ONU vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ohio Northern University in Ada, 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 ONU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 3,140 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ohio Northern University is located in Ada, OH (Distant Town setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Ohio Northern 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: Ohio Northern University 13:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

ONU vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ONU 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 ONU ($21,907 vs. $25,941).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 3% lower than at Ohio Northern University ($14,162 vs. $14,604).
• Ohio Northern University is 181.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $25,642 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.2% higher at ONU than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $14,962 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio Northern University than at Ohio University Main Campus (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio Northern University students is 194% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($27,696 vs. $9,422).

ONU vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ONU 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 ONU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio Northern University (1290) is 100 points higher than at Ohio University (1190).
• Incoming ONU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Ohio University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio Northern University 1175/1400; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio Northern University 24/29; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ONU - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ONU Aug 15, 2027; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ONU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at Ohio University (3.59).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than ONU (74.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at ONU vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

ONU vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ONU 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).

• The graduation rate at ONU is the same as at Ohio University Main Campus (65% vs. 65%).
• Graduates from Ohio Northern University earn a median of about $26,700 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,200 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than ONU graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ONU graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More ONU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.