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Ohio State University

Columbus, OH·Public·44,617 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want a major research university experience and in-state Ohio residents. no major red flags in the data. strong 88% graduation rate.

51%
Accept
44,617
Students
$18,292
Net Price
88%
Grad Rate
$53,600
Earnings
10 yr
$14,500
Debt

About This School

Ohio State University is a public institution located in Columbus, Ohio with approximately 44,617 undergraduate students enrolled. Ohio State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 51%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,292 per year. The graduation rate is 88%, and the typical graduate earns $53,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

The Ohio State University is a public research university in Columbus, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1870, it is the flagship institution of the University System of Ohio. It is designated a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university by the Government of Ohio.

This is a strong option for students who want a well-resourced flagship university experience at a genuinely reasonable cost — median debt at graduation is just $14,500, which is low for a school of this size and reputation. The 88% graduation rate and 94% freshman retention signal that most students who start here finish, which matters more than the 51% acceptance rate suggests about selectivity. The one honest caveat: median earnings of $53,600 a decade out are solid but not exceptional, so your outcome will depend heavily on your major and how well you take advantage of a very large institution.

Founded
1870
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing19%
Engineering15%
Health Professions10%
Biological Sciences9%
Social Sciences8%
Psychology5%
Communications5%
Education3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Larry SangerJD VanceJesse OwensWilliam Alfred FowlerJeffrey DahmerJ. K. SimmonsPaul FloryRoy LichtensteinBarbara W. TuchmanR. L. StineHarlan EllisonLois McMaster Bujold

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1407
Reading 75th %ile720
Math 75th %ile760

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite29

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$12,859
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,365
Avg Net Price
$18,292
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants19%
Median debt at graduation$14,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
88%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
94%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$41,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.7x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White62%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian10%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (44,617 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Ohio State University

15 E. 15th Avenue

Columbus, OH 43201

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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