Ohio University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Ohio University Main Campus in Athens, OH with West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 17,171 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ohio University Main Campus is located in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting); West Chester University of Pennsylvania is in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ohio University Main Campus 18:1; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1.

Ohio University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ohio University or WCU? 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 WCU ($21,907 vs. $22,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 4.5% lower than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($14,162 vs. $14,828).
• Ohio University Main Campus is 31.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $3,383 more per year; $14,158.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.9% higher at Ohio University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $2,239 more per year; $24,838.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (94% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students is 65% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($9,422 vs. $5,709).

Ohio University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is the same as at WCU (1190).
• Incoming WCU 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 University Main Campus 1090/1290; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ohio University Main Campus 22/28; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ohio University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WCU (3.43).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than WCU (78.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at Ohio University vs. 22.4% at WCU.

Ohio University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ohio University and WCU? 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).

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Ohio University Main Campus's (65%).
• Graduates from West Chester University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($20,500 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($211 vs. $242).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.