College Compass Start free →

Head to head · Ohio

Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Ohio University-Main Campus

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, Ohio State University-Main Campus is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, Ohio University-Main Campus is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeOhio State UniversityOhio UniversityDifference
Under $30k$4,885$15,673$10,788
$30–48k$5,751$15,160$9,409
$48–75k$9,807$19,078$9,271
$75–110k$20,461$23,689$3,228
Over $110k$27,359$24,492$2,867

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Early Decision: when the binding bet is worth it →

Why three likely admits is the floor for a safe season →

Four years, at $75–110k

Ohio State University-Main Campus$86,243
Ohio University-Main Campus$99,849
Difference over four years$13,606

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate61% · 85%
Average SAT1387 · 1212

Listed Ohio State University first, then Ohio University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$60,409 · $52,581
Graduate in four years72% · 50%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$19,976 · $21,056

Again Ohio State University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Ohio State University-Main Campus — every income band · Ohio University-Main Campus — every income band · All Ohio public colleges