Ohio State University-Main Campus Logo

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH | Public | University

Ohio State University-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, annual tuition of $13,244, average net price of $17,339, and a national rank of #81 (Grade A), with a 87.7% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 45,638 undergraduates, and median earnings of $70,682 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

Ohio State University-Main Campus is a public university in Columbus, OH. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Computer Engineering.

Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, and 94.2% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.

EDsmart calculates return on investment at 93.7%, roughly 43.8 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

A
Ranking
#81 of 1,947
How We Rank Schools Top-100 optionHigher pay after collegePublic school optionLarge campus life
At a Glance
Ranking
#81 of 1,947 (Top 4.2%)
Tuition
$13,244
Net Price
$17,339
4-Year Tuition
$52,976
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
Transfer Rate
7.1%
Student Population
45,638
Student-Faculty
16:1
Grad Rate (150% time)
87.7%
Grad Rate (8-year)
82.2%
Retention Rate
94.2%
4-Yr Earnings
$70,682
ROI
93.7%

Who is Ohio State University-Main Campus Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students aiming for strong salaries
Momentum seekers needing high retention
Students wanting a top-100 campus
Explorers drawn to vibrant campus scale
Students seeking strong career outcomes

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#81 of 1,947
Top 4.2% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
95.9 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
4.79 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
A
#77 of 1,947
Affordability
B-
#1,145 of 1,947
Support
B+
#390 of 1,947
Career Outcomes
B+
#326 of 1,947

Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates 87.7% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 82.2% and keeps 94.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$4,885-$27,359 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Highly likely
87.7% graduate within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings). The College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 82.2%. 72.3% complete in four years (IPEDS 100% time).
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
90.5% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings four years after graduation are $70,682. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Ohio State University-Main Campus's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$121,220
$30,305 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$75,448
$17,339 × 4.4 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.4 years | 4-Year Rate: 72.3% | 6-Year Rate: 87.7% | 8-Year Rate: 82.2%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 72.3% and six-year completion is 87.7%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$30,305
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$17,339
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $13,244
Books and Supplies $1,030
On-Campus Room and Board $14,738
On-Campus Other Expenses $3,070
Total On-Campus Cost $30,305

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
20.2%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 20.2% of Ohio State University-Main Campus students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$4,885
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$5,751
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$9,807
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$20,461
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$27,359
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $4,885 annually, while high-income families pay $27,359. Use Ohio State University-Main Campus's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$21,982
$30K-$48K families
~$25,880
$48K-$75K families
~$44,132
$75K-$110K families
~$92,074
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,461/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,359/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
93.7%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $70,682
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $60,409
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
  • Average Student Debt $19,976
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 62.8%
  • Employment Rate 90.5%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $70,682 four years after graduation — roughly 17% above the national median.
Payback Period
1.07 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Ohio State University-Main Campus vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Ohio State University-Main Campus's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Ohio State University-Main Campus's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: Ohio State University-Main Campus graduates earn $70,682 median four years after graduation, +17% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
60.6%
Less Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 640-720
  • SAT Math 670-760
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 28-32
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 45,638
  • Full-Time Students 94.1%
  • Part-Time Students 5.9%
  • Retention Rate 94.2%
  • Grad Rate (150% time) 87.7%
  • Grad Rate (8-year) 82.2%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1

How to Get Into Ohio State University-Main Campus

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Ohio State University-Main Campus requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 60.6%, Ohio State University-Main Campus is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 60.6% acceptance rate, Ohio State University-Main Campus is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1310 and 1480 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Ohio State University-Main Campus undergraduates. Finance and Financial Management Services, Psychology, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.

  • Finance and Financial Management Services 6.0%
  • Psychology, General 4.5%
  • Biology, General 4.1%
  • Marketing 4.1%
  • Communication and Media Studies 4.0%
  • Accounting and Related Services 3.7%
See more majors
  • Computer Engineering 3.4%
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services 2.8%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $109,946
  • 2. Computer Engineering $106,752
  • 3. Industrial Engineering $105,342
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $101,785
  • 5. Engineering, Other $98,765
  • 6. Chemical Engineering $97,429
  • 7. Mechanical Engineering $95,293
  • 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $93,666
  • 9. Materials Engineering $92,120
  • 10. Management Information Systems and Services $91,948

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other (Master's Degree) $352,487
  • 2. Dentistry (Master's Degree) $312,452
  • 3. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $171,323
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Veterinary Medicine (Master's Degree) $168,320
  • 5. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $158,548
  • 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $148,358
  • 7. Physics (Doctoral Degree) $142,800
  • 8. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degree) $140,217
  • 9. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $138,573
  • 10. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $138,247

