Ohio University is a highly respected public university located in Athens, Ohio in the Athens metropolitan area. It is a large college with 28,000 students. Admissions is fairly selective as the acceptance rate for Ohio University is roughly 84.8%. Majors are Business, Communications, Health Professions, Education, and Social Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is 65%, and Ohio University alumni have a median starting salary of around INR 42,60,000 (ten years after graduation, converted from median earnings of $51,600).
The Ohio State University is a highly rated public university in Columbus, Ohio in the Columbus metropolitan area. It is an extremely large school with a student enrollment of 61,000. Admissions is selective since Ohio State's acceptance rate is approximately 50.8%. Some popular majors include Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Computer Science. The graduation rate after six years stands at 88%, and Ohio State alumni still receive a median starting salary of around INR 55,80,000 (equivalent to $67,600 ten-year post-graduation median earnings).
| Ohio University | Ohio State University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 6.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 439 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1001 QS World University 2026 | # 83 Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 # 108 Times Higher Education 2026 # 190 QS World University 2026 |
| Subject Strength | # 149 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 601 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 101 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 | # 27 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 84 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 28 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -162 PG Programs -81 | UG Programs -146 PG Programs -75 Doctorate Programs -100 |
| Acceptance Rate | 0.0 % | 61.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-110 IELTS-6 TOEFL-70 | Duolingo-120 IELTS-7 TOEFL-79 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 30764 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 32960 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 6767 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 36430 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 40507 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 15178 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: Master (Other): $97,000 MBA: $91,000 Bachelor of Science: $90,000 Bachelor of Arts: $64,000 | Average Salaries are listed below:
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| application requirements | Submit academic records of all previous educaiton Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements | Academic transcripts; Academic recommendation; Standardized test scores; 2-3 LORs; Resume; SOPs/ Essays; Proof of English language proficiency; Additional Requirements (video interview, work experience, research papers, etc.). |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.7/10 Read 1 reviews | 8.0/10 Read 7 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 122 for Business by US News 2025 # 801 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 24 for Business by US News 2025 # 101 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 119 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.0/9TOEFL - 4.0/6 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -46902 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jan 31, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Mar 15, 2026 (Round 2 Decision Day For Fall 2026 Intake) | Feb 23, 2026 (Round 3 Application and Scholarship Deadline For 2026 Intake) Apr 10, 2026 (Round 3 Application Decision Deadline For 2026 Intake) Dec 1, 2026 (Round 1 Application Deadline For 2027 Intake) Jan 5, 2027 (Round 2 Application Deadline For 2027 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Ohio University | Ohio State University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1804 | 1870 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 21.8:1 | 18:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 41% Male, 0% Female | 49% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | Main campus is located at Athens, Ohio. Regional community campuses are located at: Chillicothe, Eastern campus, Lancaster campus, Southern campus, Zanesville campus. | main campus in Columbus & regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, & Wooster; 1,764-acre main campus, about 2.5 miles north of the city's downtown |
| Library | The university has two libraries at the Athens campus and also has library at the regional campuses. Library provides the students various resources like e-books, journals, publications, databases, guides etc. | 18th largest university research library in North America; 21 libraries on Columbus campus, 8 branches at off-campus research facilities & regional campuses, 1 book storage depository near campus; 5.8 million volumes in total. |
| Campus Life | Ohio’s residential campus in Athens has been named the nation’s most beautiful public university campus and is situated in one of America’s Best College Towns. Beyond the jaw-dropping views, it delivers an environment focused on your personal growth. University's residential communities are situated on three distinct “greens” and instead of high-rise mega complexes you will find tight-knit residential campus communities where you’re likely to know your neighbors. Top-notch dining is always nearby with a wide variety of options to fit every lifestyle. The Ohio University community is just that, a community, and there are countless ways for you to get involved. (Literally, we’ve lost count.) Student leadership groups, clubs, college advisory councils, interest-based student orgs, campus employment, Greek life and the list goes on. Whether you want to compete regionally on one of our club sports teams, explore unique outdoor recreation in the most beautiful and environmentally rich part of Ohio or hit the golf course between classes, OHIO’s recreation options are second-to-none. | 90-acre recreational space; 6 Rec Sports facilities; 8 health & student wellness centers; 1000+ student organizations; 3 Arts and Culture centers; 30+ food outlets across different campuses; Ohio Union (One of area's most comprehensive event centers); The Lantern (official daily student published newspaper, one of the largest campus newspaper in USA). |
