University of Akron vs. Ohio State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH with Ohio State University Main Campus in Columbus, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio State University Main Campus is larger than University of Akron based on total student enrollment (61,443 students vs. 13,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Akron Main Campus is located in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting); Ohio State University Main Campus is in Columbus, OH (Large City setting).
• University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Akron Main Campus 17:1; Ohio State University Main Campus 16:1.

University of Akron vs. Ohio State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Akron or Ohio State? 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 University of Akron Main Campus than Ohio State ($14,693 vs. $19,783).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 19.2% lower than at Ohio State University Main Campus ($11,904 vs. $14,738).
• Ohio State University Main Campus is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $109 more per year; $13,244.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.3% higher at Ohio State than at University of Akron Main Campus (about $19,207 more per year; $40,022.00 vs. $20,815.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Akron Main Campus than at Ohio State University Main Campus (95% vs. 70%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio State University Main Campus students is 13.9% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($13,151 vs. $11,551).

University of Akron vs. Ohio State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Akron or Ohio State? 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 State and University of Akron.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio State University Main Campus (1400) is 350 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming Ohio State students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 21 at University of Akron).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190; Ohio State University Main Campus 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 17/25; Ohio State University Main Campus 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Akron - Open admission; Ohio State - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027; Ohio State Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio State students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at University of Akron (3.47).
• Ohio State has a higher acceptance rate (60.6%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at University of Akron vs. 21.8% at Ohio State.

University of Akron vs. Ohio State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Akron and Ohio State? 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 State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio State University Main Campus graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Ohio State graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More Ohio State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 45%)

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.