About Ohio State University-Main Campus

Founded in 1870, Ohio State University-Main Campus. is a Public college. Located in Ohio, which is a city setting in Ohio, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 45,831 full time undergraduate students, and 13,651 full time graduate students.

The Ohio State University-Main Campus Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 2178 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Ohio State University-Main Campus include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate54%
Application Deadline
Application Fee60
SAT Range1160-1410
ACT Range27-31

Admissions at OSU are considered Selective, with ,488% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 18 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

99% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 89% were in the top quarter, and 54% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Ohio State University-Main Campus.

2%
“We”re apathetic”
13%
“We know about current events and vote”
70%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
15%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
13%
“Sometimes, but not often”
57%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
25%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
9%
“I only go out in groups”
56%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
34%
“I feel extremely safe”
1%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
2%
“We bought the gear”
97%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
12%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
71%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
14%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
6%
“Available in class”
69%
“They keep regular office hours”
22%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
25%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
71%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
6%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
40%
“We only party on weekends”
52%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
5%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
36%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
2%
“We”re apathetic”
13%
“We know about current events and vote”
70%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
15%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
13%
“Sometimes, but not often”
57%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
25%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
9%
“I only go out in groups”
56%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
34%
“I feel extremely safe”
1%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
2%
“We bought the gear”
97%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
12%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
71%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
14%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
6%
“Available in class”
69%
“They keep regular office hours”
22%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
25%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
71%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
1%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
2%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
6%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
40%
“We only party on weekends”
52%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
5%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
36%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Ohio State University-Main Campus REVIEWS

Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship
  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    612 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    535 Students rated off-campus housing 3.6 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    672 Students rated campus food 4 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    698 Students rated campus facilities 4.4 stars. 53 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    698 Students rated class size 3.7 stars. 23 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    696 Students rated school activities 4.6 stars. 70 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    700 Students rated local services 4.5 stars. 63 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    700 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Ohio State University-Main Campus?

209 Students rated Ohio State University-Main Campus

Jerad - 08/01/2022

I love everything about Ohio State University. The academics are great, the faculty is even better. The sports culture feels like family and being an alumnus of Ohio State makes meeting other fellow buckeyes feel like a family reunion. I had help every step of the way from admission to graduation. Faculty and staff were informative and attentive. The lifelong friends I have made are unrivaled. I had a wonderful experience in my time at The Ohio State University.

Leah - 07/31/2022

Ohio State University-Main campus is the perfect place to make friends in the classroom and outside the classroom. Professors are very understanding of one's needs and are pretty flexible for the most part. Since this is buckeye nation, we have the best fans and environment for sports games and other extracurriculars. Great place to make new friends, study, and have a chance to experience something new!

Tamara - 05/24/2022

Ohio State Alumni feel such pride when it comes to our school. We are proud students who care about campus life, and the growth of our university. We have the largest worldwide support system, and we truly look out for one another. I am so proud to be an Alumni of The Ohio State University 2014', and I could not imagine my undergrad taking place any other place in the world.

Jamil - 05/17/2022

It is a big campus and little overwhelming at first because of the atmosphere, the amount of buildings there are, the quantity of students that attend the school and the pressure of just going to a school that well known. It is not that diverse as far as the type of people that go there but overall a big student body that are inclusive amongst each other and a fun experience to be apart of.

Ohio State University-Main Campus FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Ohio State University-Main Campus?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Ohio State University-Main Campus is 54%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I knew what I was getting myself into now, I would have honestly tried to get a higher grade on my SAT's. Paying for school on my own, is the hardest thing; I can't get much from the government because my mother still claims me. To get to my dreams of being in the field of journalism, i need school. I actually love school now, I would tell my self to take school seriously and try my hardest because in the end I am my own worst enemy - and best friend - I can do whatever I would like to do, and I plan on to keep paying for my school no matter what it takes. I just wish, i paid more attention to college in high school.

    Read all  919 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are very fun and passionate about their future and academics. They want to learn and want to be in class.

    Read all  201 answers
  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The winter time can be very cold in Ohio.

