The Best Business Schools in Columbus for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools in Columbus
- Denison University ranks #1 in the Columbus area on an 83.7 Program Score, with a 79% 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, Ohio State University-Newark Campus, ranks #5.
- Programs analyzed
- 87
- Schools ranked
- 7
- Tuition range
- $9,205-$67,000
- Average graduation rate
- 43%
We analyzed 87 accredited business programs in Columbus and the surrounding metro and ranked 7 schools on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes. Tuition across the 7 ranked schools runs from $9,205 to $67,000 a year, a $57,795 spread for the same credential.
Denison University leads with an 83.7 Program Score on a 79% graduation rate, at $67,000 a year. Across all 7 ranked business schools in Columbus the average graduation rate is 43%, ranging from 11% to 79%. 1 of the 7 are public and 6 are private, a split that drives most of the price gap below.
Business Schools in Columbus, Compared by Score
Denison leads at 83.7, and Ohio Dominican closes the chart at 63.9. Longer bars rank higher.
Our Methodology for Ranking Business Schools in Columbus
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 7 Best Business Schools in Columbus, Ranked for 2027
The 7 best Business Schools in Columbus, ranked by outcomes.
Denison University
Granville, OH · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 79%
- Admit rate
- 17%
- In-state
- $67,000
- Out-of-state
- $67,000
Denison University's Global Commerce major ends with a senior start-up pitch and offers a London capstone trip.
- 79% graduation rate
- Program Score 83.7
- 17% admit rate
- London capstone and senior start-up
Denison University's international business offering is the Global Commerce B.A., which the department describes as studying how money, goods and information are created, managed and exchanged around the world. Students combine business basics with the history, culture and language of a geographic region, and they study the cultural, political, historical and environmental realities behind business decisions. The program lists a London capstone experience for seniors and a senior start-up project in which teams build a vision and strategy, apply data and pitch a product or service that addresses a global challenge. Majors are encouraged to pursue internships and study abroad, and recent students have interned with firms including Deloitte, PwC and Cardinal Health. Graduates go on to careers in international business, management, marketing and consulting.
Federal data shows a 79% graduation rate at Denison and a 17% admit rate, so admission is selective. Tuition is $67,000 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program's Program Score is 83.7 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a liberal arts setting with a global, cross-disciplinary approach to business and are prepared to compete for a place at a small college.
Otterbein University
Westerville, OH · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 68%
- Admit rate
- 85%
- In-state
- $35,024
- Out-of-state
- $35,024
Otterbein University's B.S. in Business Administration and Management blends business courses with a liberal arts education and internships in Westerville.
- 68% graduation rate
- Program Score 78.4
- $35,024 tuition
- Consulting report and panel
Otterbein University offers a B.S. in Business Administration and Management that prepares students for business careers or graduate study such as an MBA or law school. The page describes a broad knowledge base with hands-on experiential learning, combined with a liberal arts education. Students take introductory courses in accounting, business law, economics, operations, international business, marketing and finance, then degree-specific courses ranging from leadership and culture to how business affects society, with further options in entrepreneurship, human resource management and nonprofit management. The program culminates in a MGMT 3000 consulting report presented to an outside expert panel. Otterbein says its Westerville location supports internships with employers from major corporations to small businesses. Listed career paths include business analyst, management consultant, entrepreneur, budget analyst and nonprofit management.
Federally reported figures show a 68% graduation rate and an 85% admit rate for Otterbein. Tuition is $35,024 for all students. The program earns a Program Score of 78.4 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a general management degree rather than a narrow specialty, with room to double major, as one featured alumna did with business analytics, and who prefer a smaller private university.
Ohio Christian University
Circleville, OH · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 34%
- Admit rate
- 38%
- In-state
- $17,840
- Out-of-state
- $17,840
An online Bachelor of Arts in Accounting in 5-week courses that teaches tax and financial document preparation through a Christian worldview.
- Program Score 73.1
- $17,840 tuition
- Online 5-week courses
- On-campus option in Circleville
Ohio Christian University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting that prepares students for careers in both profit and nonprofit organizations. The program page lists four outcomes: applying fundamental and technical accounting concepts, showing proficiency in financial and tax document preparation, assessing accounting issues through a Christian worldview, and evaluating the financial condition of a business and proposing courses of action. The degree is available online in a 5-week, as-you-go format with forum discussions and weekly deadlines, and a traditional on-campus option in Circleville serves 17 to 24 year old undergraduates. The page does not describe a CPA licensure pathway.
Federal data show a 34% graduation rate and a 38% admit rate at Ohio Christian, with tuition listed at $17,840 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program's ranking rests on its Program Score of 73.1 out of 100. The program fits students who want a faith-based accounting degree, either online as working adults or on campus as traditional undergraduates. Those planning to sit for the CPA exam should confirm the credit requirements of their state board directly, because the school's page does not address them.
