Wright State’s Lake Campus ranked as Ohio’s best value in higher education

Wright State University’s Lake Campus has been named the best value among all colleges and universities in Ohio, according to a new ranking by the financial planning website SmartAsset.

Wright State’s Dayton Campus also earned high marks, ranking third in Ohio for value by SmartAsset.

SmartAsset evaluated institutions using key financial indicators, including starting salary for graduates, tuition, cost of living, student retention and scholarship availability.

The Lake Campus topped the list for its combination of affordability, student success and strong financial aid support.

“We often hear from students and their families about the burden of college costs, and that’s precisely why Lake Campus is so vital to our region,” said Andrea Faber, Ph.D., vice provost and chief administrative officer at the Lake Campus. “We are fiercely committed to maintaining our position as one of the most affordable pathways to a high-quality degree in Ohio. It’s not just about accessible tuition; it’s about delivering an exceptional educational experience that truly prepares our graduates for success, ensuring they receive one of the best values available in the entire state.”

Located on Grand Lake St. Marys in Celina, Wright State’s Lake Campus provides a comprehensive university experience in a close-knit, supportive environment. The campus offers more than 30 degree and certificate programs, including associate, bachelor’s and select graduate degrees. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, modern labs and classrooms and strong connections to local employers through internships and applied learning opportunities.

Wright State supports students through a wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs. At the Lake Campus, students benefit from vital support through the Western Ohio Educational Foundation, which awards more than $200,000 in scholarships annually.

Wright State exceeds national averages in supporting students with high financial need. Nearly 40% of undergraduates who enrolled in fall 2024 were Pell Grant recipients, compared to the national average of 34%, according to the Educational Data Initiative.

National recognition continues to affirm Wright State’s value. The university was named the top public university in Ohio for social mobility and ranked fourth in best value overall in The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 list of America’s Best Colleges.

Along with providing aid to help provide an affordable education, Wright State has one of the lowest tuition rates among Ohio’s four-year universities. The Wright Tuition Guarantee Program locks in the same annual cost of tuition, housing and dining over a four-year college career for newly admitted, degree-seeking undergraduate students who are Ohio residents.