BSU vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ball State University in Muncie, IN with Ohio University Main Campus in Athens, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than BSU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 21,089 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

BSU vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or Ohio University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Ball State University than Ohio University ($13,599 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 12.9% lower than at Ohio University Main Campus ($12,334 vs. $14,162).
• Ohio University Main Campus is 27.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $3,076 more per year; $14,158.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at BSU than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $4,792 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at Ball State University (94% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ball State University students is 40.3% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($13,218 vs. $9,422).

BSU vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU or Ohio University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Ohio University and BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is 20 points higher than at BSU (1170).
• Incoming Ohio University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at BSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at BSU (3.52).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Ohio University (85%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

BSU vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and Ohio University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Ohio University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Ball State University's (55%).
• Graduates from Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than BSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than BSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BSU graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More BSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.