Franklin University
Columbus, OH · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 11%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $9,552
- Out-of-state
- $9,552
A 100% online business administration bachelor's that accepts up to 94 transfer credits and lets students take one six-week class at a time.
- Open admission
- Program Score 71.6
- $9,552 tuition
- 100% online, up to 94 transfer credits
Franklin University's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is a 124-semester-hour degree delivered 100% online in 6-week and 12-week courses. The school describes it as transfer-friendly, accepting up to 94 previously earned credits, with students transferring an average of 75 hours. Students personalize the major with electives, and the school says about 80% of the program can be completed by taking one six-week class at a time while keeping full-time status. Franklin reports IACBE accreditation for the Ross College of Business, simulations, project-based learning and case studies in class, a tuition guarantee that locks in the first-term rate, and 1:1 academic advisors.
Federal data show an 11% graduation rate and open admission, with tuition listed at $9,552 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program's ranking rests on its Program Score of 71.6 out of 100. The low graduation rate reflects a school that serves many part-time and returning students, so the program fits adults with prior credit who want a flexible, accredited path to a business degree more than traditional first-time full-time undergraduates. Students with transcripts from earlier college work stand to gain the most from the transfer policy.
Ohio State University-Newark
Newark, OH · Public
- Grad rate
- 29%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $9,205
- Out-of-state
- $35,983
Ohio State Newark delivers the full business management specialization of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration on its own campus, blending distance-learning tools with classroom teaching.
- 29% graduation rate
- Program Score 68.4
- $9,205 in-state tuition
- Business management specialization on campus
Ohio State Newark offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a business management specialization that the page says is available in full on the Newark campus. The program is part of the university's Fisher College of Business, which the school describes as nationally ranked, and it is offered only on the regional campuses. Instruction combines distance-learning technologies, including video-on-demand, online slide presentations and live discussions, with traditional classroom time. Students can choose another specialization, such as accounting, finance, marketing, logistics management, human resources or insurance, but the page notes that doing so requires completing some courses at the Columbus campus.
Federal data show a 29% graduation rate, and the campus is open admission, so there is no admit-rate screen. Tuition is $9,205 in-state and $35,983 out-of-state, a wide gap that matters for students from outside Ohio. The program earns a Program Score of 68.4 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a business degree from a large university system close to home, with a clear path to stay on the Newark campus for the management specialization or move to Columbus for another.
DeVry University-Ohio
Columbus, OH · For-profit
- Grad rate
- 39%
- Admit rate
- 100%
- In-state
- $16,448
- Out-of-state
- $16,448
A business administration bachelor's with specializations in accounting, marketing and project management, and classes that start every 8 weeks.
- Program Score 64.9
- 39% graduation rate
- $16,448 tuition, in-state and out-of-state
- Specializations in accounting, marketing, project management
DeVry University offers a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration that, per its program page, builds decision-making, operations and analytics skills. Students can pick a path through specializations in accounting, marketing, project management and more. The page describes coursework in budgeting, project management, leadership and problem-solving, delivered through virtual labs and real-world simulations, with exposure to industry associations and professional development resources. It also says students use industry technology, including AI tools, and study how AI affects strategy, analytics and management. The school describes the degree as accredited, and classes start every 8 weeks, which lets a new student begin several times a year.
The program has a Program Score of 64.9 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. Federal data show a 39% graduation rate and a 100% admit rate. Tuition is $16,448 for both in-state and out-of-state students. It suits students who want a general business foundation with room to specialize, and who value starting on an eight-week cycle rather than waiting for a fall term.
Ohio Dominican University
Columbus, OH · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 41%
- Admit rate
- 94%
- In-state
- $35,110
- Out-of-state
- $35,110
A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis options in management, marketing or supply chain, plus a 4+1 MBA route.
- 41% graduation rate
- Program Score 63.9
- $35,110 tuition
- 4+1 MBA pathway
Ohio Dominican University's Bachelor of Science in Business Administration gives students a core set of courses across virtually all functional areas of business, alongside work on critical thinking, presentation, writing, teamwork and technology. Students then choose an emphasis. The Management emphasis is nine credit hours with sequences in human resource management, innovation and entrepreneurship, or nonprofit management. The Marketing emphasis lets students pick nine credit hours of marketing courses. The Supply Chain Management emphasis covers logistics and offers a practicum with a logistics firm for students who qualify. Strong students can instead apply to the 4+1 MBA, finishing the bachelor's and an MBA in five academic years.
Federal data show a 41% graduation rate and a 94% admit rate at Ohio Dominican, with tuition listed at $35,110 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program's ranking rests on its Program Score of 63.9 out of 100. The degree fits students who want a broad business foundation inside a liberal arts core and who may continue to a graduate degree at the same school. Adult learners can also look at the university's separate adult and continuing education business program.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools in Columbus
The median school on this list graduates 39% of its students. The highest rates belong to Denison University (79%) and Otterbein University (68%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Denison University79% graduation rate
- #2 Otterbein University68% graduation rate
- #7 Ohio Dominican University41% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools in Columbus?
