Ohio State University-Main Campus and Ohio Wesleyan University present distinctly different educational experiences despite similar acceptance rates of 53% and 52% respectively.
Cost and Value: Ohio State offers significant financial advantages, particularly for in-state students paying $12,859 annually versus Ohio Wesleyan's $52,357 tuition. The average net price difference is substantial at $18,292 (OSU) compared to $21,619 (OWU). Ohio State graduates carry less debt ($19,976 vs $27,000) while earning slightly more ten years post-graduation ($60,409 vs $55,624).
Academic Environment: Ohio Wesleyan provides more personalized attention with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio compared to Ohio State's 18:1. However, Ohio State demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with an 87.7% six-year graduation rate versus Ohio Wesleyan's 61.7%. Ohio State also maintains higher student retention at 94.1% compared to 84.3%.
Campus Experience: Ohio State's 44,617 enrollment creates a large university atmosphere with Division I athletics and extensive research opportunities. Ohio Wesleyan's 1,450 students experience a small college environment with Division III sports and closer community connections.
Academic Strengths: Ohio State offers comprehensive programs across multiple disciplines with significant research funding and facilities. Ohio Wesleyan focuses on liberal arts education with smaller classes and individualized mentoring.
Ohio State suits students seeking diverse opportunities, school spirit, and strong return on investment, while Ohio Wesleyan fits those preferring intimate learning environments and personalized faculty relationships despite higher costs.
Cost and Value: Ohio State offers significant financial advantages, particularly for in-state students paying $12,859 annually versus Ohio Wesleyan's $52,357 tuition. The average net price difference is substantial at $18,292 (OSU) compared to $21,619 (OWU). Ohio State graduates carry less debt ($19,976 vs $27,000) while earning slightly more ten years post-graduation ($60,409 vs $55,624).
Academic Environment: Ohio Wesleyan provides more personalized attention with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio compared to Ohio State's 18:1. However, Ohio State demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with an 87.7% six-year graduation rate versus Ohio Wesleyan's 61.7%. Ohio State also maintains higher student retention at 94.1% compared to 84.3%.
Campus Experience: Ohio State's 44,617 enrollment creates a large university atmosphere with Division I athletics and extensive research opportunities. Ohio Wesleyan's 1,450 students experience a small college environment with Division III sports and closer community connections.
Academic Strengths: Ohio State offers comprehensive programs across multiple disciplines with significant research funding and facilities. Ohio Wesleyan focuses on liberal arts education with smaller classes and individualized mentoring.
Ohio State suits students seeking diverse opportunities, school spirit, and strong return on investment, while Ohio Wesleyan fits those preferring intimate learning environments and personalized faculty relationships despite higher costs.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | Ohio Wesleyan University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 52.7% | 52.2% |
| SAT Average | 1,395 | 1,241 |
| Enrollment | 44,617 | 1,450 |
| In-State Tuition | $12,859 | $52,357 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,365 | $52,357 |
| Net Price | $18,292 | $21,619 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 87.7% | 61.7% |
| Retention Rate | 94.1% | 84.3% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,409 | $55,624 |
| Median Debt | $19,976 | $27,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | Ohio Wesleyan University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Industrial Engineering. | $75,667 | Accounting and Related Services. | $51,273 |
| Engineering, Other. | $75,130 | Business/Managerial Economics. | $43,798 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $74,576 | Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $31,848 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $73,052 | Political Science and Government. | $30,409 |
| Materials Engineering | $71,015 | Psychology, General. | $26,585 |