    Read all  186 answers
  5. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    An ideal and diverse university that offers unlimited opportunities to learn and meet new people.

    Read all  171 answers
  6. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I would've known how far Ohio State has come in the past few years. I used to think it was a school solely focused on sports and partying that offered admission to just about anyone. Since being here, however, I have realized that admission is much more competetive now, plus there are several ways to set yourself apart from the masses, like being in Scholars or Honors Programs for example.

    Read all  163 answers
  7. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    The size of Ohio State (nearly 40,000 students on the main campus) itself makes the school unique. I believe what really sets it apart though is its ability to make the school seem so much smaller; there are so many opportunities, events, clubs and activities. The students also really add a special element to Ohio State because they really help make the campus feel more like a community, and truly embody the final line of the alma mater "How firm thy friendship..." because people are so kind and our insane school pride brings everyone together.

    Read all  147 answers
  8. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Any person who enjoys life should attend The Ohio State University, because there are countless experiences of a lifetime to be had at this school. Never had I heard of a university that offers a rollerblading club or Quidditch Team before attending Ohio State. Quite literally, I have been bombarded with research and internship opportunities, study abroad programs, student organizations, honoraries, and greek organizations while being on campus. The organizations and programs that I have taken advantage of always keep me busy, meeting new people, and learning new things. Ohio State truly offers opportunities for every student.

    Read all  144 answers
  9. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about Ohio State is the atmosphere. One would think that since it is located in a big city, all you would see would be concrete and buildings, but that's not the case at all. The beautiful landscaping and trees that line the walkways are a sight to see. The most beautiful part of Ohio State would have to be Mirror Lake.

    Read all  142 answers
  10. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Ohio State is known for so much. But I would say we are most known for our passion about our school. Ohio State is said to have the most obnoxious fans, and it's true because we are all crazy about Ohio State. That's why thousands of people from all over the country apply to come to school here. There is an energy of love flowing through this campus. OSU students are passionate about learnin and about their infamous school.

    Read all  126 answers
  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Ohio State's campus is basically a city within itself. If a person is repelled by being surrounded by fast paced crowded style of living, at least on the weekends, it would probably be in their best interest to maybe take a look at other schools. If a student's best style of learning is hands on one on one contact with a mentor or professor, Ohio State is probably not for them. More specific classes are offered, but not to an extent in where a student will have a good chance of getting in one of those classes.

    Read all  120 answers
  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    OH-IO. We have an enormous campus that easily seems small. We are large, but a tight-knit community with a vast amount of opportunities. There is a sense of pride and community you cannot find anywhere else.

    Read all  110 answers
  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about The Ohio State University is the cost of tuition, room and bord, and books.

    Read all  105 answers
  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    OSU is huge. If you don't like the city, chances are that OSU isn't for you. It's in the middle of a city and about 60,000 people go to OSU (including grad students, etc.) There are some really large classes, but mostly only in the GECs (General Electives). Campus is amazing. There is everything you'd ever need in a 10 mile radius or less. There is a lot of school pride at OSU. We have many traditions (most of them about football!). Even if you aren't a fan of football, chances are you will at least enjoy one game of Buckeye football.

    Read all  51 answers
  15. What are the academics like at your school?

    A lot of professors won't take the time to know your name. Some will take pictures of you at the start of a class and use them as flashcards to know your name. I've had both types and I don't really care either way. I find that the large classes with professors that don't think well warrant a lot of learning things on your own. Depending on who you're around (I'm in the Honors program), people can study A LOT or none at all. Students aren't really competitive, we all just do our thing. I know in the Business college at least, that they try to teach a lot to help with getting a job in the real world. In fact, there is a program to help you get a job before you graduate. OSU students can have intellectual conversations if in the right settings. Last year, a preacher came to the Oval and sparked a lot of debate about religion and there were many conversations about politics around election time.

    Read all  50 answers
  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Football

    Read all  50 answers
  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Because there are so many people at OSU, many feel that students are "just a number". However this is far from the truth! The Ohio State University has so many ways for you to make this large campus a small home. One way of doing so is through the 1000 clubs and organizations. You are bound to find a home in one of them. But even in many classes teachers go out of their way to learn names and make their classes feel small.

