Ohio State University vs University of Texas

Difference between Ohio State University vs University of Texas

Subject Strength

Ohio State University is highly ranked across most fields, especially in Engineering at about #41 in the U.S. (U.S. News, 2025), Business & Management at #119 in the world (QS, 2025), and Medicine at about #84 in the world (QS, 2025). Its Political Science, Agriculture, and Education programs are also highly ranked, demonstrating its strength as a large state research university.
The University of Texas at Austin, on the other hand, consistently ranks among the top public schools in the U.S. UT Austin engineering ranks #33 globally (QS, 2025), Computer Science #41 (QS, 2025), and Business #19 globally (QS, 2025). Medicine and Public Health research is also well advanced, with UT's Dell Medical School gaining quick recognition.

General Information

Ohio State University, established in 1870, is a public research flagship university in Columbus, Ohio. It is among the largest universities in the country, with over 61,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The student-faculty ratio is around 19:1, and the university is renowned for balancing academic superiority with robust athletics, especially football.
The University of Texas at Austin, established in 1883, is also a flagship public research university located in the state capital of Texas. It has approximately 52,000 students and is well known for its academic reputation, impactful alumni, and robust industry ties from technology to energy. The student-faculty ratio is approximately 18:1, allowing for close proximity without losing its large-scale nature.

Acceptance Rate

Ohio State University is moderately selective and admits around 51% of applicants. This enables it to achieve a balance between accessibility and an excellent academic profile.
The University of Texas at Austin is more competitive, on average with an acceptance rate of around 29%. Admission competitiveness, however, differs greatly by program, and engineering, business, and computer science programs are considerably more competitive.

Location Facts

Ohio State University is situated in Columbus, Ohio, the capital of the state and a burgeoning center for finance, healthcare, and technology. The city provides students with exposure to a wide range of employment and internship opportunities along with a rich cultural and sporting environment.
The University of Texas at Austin is highly fortunate to be situated in Austin, Texas, one of the nation's fastest-growing cities. Austin is celebrated for its tech industry, live music, and start-up culture, providing an exciting environment for both students and professional development.

Hostel Charges

Ohio State University provides on-campus housing that costs between $9,000 and $13,000 per year depending on room and meal plan. Costs also differ depending on amenities and residence halls.
The University of Texas at Austin provides dorm housing for $12,768 to $15,300 per year, including meal plans, depending on the residence hall chosen.

Salary Package & Recruitment Process

Ohio State University graduates tend to have good career outcomes. The average starting salary for undergraduate students is approximately $60,000, and graduates in Business and Engineering tend to have salaries of over $80,000 to $95,000. Ohio State recruitment is facilitated through close connections to Midwestern and national Fortune 500 firms. 
The University of Texas at Austin also boasts a similarly impressive reputation, with average starting wages for undergraduates of around $65,000. Graduates in Business, Engineering, and Computer Science typically enter with first offers of between $90,000 and $120,000, driven by the city's booming tech industry and the university's strong recruiting influence. 

Infrastructure 

Ohio State University has a massive campus of more than 1,600 acres with the Wexner Medical Center, 30 libraries, state-of-the-art research labs, and state-of-the-art athletic facilities. The Ohio Stadium, which is among the largest in the nation, symbolizes the school's athletic and community spirit. 
The University of Texas at Austin unites classic architecture with state-of-the-art research facilities on its 431-acre flagship campus. It contains over 17 libraries, numerous museums, and nationally recognized research institutes. The Texas Memorial Stadium and sprawling recreational facilities also reflect the dominant role of athletics and campus life.