Ohio State vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

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

Ohio State University Main Campus is larger than Ohio University based on total student enrollment (61,443 students vs. 26,323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ohio State University Main Campus is located in Columbus, OH (Large City setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Ohio State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ohio State University Main Campus 16:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

Ohio State vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ohio State 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 State University Main Campus than Ohio University ($19,783 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 3.9% lower than at Ohio State University Main Campus ($14,162 vs. $14,738).
• Ohio University Main Campus is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio State (about $914 more per year; $14,158.00 vs. $13,244.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.1% higher at Ohio State than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $15,184 more per year; $40,022.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at Ohio State University Main Campus (94% vs. 70%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio State University Main Campus students is 39.6% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($13,151 vs. $9,422).

Ohio State vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ohio State 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 Ohio State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio State University Main Campus (1400) is 210 points higher than at Ohio University (1190).
• Incoming Ohio State students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Ohio University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio State University Main Campus 1310/1480; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio State University Main Campus 28/32; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ohio State - Required; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio State Feb 1, 2027; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio State students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Ohio University (3.59).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than Ohio State (60.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.8% at Ohio State vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

Ohio State vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ohio State 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 State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Ohio University Main Campus's (65%).
• Graduates from Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Ohio State graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ohio State graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More Ohio State 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.