Ohio University vs. OWU

Comparable Facts

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

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than OWU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 1,525 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ohio University Main Campus is located in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting); Ohio Wesleyan University is in Delaware, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ohio University Main Campus 18:1; Ohio Wesleyan University 12:1.

Ohio University vs. OWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ohio University or OWU? 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 OWU ($21,907 vs. $23,006).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 3.6% lower than at Ohio Wesleyan University ($14,162 vs. $14,684).
• Ohio Wesleyan University is 280.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $39,730 more per year; $53,888.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 117% higher at OWU than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $29,050 more per year; $53,888.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio Wesleyan University than at Ohio University Main Campus (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio Wesleyan University students is 382.7% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($45,481 vs. $9,422).

Ohio University vs. OWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ohio University or OWU? 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 OWU and Ohio University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio Wesleyan University (1230) is 40 points higher than at Ohio University (1190).
• Incoming OWU 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: Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290; Ohio Wesleyan University 1105/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio University Main Campus 22/28; Ohio Wesleyan University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ohio University - Test optional; OWU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027; OWU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at OWU (3.54).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than OWU (55.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at Ohio University vs. 12.6% at OWU.

Ohio University vs. OWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ohio University and OWU? 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 Ohio Wesleyan University's (61%).
• Graduates from Ohio Wesleyan University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 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 OWU graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OWU graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More OWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.