    Read all  27 answers
  18. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Though it's hard to stereotype an undergraduate student body of 30,000+ students, I get the impression that many view OSU students as belligerent, alcoholic meat-head types who screw as many pearl-wearing, East Coast wannabes as they possibly can. These activities, of course, occur more often during football season after said douche bags have each guzzled an entire keg full of Natural Light beer and set fire to at least one dumpster, car or mattress. These people tend to be communications, psychology, and history majors. They spell "hott" with two t's, frequent lame bars on school nights and take few enough classes that they have hours each day to tan and play frisbee on the Oval during spring quarter.

    Read all  26 answers
  19. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Sort of, the standards at OSU have recently raised with President Gee's return. (I think the min. ACT score for main campus is 27 now) However, because it is such a large school there are always going to be many different types of people. There are just as many people that are serious about their work as the people who party. It's all about what type of people you surround yourself with.

    Read all  26 answers
  20. What are your classes like?

    Being an English major, my classes aren't typical of most students. Instead of text books, I have a lot of assigned reading from outside sources like literary magazines, analytical essays, chapters and sections taken out of books (one perk of being an English major you spend less on books). Overall, the class is a combination of reading and writing about what we've read. Class discussions are part of every class, but most often the teacher finds time to lecture during the beginning or middle of class to focus the discussion. Classes can be lively and time flies when the discussion is going well but if no one in the class says anything, the class can drag on forever. Most of the teachers I've had can't make a class talk on their own, they have to approach the material in a way so students feel inclined to discuss it. Some of my classes had powerpoints and it was hard to pay attention, so I always had to take notes. At Ohio State, your classes can be lively and you look forward to going to them or they can be dull, boring and you skip all the time, it really all matters on what you bring to the class.

    Read all  11 answers
  21. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    Where to start..... OSU is historically one of the top athletic programs in the country. We've had our bumps for sure but over all its a strong program. We take our sports pretty seriously. Our football team is the pinnacle of the athletic program. Every saturday from the beginning of the season till christmas is a giant party. Everyone is dressed in scarlet and gray with buckeye necklaces. The games get crazy in student section. We pay for our tickets but its the best money I spend all year. The regular season (which is rarely the end of the season) ends with arguably the biggest game in college football, OSU vs Michigan. Its a rivalry with a lot of history and a lot of traditions around it. Students jump in a freezing cold lake, block out every M on the campus signs and sing "We don't give a damn for the whole state of michigan" every chance we get. As soon as football is over basketball starts and even if you don't get to go to the games you watch them on TV. Basketball is on the rise at OSU and with alumni like Jared Sullinger and Evan Turner you can understand why. We've even attracted Lebron and Dwayne Wade to a game or two. There are a lot of other sports and theres always a lot of pride at every game. However with over 40,000 students if you, for whatever reason, don't want to join that party, you don't certainly don't have to.

    Read all  11 answers

Student Body

Students

48%

female

52%

male

45,831

Total Undergrad Enrollment

13,651

Total Grad Students

23%

Out-Of-State

67%

In-State

10%

International

Organizations

1,493

Student Organizations

47

Fraternities

22

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

19%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
6%
% Black or African-American
6%
% Hispanic/Latino
4%
% White or Caucasian
69%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

88% of students attending Ohio State University-Main Campus receive some sort of financial aid. 17% were awarded federal grants. While 41% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$28,229

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,234

Books and Supplies

$11,706

Room and Board

41,169

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$8,442
$30 - $48K
$10,850
$48 - $75K
$15,463
$75 - $110K
$20,029
$110K & UP
$22,376

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

FIND SCHOLARSHIPS

Find your perfect match from over 3 million scholarships!

START YOUR SEARCH

CAN YOU GET INTO Ohio State University-Main Campus?

Complete your profile to see if this school is a fit for you, and what your chances of admitance are.

START YOUR SEARCH