UC vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Cincinnati Main Campus is larger than Ohio University based on total student enrollment (45,026 students vs. 26,323 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

UC vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UC 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 UC ($21,907 vs. $24,696).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Cincinnati Main Campus are 4.2% lower than at Ohio University Main Campus ($13,564 vs. $14,162).
• Ohio University Main Campus is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UC (about $182 more per year; $14,158.00 vs. $13,976.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18% higher at UC than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $4,472 more per year; $29,310.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (94% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students is 15% larger than aid received by University of Cincinnati Main Campus students ($9,422 vs. $8,196).

UC vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UC 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 UC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Cincinnati Main Campus (1270) is 80 points higher than at Ohio University (1190).
• Incoming UC 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: University of Cincinnati Main Campus 1160/1370; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Cincinnati Main Campus 24/29; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UC - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UC Mar 1, 2027; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UC students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Ohio University (3.59).
• UC has a higher acceptance rate (85.3%) than Ohio University (85%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at UC vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

UC vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UC 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).

• Ohio University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than University of Cincinnati Main Campus's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,600 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than UC graduates ($20,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UC graduates ($211 vs. $237).
• More UC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.