JCU vs. Ohio State

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH with Ohio State University Main Campus in Columbus, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio State University Main Campus is larger than JCU based on total student enrollment (61,443 students vs. 2,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Carroll University is located in University Heights, OH (Large Suburban setting); Ohio State University Main Campus is in Columbus, OH (Large City setting).
• John Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Carroll University 13:1; Ohio State University Main Campus 16:1.

JCU vs. Ohio State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU or Ohio State? 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 Ohio State University Main Campus than JCU ($19,783 vs. $30,030).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Carroll University are 1.5% lower than at Ohio State University Main Campus ($14,520 vs. $14,738).
• John Carroll University is 281.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio State (about $37,256 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $13,244.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.2% higher at JCU than at Ohio State University Main Campus (about $10,478 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $40,022.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University than at Ohio State University Main Campus (100% vs. 70%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 172.1% larger than aid received by Ohio State University Main Campus students ($35,785 vs. $13,151).

JCU vs. Ohio State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU or Ohio State? 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 State and JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio State University Main Campus (1400) is 140 points higher than at JCU (1260).
• Incoming Ohio State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at JCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Ohio State University Main Campus 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Ohio State University Main Campus 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; Ohio State - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio State Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio State students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at JCU (3.66).
• JCU has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than Ohio State (60.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 21.8% at Ohio State.

JCU vs. Ohio State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU and Ohio State? 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 State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than John Carroll University's (71%).
• Graduates from John Carroll University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Ohio State graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $50,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio State University Main Campus graduates have a $5,439 lower median loan debt than JCU graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,939).
• Among borrowers, Ohio State graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCU graduates ($222 vs. $278).
• More JCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio State students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 63%)

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.