Ohio State University vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: A Data-Driven Comparison
Admission Difficulty
Michigan presents a significantly more competitive admission process with a 17.69% acceptance rate compared to Ohio State's 52.72%. This means Michigan admits fewer than 2 out of 10 applicants, while Ohio State accepts about half.
Cost and Value
Ohio State offers lower tuition costs, with in-state students paying $12,859 versus Michigan's $17,228. However, Michigan's average net price after aid is lower at $14,832 compared to Ohio State's $18,292. Both schools result in similar debt loads around $19,500-$19,976.
Academic Strengths
Michigan provides smaller class sizes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio compared to Ohio State's 18:1. Michigan also shows stronger retention (97.64% vs 94.12%) and graduation rates (93.20% vs 87.70%), indicating better academic support systems.
Campus Experience
Ohio State offers a larger campus community with 44,617 students versus Michigan's 33,488. Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics and provide comprehensive college experiences in their respective college towns.
Outcomes
Michigan graduates earn significantly more, with median 10-year earnings of $83,648 compared to Ohio State's $60,409,a difference of over $23,000 annually.
Ohio State suits students seeking a more accessible admission process and lower upfront costs in a large university setting, while Michigan better fits students with strong academic credentials who prioritize smaller classes and higher earning potential.
Admission Difficulty
Michigan presents a significantly more competitive admission process with a 17.69% acceptance rate compared to Ohio State's 52.72%. This means Michigan admits fewer than 2 out of 10 applicants, while Ohio State accepts about half.
Cost and Value
Ohio State offers lower tuition costs, with in-state students paying $12,859 versus Michigan's $17,228. However, Michigan's average net price after aid is lower at $14,832 compared to Ohio State's $18,292. Both schools result in similar debt loads around $19,500-$19,976.
Academic Strengths
Michigan provides smaller class sizes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio compared to Ohio State's 18:1. Michigan also shows stronger retention (97.64% vs 94.12%) and graduation rates (93.20% vs 87.70%), indicating better academic support systems.
Campus Experience
Ohio State offers a larger campus community with 44,617 students versus Michigan's 33,488. Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics and provide comprehensive college experiences in their respective college towns.
Outcomes
Michigan graduates earn significantly more, with median 10-year earnings of $83,648 compared to Ohio State's $60,409,a difference of over $23,000 annually.
Ohio State suits students seeking a more accessible admission process and lower upfront costs in a large university setting, while Michigan better fits students with strong academic credentials who prioritize smaller classes and higher earning potential.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 52.7% | 17.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,395 | 1,440 |
| Enrollment | 44,617 | 33,488 |
| In-State Tuition | $12,859 | $17,228 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,365 | $58,072 |
| Net Price | $18,292 | $14,832 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 87.7% | 93.2% |
| Retention Rate | 94.1% | 97.6% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,409 | $83,648 |
| Median Debt | $19,976 | $19,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Industrial Engineering. | $75,667 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $94,281 |
| Engineering, Other. | $75,130 | Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $83,177 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $74,576 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $82,123 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $73,052 | Computer Engineering. | $79,389 |
| Materials Engineering | $71,015 | Industrial Engineering. | $77,235 |