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $109,946—20% more than Management Information Systems and Services ($91,948). Graduate: Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other programs lead with $352,487 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Ohio State University-Main Campus. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 741 graduates)
  • Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 550 graduates)
  • Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 506 graduates)
  • Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 505 graduates)
  • Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 485 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (115 programs)▼
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Psychology, General
  • Biology, General
  • Marketing
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Computer Engineering
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Economics
  • Political Science and Government
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Social Work
  • Animal Sciences
  • Criminology
  • Civil Engineering
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • History
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Public Health
  • Zoology/Animal Biology
  • Public Administration
  • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Sociology
  • Architecture
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
  • Apparel and Textiles
  • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
  • Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, and Related Sciences, Other
  • Materials Engineering
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Management Information Systems and Services
  • Natural Resources Management and Policy
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Agricultural Business and Management
  • Physics
  • Anthropology
  • Engineering, Other
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Air Transportation
  • Genetics
  • Journalism
  • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Hospitality Administration/Management
  • Applied Mathematics
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Plant Sciences
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Real Estate
  • Food Science and Technology
  • International Business
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Sustainability Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
  • Music
  • Engineering Physics
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Dance
  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
  • Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Agricultural Public Services
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
  • Religion/Religious Studies
  • International/Global Studies
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Modern Greek Language and Literature
  • Insurance
  • Botany/Plant Biology
  • Area Studies
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Engineering-Related Technologies
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
  • Statistics
  • Social Sciences, General
Online Master's Degrees (91 programs)▼
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Education, General
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Public Health
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Statistics
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Materials Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
  • Economics
  • Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
  • Physics
  • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Civil Engineering
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Chemistry
  • Sustainability Studies
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Music
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Zoology/Animal Biology
  • Sociology
  • Animal Sciences
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
  • Geography and Cartography
  • History
  • Political Science and Government
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Dance
  • Botany/Plant Biology
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Agricultural Business and Management
  • Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Graphic Communications
  • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Area Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Genetics
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Engineering-Related Technologies
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Philosophy
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Hospitality Administration/Management
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Biology, General
  • Apparel and Textiles
  • Social Sciences, Other
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Doctoral Degrees (85 programs)▼
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Education, General
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Engineering
  • Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Music
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Materials Engineering
  • Biology, General
  • Mathematics
  • Agricultural Business and Management
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
  • Public Health
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Anthropology
  • History
  • Economics
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
  • Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
  • Statistics
  • Sociology
  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Political Science and Government
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Genetics
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
  • Zoology/Animal Biology
  • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
  • Engineering, Other
  • Civil Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
  • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Plant Sciences
  • Philosophy
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Social Work
  • Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
  • Botany/Plant Biology
  • Animal Sciences
  • Public Administration
  • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
  • Nutrition Sciences
  • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Engineering-Related Technologies
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Dance
  • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Hospitality Administration/Management
  • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
  • Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
  • Apparel and Textiles
  • Engineering, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (9 programs)▼
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
  • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
  • Public Health
  • Natural Sciences
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)▼
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Online First Professional Degrees (6 programs)▼
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Dentistry
  • Optometry

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 45,638
  • Full-Time Students 94.1%
  • Part-Time Students 5.9%
  • Male Students 49.5%
  • Female Students 50.5%
  • Caucasian 59.8%
  • Asian 10.8%
  • Hispanic 5.8%
  • Black 7.9%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 20.2%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Ohio State University-Main Campus's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Ohio State University-Main Campus's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Ohio State University-Main Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
80.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
90.1%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
9.9 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ohio State University-Main Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: About 20.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Ohio State University-Main Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
80.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
90.1%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
9.9 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Ohio State University-Main Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Ranking #81 nationally, Ohio State University-Main Campus combines competitive admissions with 93.7% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $70,682 in median post-graduation earnings.

Students graduate within 150% of normal time at a 87.7% rate, with 94.2% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $17,339 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 337 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.

Competitive Selective University: Ohio State University-Main Campus's Market Position

A grade | #81 of 1947 | 95.9/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)

Competitive Positioning: Ohio State University-Main Campus occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 93.7% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.

Value for Money: $17,339 annually produces $70,682 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing Ohio State University-Main Campus should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.

Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.

Final Assessment: Ohio State University-Main Campus's #81 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 337 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.

Key Takeaways

  • 87.7% graduation rate sits 25.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 94.2% first-year retention is 17.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 93.7% return on investment is 43.8 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $70,682 run about 17% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
  • Average net price of $17,339 is roughly $2,740 lower than the national median of $20,079.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 94.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 90.5% employment rate within three years sits 22.3 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Pell participation at 20.2% trails the national share by 14.3 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University-Main Campus operates as a public university and receives a A from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #81 nationally Completion earns A, Support B+, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B-.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Student momentum is strong: 94.2% retention, 87.7% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 82.2% earning an award within eight years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 93.7%, offering a quick value checkpoint.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $17,339 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $30,305.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,966 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $19,976 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 20.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Graduates report median earnings of about $70,682 four years after graduation. That sits about 17% above the national median.

The three-year employment rate is close to 90.5%.

The ROI comes in near 93.7%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

60.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Ohio State University-Main Campus admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
4.79 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Ohio State University-Main Campus stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Ohio State University-Main Campus Website →

Similar Schools

Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes

Nearby Schools

Other campuses you might consider

Other Ohio campuses you might consider

Mercy College of Ohio
Toledo, OH
A #115 of 1,947
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH
A- #177 of 1,947
Ursuline College
Pepper Pike, OH
A- #196 of 1,947
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH
A- #257 of 1,947

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ohio State University-Main Campus's acceptance rate?

Ohio State University-Main Campus's acceptance rate is 60.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does Ohio State University-Main Campus cost?

At Ohio State University-Main Campus, listed tuition and fees are $13,244 per year, and the average net price after aid is $17,339. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Ohio State University-Main Campus's ranking?

Ohio State University-Main Campus ranks #81 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is Ohio State University-Main Campus's graduation rate?

At Ohio State University-Main Campus, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 87.7% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 82.2%, and first-year retention is 94.2%.

What are Ohio State University-Main Campus's job outcomes?

Graduates of Ohio State University-Main Campus report median earnings of $70,682 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is Ohio State University-Main Campus's student population?

Ohio State University-Main Campus enrolls about 45,638 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
  • Endowment$7.36B
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate7.1%

Data Source & Methodology ▼