more open than the 37% rate at Case Western Reserve, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 19% to 87%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 393 students.
On cost, Herzing-Akron charges $12,360 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $7,716 at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to $66,020 at Case Western Reserve. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools Near Cleveland
The median school on this list graduates 63% of its students. The highest rates belong to Case Western Reserve University (87%) and Grove City College (83%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Case Western Reserve University87% graduation rate
- #2 Grove City College83% graduation rate
- #4 John Carroll University79% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools Near Cleveland?
On this list, 1 of 10 schools is open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 1 school admits fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Case Western Reserve University at 37%.
- #1 Case Western Reserve University37% admitted
- #6 University of Akron Main Campus60% admitted
- #3 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania71% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Schools Near Cleveland
This list holds 3 public and 7 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 79.7 public and 80.2 private nonprofit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools Near Cleveland
Enrollment on this list runs from 393 at Herzing University-Akron to 26,374 at Kent State University at Kent. Of the 10, 1 enrolls 20,000 students or more and 6 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools Near Cleveland Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Case Western Reserve UniversityCase Western Reserve | $89,760 | $44,622 |
| #4 | John Carroll UniversityJohn Carroll | $86,546 | $27,167 |
| #5 | Walsh UniversityWalsh | $75,364 | $19,588 |
| #6 | University of Akron Main CampusAkron Main | $68,285 | $13,072 |
| #7 | Geneva CollegeGeneva College | $70,177 | $19,090 |
| #8 | Kent State University at KentKent State University at Kent | $61,642 | $20,294 |
| #10 | Herzing University-AkronHerzing-Akron | $51,098 | $20,633 |
Graduates of Case Western Reserve earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $89,760; the lowest figure here is $51,098 at Herzing-Akron.
Case Western Reserve leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
Net price, what the average aided undergraduate pays after grants, ranges from $13,072 a year at Akron Main to $44,622 at Case Western Reserve.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
How Far the Business Schools Near Cleveland Are
Distances are straight-line miles from central Cleveland, measured from the average location of Cleveland's business schools in federal records, so the drive is longer. Kent State University at Kent in Kent, OH is about 28 miles away; University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH is about 30 miles away; Herzing University-Akron in Akron, OH is about 33 miles away; Walsh University in North Canton, OH is about 45 miles away; Ashland University in Ashland, OH is about 58 miles away; Grove City College in Grove City, PA is about 82 miles away; Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA is about 83 miles away; Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in Slippery Rock, PA is about 86 miles away.
For a residential degree the distance matters less than residency: a public school across the metro charges Cleveland students its out-of-state rate unless a regional exchange applies, so read the out-of-state column on each card before comparing prices.
What the Business Schools Near Cleveland Cost
Undergraduate in-state tuition on this list runs from $7,716 a year at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to $66,020 at Case Western Reserve University, before aid. Over a four-year bachelor's that is roughly $30,864 against $264,080 in tuition alone.
Master's rows show no price: the federal tuition figure for those schools is the undergraduate rate, so ask each graduate business office for its per-credit rate instead.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Studying Business Online From Cleveland
Three of the ranked schools (Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Walsh University, and Geneva College) run a confirmed online option. An accredited online degree carries the same standing as the campus one, since accreditation attaches to the school rather than the format, and for a student in Cleveland it removes the distance on this list entirely.
- #3 Slippery Rock University of PennsylvaniaSlippery Rock, PA
- #5 Walsh UniversityNorth Canton, OH
- #7 Geneva CollegeBeaver Falls, PA
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions About Business Schools Near Cleveland
What is the best business school near Cleveland?
By Program Score, Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) ranks first, with a 93.2 score. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes from federal data, so it rewards a school that does all four well rather than one that wins on price alone.
How many business programs are there in Cleveland?
66 accredited bachelor's and master's business programs in Cleveland report to IPEDS. Two schools have the complete record needed to rank, which is why this list adds the nearest schools beyond the metro.
What is the closest ranked business school to Cleveland?
Outside Cleveland, Kent State University at Kent (Kent, OH) is the nearest school with a complete record, about 28 straight-line miles from central Cleveland. Inside Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University and John Carroll University are ranked on this list as well.
Can I study business online from Cleveland?
Yes. Three of the ten schools on this list offer the program online, including Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Walsh University, and Geneva College. Accreditation attaches to the school, not the format, so the online degree carries the same standing.