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    Ohio State University-Main Campus

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    Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

    Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

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    Overview

    Ohio State University-Main Campus is a public 4-year college located in Columbus, Ohio. There are currently 45,140 undergraduates at Ohio State and the school’s acceptance rate is 53%. The tuition at Ohio State is $12,485 for in-state students and $36,722 for out-of-state.

    Ohio State University-Main Campus
    State School State School
    State schools are members of a state-wide network of colleges and universities. They typically have large enrollments and offer steep tuition discounts to in-state students. Oftentimes, they also have a strong sense of community around athletics.
    11 City
    Urban institutions typically offer more options when it comes to internships, jobs, community service, research positions, social lives, and more. However, some may find the city distracting, and the cost of living is typically higher.

    Scholarships & Financial Aid

    $30,185

    Sticker Price
    Sticker Price

    $36,469

    Average Annual Aid
    Average Annual Aid

    $17,953

    Average Annual Cost
    Average Annual Cost

    Cost Breakdown


    In-State
    Tuition
    $12,485
    Books & Supplies
    $1,012
    Room & Board
    $14,006
    Other
    $2,682

    In-State Estimated Cost:

    $30,185

    for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

    Out-of-State
    Tuition
    $36,722
    Books & Supplies
    $1,012
    Room & Board
    $14,006
    Other
    $2,682

    Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:

    $54,422

    for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

    Since Ohio State is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at Ohio State is $30,185 for in-state students in OH, and $54,422 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.


    It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.


    College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Ohio State would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.

    Ohio State University-Main Campus Financial Aid

    Students who are applying for financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.


    The FAFSA code for Ohio State University-Main Campus is 003090.


    If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

    Using State Grants at Ohio State

    If you're an Ohio resident considering Ohio State, be sure to look into state grants like the Ohio College Opportunity Grant and Choose Ohio First. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant for students with high demonstrated financial need. You can use it at both private and public schools, and the award varies based on need and academic program. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant is available to Ohio students pursuing a STEM degree in-state.

    Stamps Scholarship at Ohio State

    Ohio State participates in the Stamps Scholarship Program, which means that they offer recurring scholarships to select admitted students. These awards range between $6,000 to $90,000 per year. Many schools automatically consider admitted students for Stamps Scholarships. However, some schools have a separate application process; be sure to check Ohio State's website for information on how to apply.

    Midwest Student Tuition Exchange

    Ohio State is in a state that participates in the Midwest Student Exchange. That means that if you are a resident of Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin, you may qualify for discounted tuition at Ohio State. This program applies to both private and public institutions, although the discount at private institutions is lower. Check their website for more information on eligibility and what your discount would be.

    Pell Grants at Ohio State University-Main Campus

    18% of students at Ohio State University-Main Campus receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Ohio State University-Main Campus.


    You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

    Outside Scholarships

    Ohio State students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:


    Ohio State University-Main Campus Financial Aid Resources

    If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Ohio State or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!


    Here’s how you can get in touch:


    Admissions

    53%

    Admission Rate

    29

    Average ACT

    1320 is the median SAT score and 29 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Ohio State. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.

    Is Ohio State test-optional?

    Ohio State University-Main Campus is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.

    What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Ohio State University-Main Campus?

    Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Ohio State University-Main Campus receive between a 29 and a 32 on their ACT, or a 1270 and a 1450 on their SAT.

    November
    1

    Early Action

    February
    1

    Regular Decision

    What is the application deadline at Ohio State?

    Students must apply by February 1 to enroll at Ohio State during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.


    And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Ohio State, remember that the deadline is November 1.

    Should I apply Early Action at Ohio State?

    Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.

    Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.

    Academics

    Student/Faculty Ratio

    Student/Faculty Ratio 17:1

    Graduation Rate

    Graduation Rate 88%

    Popular Majors

    Percent of Students

    Business, Management, & Marketing

    19%

    19% of graduates

    Engineering

    15%

    15% of graduates

    Health Professions & Related Programs

    11%

    11% of graduates

    Social Sciences

    8%

    8% of graduates

    Biological & Biomedical Sciences

    8%

    8% of graduates

    Psychology

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Communications & Journalism

    5%

    5% of graduates

    Education

    4%

    4% of graduates

    Family & Consumer Sciences

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Agriculture & Agriculture Operations

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Mathematics

    3%

    3% of graduates

    Public Administration & Social Services

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Visual & Performing Arts

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Natural Resources & Conservation

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Physical Sciences

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies

    2%

    2% of graduates

    Languages & Literatures

    1%

    1% of graduates

    English Language & Literature

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Architecture

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Computer & Information Sciences

    1%

    1% of graduates

    History

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Transportation & Materials Moving

    1%

    1% of graduates

    Show More

    Student Body

    Undergraduate Students

    Undergraduate Students 45,140

    Pell Grant 20%

    Part-Time Undergrad Students 7%

    Undergrad Students Over 25 6%

    Percent Male / Female 50% / 50%

    Ethnic Diversity at Ohio State

    63% White

    9% Asian / Pacific Islander

    8% Black

    7% International / Non-Citizen

    5% Hispanic

    4% Multiracial

    3% Unknown

    Student Outcomes


    Graduate Income

    Graduate Income $60,409

    Median Debt $19,976

    Debt 10 years after graduation $212

    Graduation Rate 88%

    What is the graduation rate at Ohio State University-Main Campus?

    88% of students who start at Ohio State University-Main Campus end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 30% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

    How much do graduates of Ohio State University-Main Campus go on to earn?

    10 years after starting school at Ohio State University-Main Campus, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $60,409. This is $10,018 more than the national median.


    Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.

    How much do students at Ohio State take out in loans?

    Graduates of Ohio State have to take out a median of $19,976 in federal student loans. This is $6,476 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.

    Data Sources

    We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

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