JCU vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH 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 JCU based on total student enrollment (26,323 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 University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• John Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Carroll University 13:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

JCU vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU 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 Ohio University Main Campus than JCU ($21,907 vs. $30,030).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 2.5% lower than at John Carroll University ($14,162 vs. $14,520).
• John Carroll University is 256.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $36,342 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 103.3% higher at JCU than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $25,662 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University than at Ohio University Main Campus (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 279.8% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($35,785 vs. $9,422).

JCU vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU 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 JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at John Carroll University (1260) is 70 points higher than at Ohio University (1190).
• Incoming JCU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Ohio University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JCU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Ohio University (3.59).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than JCU (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

JCU vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU 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).

• John Carroll University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Ohio University Main Campus's (65%).
• Graduates from John Carroll University earn a median of about $13,100 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $6,439 lower median loan debt than JCU graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,939).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCU graduates ($211 vs. $278).
• More JCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.