Ohio State University-Main Campus: 52.7% Acceptance Rate

52.7%Acceptance

$12,859Tuition

44,617Students

88%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$60,409Earnings

#1 in OhioPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State is a massive research university where 44,617 students study everything from engineering to agriculture in the heart of Columbus. The Buckeyes are famous for their football program, but this school also produced Olympic legend Jesse Owens and astronaut John Glenn. With strong programs in business and engineering, Ohio State operates like a small city with all the resources that come with being one of America's largest universities.

The sticker price looks scary at $38,365 for out-of-state students, but most families pay much less. The average net price is $18,292, and families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,259 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $60,409 ten years after graduation, while typical debt sits at $19,976 with monthly payments around $212. That's a solid return on investment for a big state school.

With 35 varsity sports and nearly 1,000 student athletes, this is a place where school spirit runs deep. The 94.12% retention rate shows students stick around, even with class sizes that come with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. About 70% of students come from Ohio, creating a tight community feel despite the massive size. The 87.70% six-year graduation rate proves most students finish what they start here.

Academics & Faculty

Ohio State operates as a massive research university where you'll find yourself among 44,617 students pursuing everything from engineering to agriculture to business. The school built its academic reputation on programs like engineering, veterinary medicine, and the Fisher College of Business, which regularly ranks among the top public business schools. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, you won't get the intimate classroom experience of a small college, but you will have access to research opportunities that smaller schools simply can't offer. The 87.70% six-year graduation rate shows that most students figure out how to succeed in this large academic environment, though it requires more self-direction than you might need elsewhere.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 61.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 87.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 87.7%
Retention Rate: 94.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $60,409
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Dentistry.	Master	$248,619
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other.	Master	$177,325
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Master	$140,448
Dentistry.	Doctoral	$121,226
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$120,498
Veterinary Medicine.	Master	$115,339
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$108,577
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$104,749
Optometry.	Doctoral	$99,983
Mechanical Engineering.	Doctoral	$98,743

View all 402 programs →

Campus Life

Ohio State's massive campus in Columbus feels more like a city within a city. With 44,617 students spread across one of the country's largest campuses, you'll walk everywhere or catch the campus bus system that runs constantly. About 34% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 15,097 people, creating bustling dorm communities. Columbus winters require a heavy coat and boots for trudging through snow, while spring brings perfect weather for throwing frisbees on the Oval, the campus's central green space.

Football Saturdays transform the entire city when 105,000 fans pack Ohio Stadium. Students camp out for tickets and paint their faces scarlet and gray. The rivalry with Michigan runs so deep that many students refuse to say the word "Michigan" out loud. On regular weekends, students hit High Street for restaurants and bars, explore the Short North arts district downtown, or catch concerts at venues like Express Live. With 972 varsity athletes competing in 35 sports, there's always a game to attend. Greek life involves about 10% of students, but the campus is so large that every type of person finds their group.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 15,097 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

895 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Fondling	366	10	12	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	114	1	23	5
Stalking	76	22	2	1
Rape	59	34	1	0
Burglary	40	21	9	0
Dating Violence	24	15	0	1
Aggravated Assault	14	4	7	3
Domestic Violence	12	1	2	1
Robbery	3	0	2	4
Arson	3	0	1	0
Murder	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–36°F
July Avg: 64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.7"
Annual Snowfall: 28.2"

Student Demographics

Ohio State draws mostly from Ohio, with 71% of students calling the Buckeye State home. This reflects the university's role as the state's flagship public institution, where Ohio families can access top-tier research programs without paying private school prices. The student body skews slightly female, common at large public universities where education and health programs attract many women. With nearly 45,000 students, you'll find every type of person here, from future engineers to business majors to agriculture students preparing to work in Ohio's farming communities.

Men: 49.5%
Women: 50.5%
White: 61.9%
Black: 7.9%
Hispanic: 5.7%
Asian: 9.8%
In-State Students: 70.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.5%

Location

Columbus sits in the heart of Ohio as the state's capital and largest city, home to about 900,000 people. Ohio State's campus sprawls across this major metropolitan area, giving students access to internships, jobs, and entertainment that smaller college towns can't match. The city blends government, business, and college life, with the Short North arts district and German Village offering restaurants and nightlife within minutes of campus. Columbus sits about 100 miles from both Cleveland and Cincinnati, making it a central center for the entire state. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Ohio State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Columbus, Ohio 43201

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $60,409
Median Earnings (5 years): $66,114
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 62.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $212/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,976

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Ohio State accepts 52.72% of applicants, making it moderately selective among flagship state universities. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310 and 1480 on the SAT, reflecting the Buckeyes' draw for academically strong students seeking a major research university experience.

How much does Ohio State University-Main Campus cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $18,292 across all income levels, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,259 after aid. With median debt of $19,976 and monthly loan payments of $212, Ohio State keeps costs reasonable for a flagship research university of its caliber.

What academic programs is Ohio State University-Main Campus known for?

Ohio State operates as one of America's largest research universities with 44,617 students and particularly strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio reflects its size, but the university's research opportunities and comprehensive academic offerings attract students nationwide.

What are the career outcomes for Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $60,409 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 96.4% employment rate. The 87.70% six-year graduation rate demonstrates Ohio State's commitment to student success at scale, helping Buckeyes launch careers across diverse industries.

Where do students live at Ohio State University-Main Campus?

Campus housing accommodates 15,097 students, creating a active residential community in Columbus. With 70.75% of students coming from Ohio, the campus blends in-state Buckeye pride with out-of-state diversity in one of America's most active college cities.

How competitive are athletics at Ohio State University-Main Campus?

Ohio State fields 35 varsity sports with 972 total athletes competing in NCAA Division I, backed by $25.7 million in athletic scholarships. The Buckeyes' legendary rivalry with Michigan and powerhouse football program create an electric campus atmosphere that defines the college experience for many students.