About

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

flagship public universityvery high research activitystrong business and engineeringbig ten athletics

Ohio State University-Main Campus is a public research university in Columbus, OH, known for its flagship public university, very high research activity, and strong business and engineering. With an acceptance rate of 53%, Ohio State is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 8,060 students each year. Ohio State is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1300–1440, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Ohio State offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $10,180 per year; the sticker price of $52,105 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Ohio State University-Main Campus acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

53%
Overall Accept Rate
1370
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1300 – 1440 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Ohio State University-Main Campus

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Ohio State's supplemental essay asks why you want to attend, so name specific programs, research centers, or faculty at your college of interest rather than writing about the school in general terms. Admissions readers can tell when an essay could be copy-pasted to any large university.
Test Score Strategy
Since Ohio State is test-optional and your score falls below their 75th percentile, consider not submitting it and letting your GPA, course rigor, and activities carry your application instead. A score in this range is unlikely to help your case at OSU.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Ohio State University-Main Campus actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$52k/yr$4.9k
30k-48k~$52k/yr$5.8k
48k-75k~$52k/yr$9.8k
75k-110k~$52k/yr$20.5k
110k+~$52k/yr$27.4k

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Personalize this page

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

88%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$51k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
45,635
Undergrad Enrollment
Ohio State University-Main Campus Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch