San Diego State vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

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

San Diego State University is larger than Ohio University based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 26,323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

San Diego State vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego 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 San Diego State University than Ohio University ($14,704 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 38.5% lower than at San Diego State University ($14,162 vs. $23,030).
• Ohio University Main Campus is 62.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $5,430 more per year; $14,158.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.5% higher at Ohio University than at San Diego State University (about $3,510 more per year; $24,838.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at San Diego State University (94% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego State University students is 27.9% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($12,053 vs. $9,422).

San Diego State vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego 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 San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 10 points higher than at Ohio University (1190).
• Incoming San Diego State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Ohio University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Ohio University (3.59).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

San Diego State vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego 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).

• San Diego State University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Ohio University Main Campus's (65%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $5,151 lower median loan debt than Ohio University graduates ($15,349 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ohio University graduates ($158 vs. $211).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.