About Ohio University-Main Campus
Students typically pay around $20,413 after financial aid, making this education relatively affordable for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,581 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $21,056. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment, especially considering the university's 86% acceptance rate makes it accessible to most applicants.
Women make up 61% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The Bobcats compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 446 student-athletes across 14 sports. About 86% of students come from Ohio, giving the campus a strong in-state character. The 66% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who persist generally find solid career prospects.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 74.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 65.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.4%
- Retention Rate
- 82.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,581
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Master | $100,690 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $97,959 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $90,283 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $87,051 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $82,440 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,719 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,202 |
| Economics. | Master | $64,493 |
Campus Life
The town revolves around the university, creating a classic college atmosphere where students fill Court Street's bars and restaurants. With 85.79% of students from Ohio, there's a strong sense of state pride mixed with Appalachian culture. Weekend life centers on Uptown Athens, where students hit popular spots like Casa Nueva and The Union. The famous Halloween block party on Court Street draws thousands, though the university has worked to manage the event's size. Football Saturdays bring energy to Peden Stadium, and the strong journalism program at the E.W. Scripps School gives the campus a media-savvy vibe that influences student organizations and campus publications.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 8,323 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
124 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 15 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 10 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 11 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 11 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Burglary | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–37°F
- July Avg
- 62°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 19.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.0%
- Women
- 61.0%
- White
- 81.8%
- Black
- 5.0%
- Hispanic
- 4.5%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 85.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.4%
Location
- Address
- Athens, Ohio 45701-2979
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,581
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,965
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,056
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Ohio University-Main Campus?
Ohio University-Main Campus accepts 86.52% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1175. The school draws heavily from Ohio with 85.79% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility reflects the university's mission as one of Ohio's oldest public institutions.
How much does Ohio University-Main Campus cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,413, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,075 after aid. With median debt of $21,056 and monthly loan payments of $223, the financial burden remains manageable. Only 20.37% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a middle-class student body.
What are the strongest academic programs at Ohio University-Main Campus?
The university is well-known for its journalism and communications programs, which have produced notable alumni like former TV host Matt Lauer and voice actress Nancy Cartwright. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1 and 18,456 total students, classes offer reasonable access to professors. The school operates on a semester calendar system.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from Ohio University-Main Campus?
Graduates earn a median salary of $52,581 ten years after graduation with a 97.1% employment rate. The 66.40% six-year graduation rate is modest but typical for a large public university. Students benefit from the school's strong alumni network, which includes Hollywood stars like Paul Newman and Richard Dean Anderson.
Where is Ohio University-Main Campus located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Athens, Ohio, a classic college town setting that houses 8,323 students on campus. With 61.02% women and 38.98% men, the student body skews female and is predominantly white at 81.84%. The Bobcats compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 14 varsity sports and 446 total athletes.
How does Ohio University-Main Campus compare to its main rival?
The school's primary rival is Miami University, another well-regarded Ohio public institution. Ohio University distinguishes itself through its strong media programs and Hollywood alumni connections. The 82.47% retention rate shows most students are satisfied enough to return for their sophomore year.
