Cedarville University vs Ohio State University: A Data-Driven Comparison
Admission Difficulty
Ohio State is more selective with a 52.72% acceptance rate compared to Cedarville's 64.88%, making OSU moderately more competitive for admission.
Cost and Value
For in-state students, Ohio State offers significant savings with tuition of $12,859 versus Cedarville's $36,078. Out-of-state students pay similar amounts ($38,365 vs $36,078). Ohio State provides better overall value with an average net price of $18,292 compared to Cedarville's $25,022.
Academic Strengths
Ohio State demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with an 87.70% six-year graduation rate and 94.12% retention rate, significantly higher than Cedarville's 74.30% and 85.05% respectively. OSU offers a broader range of programs given its research university status, while Cedarville focuses on Christian liberal arts education. Ohio State maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio versus Cedarville's more intimate 15:1.
Campus Experience
The universities offer vastly different experiences. Ohio State enrolls 44,617 students in Columbus, providing big-city opportunities and Division I athletics. Cedarville serves 3,815 students in a small town setting with Division II sports and a faith-based community environment.
Outcomes
Ohio State graduates earn higher median salaries at $60,409 compared to Cedarville's $55,443 after ten years. Both schools maintain similar debt levels around $20,000.
Students seeking a large research university experience with diverse academic options and lower costs should consider Ohio State, while those preferring a smaller Christian community with personalized attention fit better at Cedarville.
Admission Difficulty
Ohio State is more selective with a 52.72% acceptance rate compared to Cedarville's 64.88%, making OSU moderately more competitive for admission.
Cost and Value
For in-state students, Ohio State offers significant savings with tuition of $12,859 versus Cedarville's $36,078. Out-of-state students pay similar amounts ($38,365 vs $36,078). Ohio State provides better overall value with an average net price of $18,292 compared to Cedarville's $25,022.
Academic Strengths
Ohio State demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with an 87.70% six-year graduation rate and 94.12% retention rate, significantly higher than Cedarville's 74.30% and 85.05% respectively. OSU offers a broader range of programs given its research university status, while Cedarville focuses on Christian liberal arts education. Ohio State maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio versus Cedarville's more intimate 15:1.
Campus Experience
The universities offer vastly different experiences. Ohio State enrolls 44,617 students in Columbus, providing big-city opportunities and Division I athletics. Cedarville serves 3,815 students in a small town setting with Division II sports and a faith-based community environment.
Outcomes
Ohio State graduates earn higher median salaries at $60,409 compared to Cedarville's $55,443 after ten years. Both schools maintain similar debt levels around $20,000.
Students seeking a large research university experience with diverse academic options and lower costs should consider Ohio State, while those preferring a smaller Christian community with personalized attention fit better at Cedarville.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Cedarville University | Ohio State University-Main Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 64.9% | 52.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,255 | 1,395 |
| Enrollment | 3,815 | 44,617 |
| In-State Tuition | $36,078 | $12,859 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $36,078 | $38,365 |
| Net Price | $25,022 | $18,292 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.3% | 87.7% |
| Retention Rate | 85.1% | 94.1% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $55,443 | $60,409 |
| Median Debt | $20,937 | $19,976 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Cedarville University | Ohio State University-Main Campus | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Engineering. | $73,635 | Industrial Engineering. | $75,667 |
| Computer Science. | $69,338 | Engineering, Other. | $75,130 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $67,101 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $74,576 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $62,409 | Mechanical Engineering. | $73,052 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $57,318 | Materials Engineering | $71,015 |