Ohio State University
About Ohio State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Ohio State University is a public research university in Columbus, Ohio. It is one of the largest universities in the country and offers top programs in business, engineering, medicine, and the sciences. Ohio State is also known for its massive athletic program and passionate football culture.
Founded
1870
Location
Columbus, Ohio
Students
60,266
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
87.7%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$13,244
Out-of-state: $40,022
Avg Net Price
$17,339
After financial aid
SAT Average
1387
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$60,409
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
60.6 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Required
Application Fee
$60
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
With a 60.6% acceptance rate, Ohio State University admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
SAT Scores
1387/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
87.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
94.2%
4-Year Grad
67%
6-Year Grad
88%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
62.7%
$/Student
$23.6K
Class Size
Medium
67% graduate in 4 years, and 94.2% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$13,244
In-State
$40,022
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,738
Books & Supplies
$1,030
Total Cost of Attendance
$30,305
After Financial Aid
$17,339
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$4,885
Receive Grants
20.2%
Take Loans
28.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $30,305/yr for in-state students, including $14,738 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $17,339. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $40,022.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Ohio State University fund their education.
While in School
20.2%
Get Grants
Free money
28.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$64,713
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,976
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$212/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 28.8% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,976. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Ohio State University.
Gender
50.5%
Female
50%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
45,638
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
14,628
Graduates
26.2%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
5.6%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 50% men). 26.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 7.6% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
45,638
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Columbus is a thriving, affordable city
- +Buckeye football creates unmatched school spirit
- +Massive campus with endless clubs and activities
- +Strong career services and alumni network
Cons
- -Massive campus can feel overwhelming
- -Ohio weather is unpredictable and gray
- -Large class sizes in freshman courses
- -Off-campus areas around campus vary in safety
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Ohio State University fields 19 varsity teams with 1,069 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Ten
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
19
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
1,069
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
546
Men
523
Women
15
Men's Teams
16
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Ohio State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$60,409
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$65K
817 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
—
646 grads
Biology, General
$32K
486 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$41K
478 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$56K
478 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Engineering
$83K
455 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $51K at six years, $47K at eight, and $60K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ohio State University
What is the acceptance rate at Ohio State University?▾
How much does Ohio State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Ohio State University?▾
How much do Ohio State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.