WSU vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

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

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than WSU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 23,803 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI (Large City setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Wayne 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: Wayne State University 14:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

WSU vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU 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 Wayne State University than Ohio University ($14,416 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 0.6% lower than at Wayne State University ($14,162 vs. $14,252).
• Wayne State University is 7.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $1,032 more per year; $15,190.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29% higher at WSU than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $7,199 more per year; $32,037.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayne State University than at Ohio University Main Campus (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wayne State University students is 37.5% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($12,953 vs. $9,422).

WSU vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU 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 WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is 20 points higher than at WSU (1170).
• Incoming WSU 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: Wayne State University 1060/1270; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WSU (3.42).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than WSU (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

WSU vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU 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 Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Ohio University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $44,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $1,758 lower median loan debt than WSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,258).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSU graduates ($211 vs. $230).
• More Ohio University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 38%)

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.