Ohio University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Ohio University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ohio University or SU? 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 SU ($21,907 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 11.8% lower than at Ohio University Main Campus ($12,490 vs. $14,162).
• Shenandoah University is 161% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $22,792 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.8% higher at SU than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $12,112 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Ohio University Main Campus (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shenandoah University students is 162.7% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($24,747 vs. $9,422).

Ohio University vs. SU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is 70 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Incoming Ohio University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio University Main Campus 22/28; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ohio University - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027; SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Ohio University (3.59).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at Ohio University vs. 16.7% at SU.

Ohio University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ohio University and SU? 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 Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.