Catholic colleges with the strongest Catholic core in Ohio
Catholic colleges ranked by the theology and core pillar: required theology and philosophy, Catholic content, and the core curriculum.
Catholic colleges with the strongest Catholic core in Ohio8 schools
8 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Ohio.
- Catholic undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
- Has a graded theology and core pillar and a complete Compass Score.
- Ordered by the theology and core pillar score alone, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 12, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Steubenville, OH · Private nonprofitHonor Roll- Catholic core: grade A
- 2 required theology courses
- 2Tie
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade B
- 2 required theology courses
- 2Tie
Ohio Dominican University
Columbus, OH · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade B
- 2 required theology courses
- 4
Walsh University
North Canton, OH · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade B
- 2 required theology courses
- 5
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade C
- 2 required theology courses
- 6
- 7
Ursuline College
Pepper Pike, OH · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade C
- 2 required theology courses
- 8
Mount St. Joseph University
Cincinnati, OH · Private nonprofit- Catholic core: grade D
- 1 required theology course
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franciscan University of Steubenville | $23,589 | $23,384 | $50,030 | 75% |
| Xavier University | $32,997 | $23,250 | $64,873 | 69% |
| Ohio Dominican University | $20,079 | $26,000 | $51,748 | 41% |
| Walsh University | $20,493 | $27,000 | $59,764 | 59% |
| John Carroll University | $28,746 | $26,000 | $62,860 | 79% |
| University of Dayton | $29,533 | $23,250 | $75,537 | 80% |
| Ursuline College | $16,164 | $26,250 | $56,878 | 67% |
| Mount St. Joseph University | $16,530 | $26,827 | $51,509 | 56% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.