Alabama vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with Ohio University Main Campus in Athens, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Ohio University based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 26,323 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

Alabama vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama 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 University Main Campus than Alabama ($21,907 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 5.7% lower than at The University of Alabama ($14,162 vs. $15,016).
• Ohio University Main Campus is 16.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $1,978 more per year; $14,158.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.6% higher at Alabama than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $9,334 more per year; $34,172.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at The University of Alabama (94% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 85.8% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($17,503 vs. $9,422).

Alabama vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama or Ohio University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Ohio University and Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 100 points higher than at Ohio University (1190).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Ohio University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: The University of Alabama 24/31; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Alabama 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 Alabama (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

Alabama vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and Ohio University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Ohio University Main Campus's (65%).
• Graduates from The University of Alabama earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($20,500 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($211 vs. $245).
• More Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.