| Hostel | #Housing(Standard Single) - $4339 | - |
| Famous Alumni | Dustin Bates, lead singer of Starset, Downplay, and MNQN; known for hits such as "My Demons" and "The Crystal Song." | 570,000 living alumni; Larry Sanger (one of the founders of Wikipedia); Steve May (chief technology officer at Pixar); James S. Albus (Roboticist); Jesse Owens (American athlete); R. L. Stine (American novelist); Roy Lichtenstein (American artist); Patricia Heaton (American actress); Woody Hayes (American football player); James Thurber (American cartoonist); Ross Butler (American actor). |
| City Life | Athens is a town in Ohio with a population of 24,507. Athens is in Athens County and is one of the best places to live in Ohio. Living in Athens offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Athens there are a lot of bars and parks. If you want to be a true Townie (that’s Athens-speak for “local”), you’d better know where to get a good cup of coffee. But not just a grab ’n go caffeine fix. With so much great local food and music, prepare to sit and enjoy—or get up and dance to the beat of the city.Seriously, bring an appetite. Athens is one of the nation’s first super-local food economies, with more than 140+ food partners proudly committed to serving up the flavors of the region, deliciously and responsibly. As members of the 30 Mile Meal, a ton of restaurants feature local produce from within—you guessed it—30 miles of Athens. You don’t need to leave Athens to find an internship—often paid!—in the public or private sector. Athens is home to a progressive local government, renewable energy and tech businesses, and more than 100 nonprofit organizatins. City has a long history of national service in Athens County. Many grads stay for a year or two to serve the community through AmeriCorps, earning an educational award to repay student loans or to help fund further education. | Columbus- the capital & largest city in Ohio; distinctive neighborhoods, dynamic nightlife & music, creative arts scene, original culinary experiences, wide array of festivals; famous attractions: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus Museum of Art, Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Huntington Park, Topiary Park; Unemployment Rate: 3.5% (Dec 2019) |
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Ohio University vs Ohio State University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Ohio State University (OSU) ranked #190 in QS and 116th in Times Higher Education with programs of international distinction in Engineering, Business, Medicine, Law, Education, and Agricultural Sciences. It is a member of the elite Big Ten Academic Alliance and enjoys an extensive global research footprint. Ohio University (OU), ranked #1001-1200 in QS and 601-800th in Times Higher Education in the world, has special reputation for Communication, Journalism, Business, Health Sciences, and Education, with its Scripps College of Communication being nationally renowned. OSU enjoys wider international recognition and better research intensity, but OU is prominent in niche areas.
General Information
Ohio State University, established in 1870, is a public land-grant research university based in Columbus, Ohio, with a student population of more than 65,000 (including regional campuses). It is the flagship institution of Ohio, integrating academics, research, and athletics at a very large level. Ohio University, established in 1804, is the state's oldest public university, situated in Athens, Ohio, with approximately 28,000 students (including online and regional campuses). It provides a more classic college-town environment than does OSU's city location.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Ohio State University is selective, with an about 50.8% acceptance rate, being highly competitive for Engineering, Business (Fisher College), and Honors programs. Good academic performance and extracurricular activities are essential. Ohio University is more open, with an acceptance rate of approximately 84.8%, and grants wider access, though Nursing, Journalism, and Business programs are more competitive. OSU is sought by applicants across the nation and abroad, while OU only serves Ohio students but is now reaching out internationally.
Research Impact & Facilities
OSU is an R1: Very High Research Activity institution, with over $1 billion in annual research expenses. Its areas of strength are in Medicine, Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Public Policy, and AI research. OU is an R2: High Research Activity university, with intensive research in Communication, Health Sciences, and Environmental Studies. OSU boasts much more extensive research facilities and international collaborations, whereas OU offers hands-on research access to undergraduates in a compact environment.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are public institutions with lower in-state rates. In-state at OSU is approximately $12,000–$13,000 and out-of-state approximately $35,000–$37,000. OU's in-state costs approximately $13,000–$14,000 and out-of-state approximately $24,000–$25,000, making it more reasonable for non-Ohioans. Both provide merit aid and need aid, with OSU providing more generous nationally awarded scholarship programs.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Ohio State boasts a super-large alumni base of 600,000+, with excellent networks in Fortune 500 firms, politics, sports, medicine, and research. Students tend to be recruited into lucrative sectors due to OSU's reputation and mass. Ohio University alumni are strong in areas like journalism, education, business, public service, and healthcare, and the Scripps College alumni network is especially robust in media and communications. OSU offers better international mobility and research-based career paths, while OU provides solid regional and specialty professional outcomes.