On this list, 2 of 7 schools are open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 2 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Denison University at 17%.
- #1 Denison University17% admitted
- #3 Ohio Christian University38% admitted
- #2 Otterbein University85% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Online Options Among the Business Schools in Columbus
Of the 7 schools ranked here, 3 offer distance education. The highest ranked is Ohio Christian University, at #3.
- #3 Ohio Christian UniversityCircleville, OH
- #4 Franklin UniversityColumbus, OH
- #7 Ohio Dominican UniversityColumbus, OH
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.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools in Columbus
Enrollment on this list runs from 211 at DeVry University-Ohio to 9,457 at Franklin University. Of the 7, 6 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools in Columbus Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #2 | Otterbein UniversityOtterbein | $70,328 | $20,189 |
| #4 | Franklin UniversityFranklin | $68,306 | $28,451 |
| #5 | Ohio State University-Newark CampusOhio State-Newark | $65,374 | $14,068 |
| #6 | DeVry University-OhioDeVry-Ohio | $68,231 | $33,882 |
| #7 | Ohio Dominican UniversityOhio Dominican | $63,823 | $17,780 |
Graduates of Otterbein earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $70,328; the lowest figure here is $63,823 at Ohio Dominican.
Otterbein 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 $14,068 a year at Ohio State-Newark to $33,882 at DeVry-Ohio.
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.
What Business Schools in Columbus Cost
Tuition across the 7 ranked schools runs from $9,205 to $67,000 a year. Ohio State University-Newark Campus anchors the low end at $9,205 a year, while Denison University in Granville sits at the top at $67,000. The cheapest public option among the business schools in Columbus is Ohio State University-Newark Campus at $9,205; the cheapest private is Franklin University at $9,552.
Over the four years a bachelor's takes, that is roughly $36,820 in tuition at Ohio State University-Newark Campus against about $268,000 at Denison University. Public figures here are the in-state resident rate, so an applicant moving to Columbus from another state should read the out-of-state column before treating the cheap end of this list as cheap.
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.
Which Business Major to Choose in Columbus
Business school covers a dozen different degrees, and the business schools in Columbus do not all offer the same ones. Across the 87 accredited programs analyzed here, the fields with the deepest coverage in Columbus are business administration (9 schools), accounting (8 schools), marketing (6 schools), finance (5 schools), and healthcare administration (4 schools). A school ranked highly overall is not automatically strong in the major you want, so check the field before the name.
Accounting is the one track bound to a license: most states now license CPAs on either 150 credit hours and one year of experience or a bachelor's and two years, so the choice between a fifth year of school and a longer apprenticeship shapes the course plan from the first year rather than the last. 8 of the schools analyzed in Columbus run one.
Public and Private Business Schools in Columbus
1 of the 7 ranked business schools in Columbus is public and 6 are private, and that split drives most of the $57,795 tuition spread above. The public rate is a residency benefit: Ohio State University-Newark Campus charges $9,205 in-state and $35,983 out of state, so where a student already lives changes this ranking more than any other single factor.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Why Study Business in Columbus
The 7 ranked schools sit across 5 towns in the metro, among them Granville, Westerville, and Circleville, and the table names the city of each, so check the commute before assuming a suburban campus is the convenient option. 3 of the 7 also run a confirmed online option for students who cannot be on campus daily.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions About Business Schools in Columbus
What is the best business school in Columbus?
By Program Score, Denison University ranks first among the 7 ranked business schools in Columbus, with an 83.7 score and a 79% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes together, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one of them.
Can you study business part-time in Columbus?
Yes. Evening, weekend and part-time formats are common across the business schools in Columbus, and in a metro this size most schools run at least one. The tradeoff is length rather than content: the same credential takes longer while you keep working. Ask each school for the completion rate of its part-time cohort specifically, since it often differs from the headline graduation rate this ranking uses.
How much does a business degree cost in Columbus?
Tuition among the ranked Columbus schools runs from $9,205 to $67,000 a year. Public schools publish the in-state resident rate, so students moving in from another state should check the out-of-state column before comparing. Neither figure includes Columbus living costs, which are a real part of the total.
How many business schools in Columbus does this ranking cover?
We analyzed 87 accredited business programs across Columbus and the surrounding metro and ranked the top 7 schools, listing one entry per school on its strongest program. This list covers the Columbus metro area, so some schools sit outside the city line; the city of each is shown in the table.
Is it worth studying business in Columbus instead of online?
3 of the 7 ranked schools run a confirmed online option, so in Columbus this is a live choice rather than a hypothetical one. An accredited online program carries identical standing on a transcript, since accreditation attaches to the school and the program rather than to the delivery format. What a campus adds is proximity to the employers that school recruits into, and at $9,205 in-state, Ohio State University-Newark Campus is what that proximity costs at the low end here. The honest comparison is local access against the cost of being here.