Mercy College of Ohio vs Ohio State University-Main Campus
These Ohio institutions offer vastly different educational experiences. Mercy College admits 46% of applicants compared to Ohio State's 53% acceptance rate, making Mercy slightly more selective despite its smaller applicant pool.
Cost structures differ significantly. Ohio State charges in-state students $12,859 annually versus Mercy's flat $18,950 tuition for all students. However, Ohio State's out-of-state tuition reaches $38,365. Average net prices are $15,709 at Mercy and $18,292 at Ohio State, with similar median debt levels around $20,000.
Academically, Mercy specializes in health sciences with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling personalized attention in its 982-student environment. Ohio State, with 44,617 students and an 18:1 ratio, offers comprehensive programs across multiple colleges and extensive research opportunities as a major public university.
Campus experiences contrast sharply. Mercy provides an intimate, focused environment in Toledo, while Ohio State delivers the full large university experience in Columbus, including NCAA Division I athletics and hundreds of student organizations.
Outcomes show trade-offs. Ohio State achieves an 88% six-year graduation rate and 94% retention rate, substantially higher than Mercy's 45% graduation rate and 86% retention. However, Mercy graduates earn a median $65,409 after ten years compared to Ohio State's $60,409.
Students seeking personalized health science education with smaller classes fit Mercy College better, while those wanting diverse academic options, research opportunities, and traditional college experiences should choose Ohio State.
These Ohio institutions offer vastly different educational experiences. Mercy College admits 46% of applicants compared to Ohio State's 53% acceptance rate, making Mercy slightly more selective despite its smaller applicant pool.
Cost structures differ significantly. Ohio State charges in-state students $12,859 annually versus Mercy's flat $18,950 tuition for all students. However, Ohio State's out-of-state tuition reaches $38,365. Average net prices are $15,709 at Mercy and $18,292 at Ohio State, with similar median debt levels around $20,000.
Academically, Mercy specializes in health sciences with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling personalized attention in its 982-student environment. Ohio State, with 44,617 students and an 18:1 ratio, offers comprehensive programs across multiple colleges and extensive research opportunities as a major public university.
Campus experiences contrast sharply. Mercy provides an intimate, focused environment in Toledo, while Ohio State delivers the full large university experience in Columbus, including NCAA Division I athletics and hundreds of student organizations.
Outcomes show trade-offs. Ohio State achieves an 88% six-year graduation rate and 94% retention rate, substantially higher than Mercy's 45% graduation rate and 86% retention. However, Mercy graduates earn a median $65,409 after ten years compared to Ohio State's $60,409.
Students seeking personalized health science education with smaller classes fit Mercy College better, while those wanting diverse academic options, research opportunities, and traditional college experiences should choose Ohio State.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Mercy College of Ohio | Ohio State University-Main Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 46.2% | 52.7% |
| SAT Average | 905 | 1,395 |
| Enrollment | 982 | 44,617 |
| In-State Tuition | $18,950 | $12,859 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $18,950 | $38,365 |
| Net Price | $15,709 | $18,292 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.6% | 87.7% |
| Retention Rate | 85.7% | 94.1% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $65,409 | $60,409 |
| Median Debt | $20,834 | $19,976 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Mercy College of Ohio | Ohio State University-Main Campus | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $60,585 | Industrial Engineering. | $75,667 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $50,439 | Engineering, Other. | $75,130 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | $43,426 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $74,576 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $73,052 | ||
| Materials Engineering | $71,015 | ||